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Did you know kids aged 5 to 15 can ride buses, trains, and ferries for FREE every weekend and public holiday with an AT HOP card?
But wait, there’s more! Load a child concession onto your child’s MyAT account and unlock 40% off weekday travel too. Managing their HOP card is super easy: create … View moreDid you know kids aged 5 to 15 can ride buses, trains, and ferries for FREE every weekend and public holiday with an AT HOP card?
But wait, there’s more! Load a child concession onto your child’s MyAT account and unlock 40% off weekday travel too. Managing their HOP card is super easy: create an AT HOP profile under your MyAT account, enter their birthday, and you’re good to go.
So, grab those HOP cards, tag on, and start exploring, because family adventures shouldn’t come with a price tag!
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Great news for Auckland’s tertiary students!
From 14 December, tertiary students will enjoy even bigger savings! The tertiary discount is increasing from 20% to 40% off AT HOP adult fares on buses, trains, and most ferries.
If you already have a tertiary concession loaded on your AT HOP card, there’s nothing you need to do, the increased discount will be applied automatically.
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Summer Rail Upgrades
27 December 2025 to 28 January 2026
We’re upgrading your rail network this summer as we get closer to more trains, more often, when City Rail Link opens up in 2026.
27 December – 18 January: Full rail network closure.
9 – 26 January: Partial rail network closure.
27 – 28 January: Full network closure for City Rail Link testing.
Rail replacement buses will be available throughout the summer rail upgrades to keep you moving.
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IKEA Sylvia Park – What to Expect Now That It’s Open
If you’re planning a visit to IKEA Sylvia Park, consider taking public transport.
Train: Eastern Line - it's about 19 minutes from Waitematā to Sylvia Park.
Bus: Six routes serve the area. Five stop directly at Sylvia Park shopping centre, and another stops on Carbine Road, close to IKEA.
For bulky purchases, home delivery is available to help reduce congestion and parking queues.
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Enjoy the festive season without the fuss.
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Jetstar has launched a Christmas sale with 45,000 discounted domestic and international fares across 13 routes.
The airline’s Christmas sale began just after midnight, with one-way domestic fares available from as low as $48 and international fares from $142.
Travel dates vary per route but … View moreJetstar has launched a Christmas sale with 45,000 discounted domestic and international fares across 13 routes.
The airline’s Christmas sale began just after midnight, with one-way domestic fares available from as low as $48 and international fares from $142.
Travel dates vary per route but include early March to early September for domestic and early February to late August for international.
Jetstar’s head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk, said the airline was prepared for a record summer of flying in New Zealand.
“We’re gearing up for our busiest Christmas and New Year peak ever, with almost 700,000 customers expected to fly to and from New Zealand over December and January,” she said.
Air New Zealand estimated 1.6 million passengers will be travelling domestically around New Zealand this summer season.
“Queenstown will see 260,000 customers travel to and from the region while Nelson is gearing up for 150,000 customers, and Dunedin 110,000,” Air New Zealand general manager airports Kate Boyer said.
Boyer said the busiest day for domestic travel is Friday, December 19 with up to 32,000 travellers expected to fly, followed by Sunday 21, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23, with up to 31,000 customers taking to the skies each day.
This year, Jetstar launched five new domestic and transtasman routes, including Hamilton to Sydney and Christchurch to Cairns, while Hamilton to Christchurch and Brisbane to Queenstown flights will commence next year.
Jetstar’s domestic routes on sale
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● Auckland to Wellington from $48
● Christchurch to Wellington from $52
● Christchurch to Hamilton from $53
● Wellington to Queenstown from $53
● Auckland to Christchurch from $59
● Auckland to Dunedin from $72
● Auckland to Queenstown from $72
Jetstar’s international routes on sale
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● Hamilton to Sydney from $142
● Auckland to Sunshine Coast from $162
● Hamilton to Gold Coast from $169
● Dunedin to Gold Coast from $179
● Auckland to Rarotonga from $189
● Christchurch to Cairns from $199
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Still comfy and solid — seats are in good condition, but the colour has faded from the sun. Perfect for a cozy spot like a garage.
⚠️ Heavy — will need 2–3 people to lift and load.
Must be picked up ASAP before Christmas — I’ll be away after that.
If you can give it a second … View moreStill comfy and solid — seats are in good condition, but the colour has faded from the sun. Perfect for a cozy spot like a garage.
⚠️ Heavy — will need 2–3 people to lift and load.
Must be picked up ASAP before Christmas — I’ll be away after that.
If you can give it a second life, message me (02102448985) to arrange pickup!
I am appalled at the number of product recalls - salmon to snack balls to a huge range of toys. Not good enough manufacturers! Surely products are health and safety checked.
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
… View moreWe are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices and Trim
Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs
Woop brand Pistachio Dukkah
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Zummi Monaco 4-Wheel Travel System - Sold at Farmers
Product Recalls: Toys
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Galt branded Mini Makes Sand Stickers
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Licensed Sensory Activity Sets: Frozen, Bluey and Paw Patrol - Sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments- sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony - 200 gram bags
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured sand by Creative Sand
⚠️ Asbestos risk in MIKI Sand Art Set
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Rainbow Sand Art Toy- sold at various discount stores nationwide
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Craft Sand 380g
Pop & Surprise Playset- sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen
Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml and Body Lotion 120ml
Product Recalls: Electronics
E-LOK Gateway Wall Plug
Mecca 240V Single Vertical Heated Towel Rail NRV902H
3M ™ Versaflo ™ TR-802E Powered Air Purifying Respirator Motor/Blower
Sigenergy- SigenStor EC 8.0/10.0/12.0kW SP AU Energy Controllers with quick connect AC plug
Sylvan SLG02 Wif Hub power adapter
Product Recalls: Other
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Handmade Gummy Worm earrings and Salted Pretzel earrings sold at Joy's Handmade Boutique
Ello Glass 10pc Meal Prep Set - sold at Costco
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
O’Brien replaces Jenny-May Clarkson who left the morning news show last month, and joins Chris Chang as host beginning in 2026.
TVNZ executive editor - news and current affairs Phil O’Sullivan said O’Brien brought a wealth of broadcast experience across television and radio.
“She’s … View moreO’Brien replaces Jenny-May Clarkson who left the morning news show last month, and joins Chris Chang as host beginning in 2026.
TVNZ executive editor - news and current affairs Phil O’Sullivan said O’Brien brought a wealth of broadcast experience across television and radio.
“She’s delivered numerous high-profile interviews with global figures and provided live, breaking news coverage from across Aotearoa and further afield. She’s sharp, energetic and trusted.
“Best of all, she understands morning audiences inside out.”
Broadcaster O’Brien is currently Stuff’s chief political correspondent and previously worked for Newshub and the now-defunct Today FM. Today FM ceased broadcasting on March 30, 2023, after O’Brien interrupted the mid-morning Duncan Garner Today on air to announce the station’s closure, saying “They have f....d us.”
O’Brien is one of many presenter changes announced in recent months by TVNZ. Melissa Stokes was revealed as the new 1News at Six presenter, with Simon Dallow stepping down.
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Hey anyone looking for a silver Toyota car that’s probably been stolen and left in willerton ave in Newlynn rego RBR241 it’s been there for the past few days with windows down.
Succulents from my garden to share. Also some seeds for spring flowers to give away. Pick up form Hillsborough.
Celebrities, billionaire Graeme Hart and a who’s who of property developers each gave up to $50,000 to fund Wayne Brown’s mayoral re-election campaign.
Electoral returns made public today show Brown was flush with about $606,000 in campaign funds, while his only serious competitor, Whau … View moreCelebrities, billionaire Graeme Hart and a who’s who of property developers each gave up to $50,000 to fund Wayne Brown’s mayoral re-election campaign.
Electoral returns made public today show Brown was flush with about $606,000 in campaign funds, while his only serious competitor, Whau councillor Kerrin Leoni, received just $16,076 in four donations over the $1500 declaration limit.
She relied heavily on donations of less than $1500 to raise $83,111.83 to run her campaign, while Brown spent $323,872, with nearly $280,00 left over from his wealthy donors.
Leoni, a low-profile first-term councillor, stood little chance against the high-profile Brown, who romped home for a second term by a margin of 100,000 votes.
Among the donors who gave $5000 to Brown were former All Black and Waiheke resident Marc Ellis, and Black Knights Football, which refers to Auckland FC, of which former All Black Ali Williams and his wife Anna Mowbray are minority co-owners.
Williams attended Brown’s election-night party at the West End Tennis Club at Coxs Bay, a short walk from the $24 million coastal home he shares with Mowbray.
Through his Rank Group company, Hart, who is worth an estimated $12.1 billion, gave $50,000 to Brown’s campaign. Property investment firm Tramco Group, whose directors own big landholdings on the Auckland waterfront, also chipped in with $50,000.
Other donors included Precinct Properties ($10,000), engineering firm BECA ($5000), Park Hyatt Hotel ($18,400), Hancocks Wine ($8000), Golf Warehouse ($20,000), Bayleys Real Estate ($10,000) and Hopper Developments ($5000).
Leoni, who was the Labour councillor for Whau but stood as an independent in the mayoral race, received donations from former Auckland Mayor and Labour leader Phil Goff ($1500), former Labour minister Judith Tizard ($5000) and longtime Labour operative Greg Presland ($7576).
She said Brown had the advantage of building relationships during his first term to raise donations, but she was proud of obtaining 20% of the vote by raising and spending $83,000.
The greater handicap during the election campaign was the lack of mainstream media coverage, with live television debates largely watched by older people, who formed the largest group of voters, she said.
The election resulted in the lowest super city turnout of under 30%.
Leoni, a mother of twins who has degrees in politics and economics, Māori development and social services, said she was having a break from the council to refocus and would decide on what to do next in the New Year.
Brown, who has said he will not seek a third term, declined to say what would happen to the nearly $280,000 left over from his campaign, saying he does not comment on other people’s donations, except to say they were a sign of the level of support for what candidates stood for.
Auckland Council electoral officer Dale Ofsoske said there were no rules governing how candidates used leftover campaign funds, though many choose to keep them for future campaigns.
Candidates could do what they liked with the money, he said.
Three years ago, Brown raised $310,000 in donations and had to dig into his own pocket to top up the $470,00 cost of his campaign.
Donations of $10,000 or more to Wayne Brown
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Tramco Group - $50,000
Rank Group - $50,000
CP Group - Aphi Funds manager - $25,000
Peninsula Capital $25,000
Knight Investments Ltd - D Nakhle - $20,000
Hugh Green Ltd - $20,000
Stonewood Group - $20,000
Golf Warehouse - $20,000
Aedifice Development - $20,000
AHL Park Hyatt Hotel - $18,400
Clifftop Services - PC Cooper - $15,000
Mr MJ Todd - $15,000
Gilligan Rowe & Associates - $11,000
Liu Vincent - $10,000
Southside Group - Chris Jones - $10,000
Van Den Brink - $10,000
Williams Corporation - M. Horncastle - $10,000
Precinct Properties - $10,000
Oyster Capital - $10,000
Bayleys Real Estate - $10,000
N McKenna - $10,000
Donations of $1500 or more to Kerrin Leoni
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Greg Presland - $7576
Judith Tizard - $5000
Te Ata Thompson - $2000
Phil Goff - $1500
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The most generous region in New Zealand for Givealittle donations has been revealed in a new report, which shows Kiwis gave $31.6 million to fundraisers this financial year.
The report has also highlighted some of the worthy causes that received money this year, including a woman who needed money … View moreThe most generous region in New Zealand for Givealittle donations has been revealed in a new report, which shows Kiwis gave $31.6 million to fundraisers this financial year.
The report has also highlighted some of the worthy causes that received money this year, including a woman who needed money for overseas cancer treatment, the Relief Aid Gaza Appeal, and a mayoral relief fund for flood-hit Wairoa.
While Auckland took out the top spot for the amount of money given, with $14.2m, the 2025 Generosity Report showed Gisborne and Northland gave the highest amounts per donation compared with the rest of the country.
Gisborne locals were the most generous, giving $108 on average per donation. Northland was the only other region to crack three figures, with residents donating an average of $100 each time.
“We are highly sympathetic to the challenges many Kiwi households have been dealing with this year, which has also been a hard one for charities, many other organisations, and whole industries,” Givealittle chief executive Lythan Chapman said.
The stories and statistics shared in the report captured a picture of “nationwide giving to nearly every conceivable cause”, she said.
“They are a reminder to us all that the generosity of New Zealanders is unflagging, and when people call for help they will be heard.”
The report showed Kiwis had a soft spot for giving to health-related causes, with 42% of donations going to such fundraisers, totalling $13.2m.
The most-supported page on Givealittle in the year ending June was for Wānaka woman Emma Holden, who needed funds to travel to Shanghai for cutting-edge treatment for her multiple myeloma blood cancer.
Her page raised more than $417,000 for the treatment in a short space of time, showing “how quickly New Zealanders rally when a life is on the line”, the report said.
Kiwis also gave generously to ReliefAid’s Gaza appeal, with more than $191,000 donated and up to $60,000 of donations matched. The support allowed the New Zealand-founded group to provide drinking water to about 60,000 people each month.
Seven of ReliefAid’s nine team members in northern Gaza were killed, while the surviving staff in the south continued their work despite losing homes and loved ones, the report said.
“The generosity and humanity of New Zealanders provided life-saving support for families who had nowhere else to turn,” said ReliefAid founder Mike Seawright.
A popular community-focused cause was the Wairoa mayoral relief fund, started after the town was hit by severe flooding in June 2024.
More than $282,000 was raised across 2152 donations, providing immediate relief for food, shelter and essential supplies.
“This campaign demonstrates how generosity responds not just to individuals, but to entire communities in crisis. It shows the power of collective giving to help towns rebuild after disaster and the Wairoa community has been overwhelmed with the support and kindness they received,” the report said.
Other causes highlighted in the report included the Papakōwhai School’s annual Readathon, which raised $26,000 in one month to bolster funds for teaching assistants and librarians, and the “Power the Brigade” campaign started by Hillmac Electrical to support Havelock Volunteer Fire Brigade, raising more than $10,000.
How Kiwis gave in the 2025 financial year
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$31.6m – total giving via the platform.
365,882 donations made.
$13.2m – the amount given to health-related causes, 42% of all giving.
$3.6m – given to community causes, 11% of all giving.
$14.2m – the amount given by donors in Auckland, the most of any region.
$108 – the average amount given by donors in Gisborne, the highest average in the country. Northland was the other region where average giving topped $100.
$86 – the national donation average.
$50 – the most common donation amount.
49 donations over $10,000
Board chairwoman Charlottle Lockhart said in the report generosity was not “a number on a page”.
“It is a hand offered when someone stumbles, a neighbour dropping off a meal, a community choosing to stand alongside one of its own. At its heart, generosity is about connection, it binds us together in ways that policy and systems cannot,” she said.
Living with a terminal cancer diagnosis herself, Lockhart said she understood “how fragile life is, and how much difference support can make”.
“These are not just statistics – they are lifelines.”
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Mags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this … View moreMags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this year with a gift that lasts long after the holidays are over.
Hey neighbours,
Moving house? Don’t wrestle with your mattress like it’s a wild animal! Big, awkward, and easy to damage, it needs a little strategy - and maybe a friend or two.
Top tips to move like a pro:
1. Measure & clear your path - no doorway dramas.
2. Grab a buddy - … View moreHey neighbours,
Moving house? Don’t wrestle with your mattress like it’s a wild animal! Big, awkward, and easy to damage, it needs a little strategy - and maybe a friend or two.
Top tips to move like a pro:
1. Measure & clear your path - no doorway dramas.
2. Grab a buddy - teamwork makes it a breeze.
3. Lift smart - bend your knees, not your back!
4. Wrap it up - blankets, plastic, or cardboard protect it along the way.
Want all the expert hacks? Check out: beds4u.co.nz...
P.S. If it’s time for a new mattress, our Boxing Day sale is the perfect excuse to upgrade your sleep while you move!
Find your nearest store: beds4u.co.nz...
See our current deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Happy moving, neighbours! Here’s to a smooth move and many nights of comfy sleep in your new home.
High chair for plants, stained
Cushion, stained
Luggage, one wheel not working
Shoe cabinet, broken, no drawers.
Take all for free. Contact or what’s App: 0210312192, organise pick up yourself. Best to take all of them together.
1. Regift the things you’ve never used
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We all get given things we’ve never wanted, can’t use, and don’t need.
Instead of putting them in the bin, see if you can find a new home for them.
Right now, I have a jar of home-made pickles I know I won’t eat and… View more1. Regift the things you’ve never used
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We all get given things we’ve never wanted, can’t use, and don’t need.
Instead of putting them in the bin, see if you can find a new home for them.
Right now, I have a jar of home-made pickles I know I won’t eat and a book about rugby I won’t read. But I also know my dad will love them.
Likewise, my daughter got a coffee mug for her birthday. She’s 12 and hates coffee – but it’s the perfect gift for her uncle.
This suggestion gives new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfill – and it saves you money too.
But don’t perpetuate the junk. You’ll need to think carefully about whether that item really suits the person you’re regifting it to.
2. Organise a secret Santa
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An office and school favourite, this is an easy way to make sure everyone gets a gift, but no one blows their budget.
Our family set the limits at $20. We use one of the free online tools to help randomise the selections. (a good one is drawnames.co.nz).
For Consumer NZ’s Christmas party, even stricter rules are in place: the limit is $0, and the item has to be second-hand or home-made.
3. Get crafty and make stuff
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This is time consuming, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and you’ll still need to buy the raw materials to make it work.
But, a commercial Christmas card with a lame joke on the front can cost around $7.99. That’s when you realise it can be much cheaper and more satisfying to make your own. All you need is a piece of card and some coloured markers.
Other things you might be able to consider making include:
Christmas crackers
candles
soap
chocolates.
Baking, jams or preserves can also be nifty ways to make cheap, personalised gifts.
Plus, they can be far more tasty for the receiver than another pair of socks.
4. Buy second-hand
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Everyone loves a bargain, and buying second-hand has become far more accepted in our age of fast fashion and over consumption.
Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me remain great sources of second-hand goods, especially if you’re after books, records, toys or clothing.
Remember, scammers can operate on those sites, so learn about staying safe online from our article How our scam expert stays safe using online marketplaces.
5. Save on the Christmas dinner
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Perhaps the most stressful part of Christmas is putting together dinner for the entire family.
Planning and shopping in advance can help you take advantage of specials. And you won’t need to rely on getting everything in the final week, when prices could be higher.
Grocery comparison apps like Grosave, Grocer or Price Pulse can help you compare prices across different supermarkets.
Meal-kit services like My Food Bag and Hello Fresh say they will help you take the pain out of Christmas dinner. However, it’s almost certainly cheaper to source your own ingredients and cook the food yourself. Discover what we found when we tracked the supermarket prices of Christmas treats.
And here are our tips on how to prepare a stress-free Christmas dinner.
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6. Start saving for next Christmas
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If your bank balance is a little lean heading into Christmas, think about opening a savings account for next Christmas. Setting up a small weekly automatic payment into the account can help take the pressure off next year.
Or you could consider joining a supermarket Christmas club. It’s basically the same thing but can offer decent rewards and bonuses closer to Christmas.
7. Be cautious about taking on debt
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Given the current cost-of-living pressures, you may feel you have to go into debt to get through.
However, there are steps you can take so Christmas debt doesn’t blight your New Year.
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