Hillsborough dad urges people to dig deep
Former solo dad Aaron D'Souza is calling for donations to help single parents struggling with high school fees.
The Hillsborough resident is appealing to community members to sponsor deserving secondary students from one income families.
D'Souza launched Against the Odds scholarships last year to help single parents pay for school supplies and uniforms.
The teacher at De La Salle College, in Mangere, south Auckland, wanted to help others after falling on hard times himself.
Eight years ago he was unemployed, facing eviction and raising two boys alone.
Now he is delighted to be part of a blended family with his sons, 17 and 13, and a stepdaughter, 7.
"Having been through solo-parenting myself, I know what a struggle paying for school supplies can be and a lot of kids out there are missing out on school trips and camps because they can't afford to go," D'Souza said.
Applications for the scholarships can be made through Auckland schools for students with a good attendance rate and who are endorsed by a teacher or dean.
D'Souza awarded five of the $1000 scholarships last year thanks to the generosity of local families and businesses.
"It's only $1000 but that's a good amount to get them started. For most people that will cover uniforms and stationery and a chrome book," he said.
But the year nine dean is grappling to find enough funds with only two donations so far.
"Because of COVID19 it's been a hell of a year," D'Souza said. " It's a lot harder asking for things."
The food technology and hospitality teacher plans to award three scholarships to Auckland schools this year including one to De La Salle College and another to Onehunga High School where his sons are students.
D'Souza aims to raise $6000 so he has enough funding for three more donations each year for the next two years.
Trying to find ongoing funding has proved trying, he said.
"The long term goal is to get people willing to commit to three years or five years so I don't have to keep chasing money."
More information about the Against the Odds scholarships can be found here: againsttheoddsscholarships.weebly.com...
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.3% Critical thinking
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29.2% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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