Retirement village residents grow veggies for City Mission
Residents at a central Auckland retirement village are growing vegetables and donating them to the Auckland City Mission.
Selwyn Heights Village gardener Pat Tunstall is encouraging residents to take part to help connect people isolated in the Covid-19 lockdown.
National Gardening Week’s “grow to give” competition officially begins on Labour Weekend and competitors will photograph their failures and successes.
“We’ve got people growing their extra row in the garden, balcony pots and troughs. As long as there’s a bit of dirt, there’s a potential crop of veggies,” Tunstall said.
“Already voices can be heard on balconies starting the journey of caring for their seeds in the most suitable pot or trough sought from those recycled in our nursery. It’s got people sharing a common goal, communicating and having a laugh.”
The competition ends in February and surplus fresh vegetables will be given to the City Mission.
Participants will grow an extra row of vegetables and donate the yields to a local food distribution organisation.
Register online at the link below between October 1 and 25 to receive a free pack of veggie seeds.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Tour Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi & experience Vietnam’s culture
This premium 12-day Vietnam food tour, hosted by Leanne Kitchen from 15–27 October 2026, offers an exclusive culinary journey from NZD$5,995 per person (twin share). Book via Helloworld Travel Ponsonby (09 267 6758) on a first-come, first-served basis
Itinerary Highlights
The journey includes 10 nights of accommodation in boutique hotels and a 1-night cruise in Ha Long Bay
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: Explore floating markets, visit coconut gardens, and sample regional specialties like "elephant ear fish".
Hoi An & Hue: Participate in cooking classes, tea tastings, and salt coffee experiences in these historic centers.
Halong Bay: Experience an overnight cruise with on-board cooking demonstrations.
Hanoi: Discover the capital's food culture through a guided street food tour and a traditional water puppet show.
What’s Included:
• Return flights ex Auckland + internal flights
• 11 nights premium accommodation
• Guided culinary experiences
• Discover Mekong Delta, Hoi An & Imperial Hue
• Overnight Halong Bay cruise with activities & all meals onboard
• Airport transfers & private transport throughout
• Small group: Maximum 18 travellers
Loading…
