1238 days ago

We all need friends: IHC calling for volunteer mates

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Kia ora neighbours,

Popping out for coffee. Baking chocolate muffins. Dancing to the Moana soundtrack. The small ways we make memories with our friends stay with us forever.

That’s how Ella Hinton, 24, and Tegan Gilbert, 25, spend their time together. Between their selfies, sing-alongs and sweet treats, time flies by until the next week when they hang out again.

Hinton and Gilbert, both of Papakura, have been friends for nearly two years.

They met in an unconventional sort of way, matched to hang out by IHC, New Zealand’s main service provider for people with intellectual disabilities.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Brigit Bowron said there are around five or six other people IHC works with in Counties Manukau with whom she would love to match a volunteer.

“By becoming a volunteer you would be making a positive change in someone’s life and making a new friend in the process,” she said.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Brigit Bowron on brigit.bowron@ihc.org.nz.

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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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7 hours ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.1% Yes
    41.1% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 25.4% No
    25.4% Complete
465 votes