1988 days ago

Sewn with love

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

Kathryn Van Woerkom provides support for patients and their relatives as a hospital chaplain.

Recently, she has also been very busy sewing hundreds of reusable masks.
All the masks have been sewn from fabrics generously donated from Kathryn's friends, family and work colleagues.

"Many of the masks made have been gifted to churches and community groups—they then donate them to people in need," said Kathryn.

Kathryn also had many staff enquiring to buy her masks. After receiving numerous requests, she decided to sell them to staff as a fundraiser for the hospital's Dignity Trolley.

The Dignity Trolley is for patients, who are at the end of their life—and for their families—who are by their bedside.

The trolley is laden with fine china, speciality tea and coffee, and homemade baking.

Liz McCloat, an administrator in the Medical Ward, help created the Dignity Trolley.

"We know the trolley makes a huge difference during the end-stages of a patient's life," said Liz.

"The trolley helps bring some comfort to the families and friends during a very hard time."

So far Kathryn has made nearly 450 masks. Many of them have been given away to those in need, and close to 200 of them have been sold to staff and their families.

"We started selling a few on our ward but it quickly grew," said Kathryn.

"It was amazing to see all the staff and their families supporting this important service."

More messages from your neighbours
9 hours ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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3 days ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.

We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️

We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?

Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.

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Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
  • 42.8% I avoid spending money on coffee
    42.8% Complete
  • 46.8% I still indulge at my local cafe
    46.8% Complete
  • 10.4% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
    10.4% Complete
173 votes