2640 days ago

Will sensory-friendly Santa sessions brighten your family's Christmas?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

For some children with sensory issues, the bright lights, music and general festivities around a visit to Santa in the mall can be too much.

Auckland mum Tash Vruink can't remember the last time she took her 12-year-old son, Jaxon Woolley, to the supermarket or the mall.

But this Christmas, he'll have the option to enjoy a Santa snap with his two younger siblings thanks to sensory-friendly photo sessions.

In December, three of Auckland's Westfield Shopping Centres will open early with dimmed lights and soft music to cater to children with sensory disorders wanting to see the big man in red. To find out more about the sessions, click here.

What are your thoughts on these sensory-friendly Santa sessions? Do you know any children who would love to see Santa at a session like this? Let us know your thoughts with us in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60% Complete
  • 25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.7% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
1021 votes
12 hours ago

Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
  • 88% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
    88% Complete
  • 12% No. This would be impossible in practice.
    12% Complete
25 votes
1 day ago

Needing a jp

Sarah from Manurewa

Hi neighbours 👋 would anyone know of a local justice of the Peace they could recommend for me please?
Please message me if anyone has any they might know of much appreciated thank you