Connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.
Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.
Age Concern New Zealand will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.
1. Invite your older neighbour to share a meal or a cup of tea
Christmas can be a tough time for older people, especially those who live alone. Invite your older neighbour over for a meal this holiday season. This will give you a chance to build a relationship with them.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.9% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.4% No, I enjoy it
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.8% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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33.1% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
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