Volunteer Grandparents (or Aunties/Uncles) Needed
This is a volunteer role quite like no other!
We are looking for awesome individuals or couples who would like to support a local family and act as a surrogate grandparent (or Auntie/Uncle).We have a waiting list of families all over NZ who don't have grandparents living nearby or for whatever reason they don’t have the amount of contact with their own grandparents that they would like, and are looking for people like you to fill the void! The arrangement is incredibly beneficial - families gain loving support and you get to feel a sense of purpose and belonging from the relationship.
Surrogate Grandparents was born out of a desire to address loneliness in New Zealand and recognised that this loneliness is as real for under-supported parents as it is for older people. The organisation’s matching process builds loving support networks for families - the bonds that form then address issues of social isolation and loneliness.
“The beauty of what we do is that each relationship that we match evolves in its own way; we merely plant a seed and then the family and their grandparent nurture it” says founder Jo Hayes. She goes on to explain that for some families it may be important to have someone to share outings with, while for others it may be sharing hobbies or attending school visits. You may love to share stories with young ones, while your surrogate grandchildren can put their technology skills to good use to help the you stay more digitally connected. This truly is a case of you get out what you put in.
Our biggest need currently is in Auckland, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Wellington & Christchurch. However we welcome applications from all over the country - we will find a family for you - wherever you are!
You are welcome to apply as an individual - or if you wish to apply with your partner (husband/wife) as something that you can volunteer with together - that is also very much welcome and encouraged.
Please check out our video for more information about us: www.youtube.com...
Please apply via our website, or email us on info@surrogategrandparents.org.nz for more information.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
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
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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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