2593 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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8 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
Enter Here

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3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 19.7% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.7% Complete
  • 70% Nah - not for me
    70% Complete
829 votes
16 days ago

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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