2590 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)

Image
More messages from your neighbours
15 hours 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?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 9% Yes! New Year, New Me
    9% Complete
  • 21.7% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    21.7% Complete
  • 69.3% Nah - not for me
    69.3% Complete
290 votes
11 days ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

Image
🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 85.2% Same!
    85.2% Complete
  • 14.8% Would have liked to try something different
    14.8% Complete
555 votes
J
1 day ago

Elvis in the Park

Jackie from Titirangi

Elvis in the Park. 11th January from 11am till 5pm. Cranwell Park in Henderson. Free Family day out. Check out the Classic Cars and Hot Rods. Bring your chairs, sun tan lotion, water, and your smile. We are celebrating Elvis' 91st Birthday. Any questions ph Jackie 0274901126. Park at Tui Glen as easy walk over bridge to Cranwell Park