Posts by Stuff
2592 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
2 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
  • 20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20.1% Complete
  • 69.5% Nah - not for me
    69.5% Complete
675 votes
3 hours ago

🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓

Send us your tricky puzzles!

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12 hours ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

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