The Auckland City Mission starts giving out Christmas presents and food parcels from today - at sites around the region, rather than its usual venue in the central city.
From Eden Park, to marae in South Auckland, the wider community is getting behind the mission like never before this festive season, the organisation says, but it is still appealing for help "to ensure all children get the Christmas they deserve". The mission is operating temporarily in Union St in the CBD while construction work gets under way for its new facility at its Hobson St site. Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly said that had forced some changes to this year's operation. "From today we begin distributing our emergency Christmas food parcels and presents – but instead of doing that from Hobson St, thanks to enormous community support we are operating out of Eden Park, the Ngā Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere and Papakura Marae. "We are thankful our clients will no longer have to queue from midnight outside our Hobson St building just to ensure a little Christmas cheer for their families."
The giving begins at Eden Park and Ngā Whare Waatea today, and at Papakura Marae on Wednesday. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said the stadium was thrilled to be able to play a part in bringing some cheer to families in need. "The park has sown a rich history for itself over the past 115 years and throughout that, community has remained at its centre. We are committed to utilising the park for more than just rugby and cricket and to have the opportunity to support a worthy cause like the City Mission this festive season is fitting." The Ngā Whare Waatea Marae, of the Manukau Urban Maori Authority (MUMA), in Mangere and Papakura Marae are also working closely with the mission to distribute food parcels, presents and Work and Income support.
"MUMA has a longstanding partnership with the City Mission and it is only fitting that we open up Nga Whare Waatea Marae for this purpose," said authority chief executive Wyn Osborne. "Our goal is and always has been to serve whānau in South Auckland. This is at the core of everything we do. As kaitiaki, or guardian, of our community it's a privilege to be part of this collective effort to share a little extra Christmas spirit with whānau." Papakura Marae chief executive Tony Kake adds, "We are absolutely committed to serving our local community in this way. If our support can bring a cheer to a family or a smile to a child face over this festive season - awesome!" Farrelly said that over the years people had had to travel at great cost from South Auckland to get the mission's assistance; now, because of the generosity of two marae, the mission could go to the people.
• Donations can be made at www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz...
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
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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