Extraordinary outpouring of generosity': Auckland City Mission dishes up 1600 free Christmas lunches
The hungry, the homeless, the elderly and those who just wanted some company descended on the Cloud on Auckland's waterfront today for some delicious festive food at the Auckland City Mission's Christmas lunch. The 1600-plus guests were greeted with a warm "Merry Christmas" from one of the hundreds of volunteers, before finding seats at tables laden with Christmas crackers, juice, tubs of chocolate, takeaway vouchers and cookies.
Christmas carols and UB40 hits entertained the masses until the food arrived - a spread of ham, chicken and roast potatoes with jelly and ice cream for dessert. In the back rooms, Santa's helpers wrapped hundreds of presents while down the road at Spark Arena volunteers had been cooking lunch since 6am - prepping some 300kg of ham, 1600 chicken drumsticks and 300kg of potatoes. The venue was full to capacity and volunteers were trying to squeeze in those who turned up without tickets. As the band struck up a pre-lunch version of "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" the crowd began singing and some began waving their arms in the air. Muriel Kett was one of those who came for the company and the atmosphere - it's her first Christmas without husband Fredrick after he died in July, aged 89. She had expected to spend Christmas alone - but realised it was a great chance to come and visit the Auckland City Mission lunch. "I thought it would be nice to come down here, I'd always wanted to be here so I thought, this is the time."
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Andy Warhole Triple Elvis at Auckland Art Gallery
Something different and worth visiting, See special for Elvis Fans below
Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the most iconic artistic tributes to The King is now on display at Auckland Art Gallery
Andy Warhol’s Triple Elvis — a legendary artwork that helped shape Elvis Presley’s image as a global pop culture icon — is a standout highlight of Pop to Present: American Art from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , a landmark exhibition of American art.
This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a work that celebrates Elvis’s enduring legacy, alongside masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko and more.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to see Elvis through Warhol’s eyes. ✨
Special promotions
Quadruple Elvis Comeback Special: Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January 2026
In honour of Andy Warhol's Triple Elvis, featured in Pop to Present, we're holding a special promotion to celebrate The King of Rock and Roll's birthday.
Inspired by Warhol's work, the Gallery invites you to become the art and take it from a Triple Elvis to a Quadruple Elvis. From Thursday 8 January to Sunday 11 January, anyone who comes dressed in their best Elvis getup will receive 50% off their entry to Pop to Present. Think: sunglasses, sideburns and slicked hair. Dust off the jumpsuit and leather jacket or even an Elvis Tee Shirt, and join us for a weekend of Pop-inspired fun.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 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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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
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