1840 days ago

Dad creates special mailbox for autistic Thomas the Tank Engine superfan

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Happy Friday neighbours,

Sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most joy.

Scott Wallace is the living embodiment of that notion – he gets maximum excitement from even the quickest glance of Thomas the Tank Engine.

And now he has him right outside his bedroom window.

Wallace, 46, Carl Denny, 38 and Dylan Denley, 35 are best friends who have lived together for the past 12 years as part of an autism care program.

When they moved into their home in Christchurch’s Prestons subdivision about a year ago, the old letterbox blocked a parking space in the driveway.

John Denny, Carl Denny's father, saw it as an opportunity to do something nice for his son’s mate.

After embarking on a six-month project in his garage, John Denny produced a 30-kilogram steel, handmade replica of the popular fictional steam train.

From the street Thomas has the house number on it, but from the house and Wallace's view out his window, it has Thomas’ actual number from the TV show – one.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 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
  • 19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.8% Complete
  • 69.8% Nah - not for me
    69.8% Complete
817 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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