1826 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
2 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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10 days ago

2025 has been massive. The Luxon-led Government's attacks on workers, on Te Tiriti, on pay equity, on educators, on health workers, and on the public service, have been relentless.

Leslie from Avonside - Dallington

But despite everything thrown at working people, we've also seen some massive wins. We've fought back together with strike action. We've unified with days of action. We have focused on what matters. Make no mistake, 2026 will be wild, and we are ready for it! Source - New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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