Seeking Volunteers
If you’re interested in paying forward, here's an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its Manukau East Shopping Shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering their passengers safely.
Companion’s help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts.
And if required, a walker or scooter can be booked for passengers to use at the shopping centres.
This daily-life activity has far reaching benefits for our passengers including;
1). Stimulating cognitive processes e.g. enabling passengers to ask questions when determining where items can be obtained, evaluate and compare before and after purchase, and determine value as compared to cost
2). Providing physical benefits e.g. walking around the shopping mall.
3). Function as a leisure pursuit that promotes social engagement e.g. chatting with other passengers and forming friendships.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of shopping as a life-enriching activity is that it can be enjoyed by most people - even those who may have health problems.
When required and with a little help from our volunteers, people with mobility or transportation challenges can experience the cognitive, health, and social benefits a day on the town can provide.
For further information please call 0800 632 677.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.