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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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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SHED MATTERS : DIY Group West Auckland
An Invitation to attend meeting to set up Ladies & Mens Shed in our local area.
Monday December 2nd 7pm
Blockhouse Bay Community Center ( Scout Hall ) Entrance and Parking Exminster St .
524 Blockhouse Bay Rd
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