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1092 days ago

Mobile shower service for homeless doubles efforts in pandemic

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Auckland Stuff

A free mobile shower and laundry service for homeless people has expanded its efforts in response to rising demand in the pandemic.

Orange Sky launched its second van in Auckland this week.

Operations manager Eddie Uini said the demand for services doubled during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Before Covid hit our first van was doing nine shifts a week, once we got to level 2 we were doing 17 shifts a week with our first van,” he said.

“That’s pretty much our maximum capacity, and we were still getting emails from places further south, out west and on the North Shore.”

The new van will operate in Manurewa, Papakura, Glen Eden and Auckland CBD.

It will allow Orange Sky to increase its availability from 17 to 25 shifts a week.

Uini said a lot of families have starting using Orange Sky’s services in Manurewa, Papakura and Onehunga.

“If they can save another 20 or 30 dollars at the laundromat, that’s another 20 or 30 dollars for food on the table,” he said.

Orange Sky wants locals to name the new van in honour of a local hero who’s helped make a difference in the community.

Comment below your idea for what the new van should be called.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 minute ago

Spring gardening tips

William Sanders Retirement Village

Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.

Click read more for more information.

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1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
736 votes
3 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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