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Special Children's Christmas Parties held their Auckland event at
the Auckland Showgrounds recently inviting thousands of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's … View moreSpecial Children's Christmas Parties held their Auckland event at
the Auckland Showgrounds recently inviting thousands of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's Christmas Parties have been organising these events for over 25 years across a number of main centres throughout New Zealand.
Now, every year in New Zealand, nearly 10,000 Kiwi children with special needs, challenging life or health circumstances are invited to a party like no other.
The annual event is made possible by many local businesses supporting this event including Neighbourly.co.nz.
To be a part of this special event next year, please contact Aidan Belsham - Aidan@scevents.co.nz
I have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
… View moreI have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
www.instagram.com...
🐾 Happy dogs make a happy neighborhood! 🐾
The Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn … View moreThe Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn between her desire for material success and a deeper yearning for peace.
One day, she climbed to the peak of Maunga Tapu (Sacred Mountain) to visit her kaumātua, Tohunga Matua, a wise elder known for his connection to wairua (spirit) and mātauranga (knowledge).
“E kui,” Aroha began, kneeling before him, “I feel trapped, as if my pursuit of worldly things has chained me. Yet, I cannot let go. What can I do?”
Tohunga Matua smiled and reached into his kete (basket), pulling out a raukura (feather). He held it high, letting the wind dance with it. “Aroha, this feather teaches us the essence of life. Do you see how it floats freely when it is released to the wind, but it falls to the ground when we cling to it?”
Aroha nodded, intrigued but unsure. “But how does that help me, e kui?”
Tohunga Matua continued, “The rāhui of our ancestors teaches us the principle of balance. The mana of a person—like the feather—determines their path. If your mind clings to the material, like a bird tied to the earth, you are bound. But if your mind lets go of attachment, you rise and find freedom.”
Still puzzled, Aroha asked, “But how do I let go of the things I desire? They feel so real.”
The elder picked up a smooth stone and handed it to Aroha. “Hold this stone tightly,” he instructed.
Aroha clenched the stone in her fist. Tohunga Matua then poured water from a calabash over her hand. The water ran over her skin, but none could reach her palm. “Your desires are like this stone, moko. When you cling to them, the waters of life cannot nourish your spirit. But if you open your hand…”
Aroha opened her palm, and the stone fell. The water now flowed freely over her hand. “When you release your grasp, you allow life to fill you with wairua. You let your spirit rise.”
From that day forward, Aroha practiced the teachings of the raukura. She found joy in simplicity, cherishing her connections to her whānau and whenua (land). Her success no longer defined her mana. Instead, it was her ability to uplift others and maintain balance in her life that gave her freedom.
Years later, when Aroha became a respected rangatira (leader), she shared the lesson of the feather with her people. “Our mind determines whether we are bound or free. Let us let go of what weighs us down and rise like the raukura, carried by the winds of wairua and wisdom.”
Moral:
The story reflects the principle of “The mind is the cause of bondage and liberation. Attachment binds, while detachment liberates.” from the Srimad Bhagavatam. It teaches that attachment to material desires binds us, while detachment and spiritual focus lead to liberation. The tale highlights the importance of balance, wairua, and mana in achieving inner freedom.
We will still be here for any storage needs you may have. Except for the following dates. See your location for details. Access to storage is unchanged.
Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their … View moreNeighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!
Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here
The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!
You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!
You could receive $2,000 + GST from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to give your space a fresh new look.
Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community, or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new … View moreYou could receive $2,000 + GST from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to give your space a fresh new look.
Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community, or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Apply Now
Carpet Court is continuing its mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row.Apply today Closes 31 December 2024
Celebrate the start of a new year in style at The Terraces Restaurant. Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite New Year's Eve dinner menu, featuring a delectable selection of dishes from amuse-bouche to dessert.
From fresh seafood to tender beef, our menu caters to all tastes.… View moreCelebrate the start of a new year in style at The Terraces Restaurant. Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite New Year's Eve dinner menu, featuring a delectable selection of dishes from amuse-bouche to dessert.
From fresh seafood to tender beef, our menu caters to all tastes.Don't miss out on the festive atmosphere and live entertainment.
$88.00 per person - Last dinner booking: 8:30 PM. Check out the menu and book your table now!
Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time? Find out how to create your own with Resene Sandtex and these easy step by step instructions.
The Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must … View moreThe Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must learn to walk the tides of life with grace.”
One summer morning, Tūmanako’s world was upturned. A fierce storm rolled in from the sea, its winds howling like angry taniwha. His whānau’s (family’s) marae was badly damaged, and the crops they relied on were swept away. Despair gripped the village. Many cried to Tangaroa, the god of the sea, asking why such calamity had befallen them.
Tūmanako, too, felt the sting of loss. “Why, Kuia?” he asked his grandmother. “Why does life bring so much suffering?”
His kuia sat beside him, her face weathered with years of wisdom. She handed him a tī kouka (cabbage tree) leaf. “Take this, moko. Bend it.”
Tūmanako did as he was told. The leaf bent but did not break.
“Now, hold it tighter and twist it harder,” she said.
He twisted until the leaf sprung back and slapped his hand, leaving a sting. His kuia smiled gently. “This leaf is like life. It bends under the weight of the wind but refuses to break. Yet when we fight against it, we feel pain.”
Tūmanako listened but wasn’t sure he understood. His kuia continued, “Life is a cycle, moko, just like the seasons. There will be days of sunshine and warmth, and days when the rain soaks the earth. Both are needed for growth. To fight against the storm is to forget the blessings it will bring in its wake.”
In the following weeks, Tūmanako began to embrace his kuia’s wisdom. Instead of mourning the storm, he worked with the village to repair the marae. They sang waiata (songs) of strength and unity as they planted new crops. Tūmanako noticed the soil, enriched by the storm’s floodwaters, yielded more bountiful kumara than before.
Years later, Tūmanako became a respected rangatira (leader). When challenges arose, he would remind his people of the tī kouka leaf. “We are like this leaf,” he would say, holding it high. “Life’s storms will come, but we will bend, not break. Let us move with the winds, not against them.”
The people of the village came to cherish this teaching. They learned to greet hardships with calm hearts and open minds, trusting that every storm would eventually bring new growth.
And so, the wisdom of Tūmanako and his kuia lived on, teaching the generations that to accept life’s ups and downs with equanimity is to find inner peace and wisdom.
The moral of the story is:
Resilience comes from embracing life’s challenges with acceptance and grace. Just as the storm nourishes the earth, adversity can lead to growth and wisdom when met with an open heart.
The festive season is nearly here—what better way to celebrate than by giving yourself or others the chance to win a stunning, brand-new home in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
Valued at over $1 million, this fully furnished home features three bedrooms, plus a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and … View moreThe festive season is nearly here—what better way to celebrate than by giving yourself or others the chance to win a stunning, brand-new home in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
Valued at over $1 million, this fully furnished home features three bedrooms, plus a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area.
Make it your dream home, a holiday retreat, a rental property, or sell it—the choice is yours!
Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase helps fund life-saving heart research. Get yours today at heartlottery.org.nz.
We have 24 Sleepyhead Commercial grade used single mattresses for sale
Pick up from297a Church Street Onehunga
Call first on 0272766900
There's new ones every year, some become classics and some are not so good. What do you consider your favourite Christmas song.
And more importantly, what song would you ban? Share below!
Hi! I’m currently looking for babysitting jobs in Mt Roskill (anywhere near) ,I have experience caring for children of different ages and am comfortable helping with playtime, meals, homework, and bedtime routines. I’m responsible, caring, and available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday around 9am … View moreHi! I’m currently looking for babysitting jobs in Mt Roskill (anywhere near) ,I have experience caring for children of different ages and am comfortable helping with playtime, meals, homework, and bedtime routines. I’m responsible, caring, and available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday around 9am to 3pm
If you’re in need of a dependable babysitter, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to provide more details or references if needed.
SAFER BUS - SAFER PUBLIC
WHEN: Tuesday 17th December / From 7:00pm
WHERE: Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland
All welcome, no RSVP required
Pack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the … View morePack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the lawns to watering the garden, pulling weeds, and even cleaning the windows.
Ryman residents are free to embrace adventure because they're not tied down with home maintenance stress and security worries. They're rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones whenever they feel like it.
Click find out more to discover the lifestyle.
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