Volunteer Grandparents (or Aunties/Uncles) Needed
This is a volunteer role quite like no other!
We are looking for awesome individuals or couples who would like to support a local family and act as a surrogate grandparent (or Auntie/Uncle).We have a waiting list of families all over NZ who don't have grandparents living nearby or for whatever reason they don’t have the amount of contact with their own grandparents that they would like, and are looking for people like you to fill the void! The arrangement is incredibly beneficial - families gain loving support and you get to feel a sense of purpose and belonging from the relationship.
Surrogate Grandparents was born out of a desire to address loneliness in New Zealand and recognised that this loneliness is as real for under-supported parents as it is for older people. The organisation’s matching process builds loving support networks for families - the bonds that form then address issues of social isolation and loneliness.
“The beauty of what we do is that each relationship that we match evolves in its own way; we merely plant a seed and then the family and their grandparent nurture it” says founder Jo Hayes. She goes on to explain that for some families it may be important to have someone to share outings with, while for others it may be sharing hobbies or attending school visits. You may love to share stories with young ones, while your surrogate grandchildren can put their technology skills to good use to help the you stay more digitally connected. This truly is a case of you get out what you put in.
Our biggest need currently is in Auckland, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Wellington & Christchurch. However we welcome applications from all over the country - we will find a family for you - wherever you are!
You are welcome to apply as an individual - or if you wish to apply with your partner (husband/wife) as something that you can volunteer with together - that is also very much welcome and encouraged.
Please check out our video for more information about us: www.youtube.com...
Please apply via our website, or email us on info@surrogategrandparents.org.nz for more information.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're 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: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.8% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.8% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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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82.5% Yes
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14.6% No
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3% Other - I'll share below