CHRISTMAS IN POVERTY

An increasing amount of Aucklanders are in need of basic welfare support and the need for food parcels across Auckland has risen 15 per cent with the lead up to Christmas. This week the Salvation Army launched its Christmas appeal to help those who are living in poverty not just at Christmas time but all year round. Head of services Major Pamwaugh said the level of poverty could not be justified. From July to September more than 10,000 people needed help with food parcels, an 8 per cent increase from 2016. More than 17,000 families in crisis were expected to reach out this Christmas season for help from the Salvation Army. Head to salvationarmy.org.nz for more information.

BUSINESS AWARDS

A Mt Wellington pie shop has had a big win at the Westpac awards night. Jesters Pies on Lunn Ave took out the franchisee of the year award for both the community involvement category and food and beverage category. Franchise owner Shiraz Hajee opened the pie shop in 2009 and has watched the area transform. Now he is on his own crusade to transformthe lives of the youth in the area by partnering with local schools. At the same awards Motat won excellence in marketing for its use of past, present and future Kiwi technology, innovation and heritage to inspire its audience.

SCHOOL POOL VANDALS

Vandals have deprived an Auckland primary school of swimming lessons after puncturing holes in the local pool. Police said Oranga Primary School’s portable pool was punctured with a screwdriver causing extensive damage on Thursday night. The vandal or vandals used a screwdriver to puncture nine holes into the side of the pool which caused extensive leaking, police said. The pool was out of action indefinitely. Deputy principal at the One Tree Hill school Vanessa Bentley said pupils were ‘‘pretty disappointed’’ about missing out on swimming lessons. If you have any information contact Constable Don Allan on 09 622 8725 or information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111.