Love this cute op shop!! So many cute items in here and for good value. Also, the shop assistants…read morewere really helpful when I was struggling to find something. Will def come back here again!!

From the owner: Sweet Charity Home Store is a not-for-profit, collaboratively owned and run Charity shop. We…read moreshowcase quality new and preloved treasures. Offering our clientele a next level in store experience.

Five stars? The Peace Place really deserves much more. It is also a difficult subject to to…read morecategorize, but it deserves a mention to get their name out there. It is a place of sanctuary in the centre of the city, to pray, meditate, research or find like minded people. I attended there through the Auckland Spiritual Discussions Group, they use the space to meet on the 27th of each month, in the evenings, having different speakers give talks and/or lead practices. The peace place is utilized by several different groups of different religious views,but all supportive of the same values. Pax Christi, an international peace movement being one of them. The venue has a large range of interesting books, a library that you can borrow from, on many esoteric subjects and/or about the peace movements, advocates past and present, religious orders, etc. I have not been able to add the opening hours as it really does depend on several factors, however I can tell you that Monday's at 5:30pm they offer a space for meditation and occasionally lunchtimes too; and on Sat's they celebrate the Eurachrist, you don't have to be catholic to attend. Have a look at their website and/or contact them directly if you want to know more.

Located on Como street opposite the very large North Shore Westfield shopping mall is this very…read morewell stocked Pumpkin Patch. Literally has all the latest as well as a large section of sale items too. So your bound to find what you are looking for on your visit. I have to mention they have just the most adorable outfits, and I was happy to take my boy in for a new pair of shoes, the prices are very reasonable and you are getting quality, that will last longer than the little tykes can grow. Staff on both visits, have been exceptional. Very friendly, and helpful. Basically ask them and they are more than happy to help you find exactly what you are after. On both visits I have purchased shoes for the little boy, and it has not taken longer than ten minutes to sort it out. Lots of choice, and great help, with quality clothing and accessories. If you join up to the Pumpkin Patch Club when in store (for free), you can receive emails to let you know when the sales are on too.

Rainbow Youth has been advocating for young gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer…read moreyouth for decades - ensuring that those who wish to come out, are having trouble with coming out, or would just like to find some likeminded people have a place to go. Friday nights at Rainbow Youth are the best time - school is over for the week and people will pile in to have a good time and be themselves. I interviewed the kids of Rainbow Youth about the issues that were facing them once - I ended up coming away feeling good about how LGBT children are faring. While their stories weren't all sunshine and rainbows, it was easy to see that having spaces like Rainbow Youth around makes life all that more bearable, while helping to create stronger, happier queer kids.

From the owner: LGBTIQ Queer & Gender Diverse Young People…read moreSupport Peer-support Groups Referral

Eden Creative Recycling is a wonderful asset to the Auckland Community, particularly early…read morechildhood teachers and artists. This is a trust organisation that collects unwanted materials from businesses that have excess or unwanted items and then offers this multitude of stuff back into the community for those that may need or want to work in a more ecological and sustainable way. It is a great resource to teachers on a budget, but also most importantly teaches children the value in recycling and enhancing creativity. I use to work in this field not so long ago, so I have dealt with this company personally. There were off cuts of fabric, cardboard cylinders, hard plastic tubes, plastic bottle caps, paper, boxes, light metal tube things - many items! As you will see by the note on their website, they are no longer located on Akiraho Street in Mount Eden, however if you call Yvonne on 0274 879 116 you can arrange a time to go see what is on offer and have a chat. Did I mention that this stuff is free?

Travelling with children can be a daunting and tiring experience, and with airlines milking the…read moreluggage weight costs, it can be very expensive to include enough toys to keep the young ones entertained. When my sister in law and her little darling daughter came over for a three-week visit, she simply couldn't bring along Louise's toys, so we arranged to collect some from the Northcote Toy Library. The library offers a great service, and as a national body, allows parents to access toys for children without the big cash required for a purchase. This is a great opportunity to use their services when you need it, and then to donate to when you are able to give back to society. I know I will.

A great place to host events for different numbers of people. Whether your group is large or small…read moreGreylynn community centre will hook you up! The first time I went to the community centre was for a youth talent show. The room was perfect as it accommodated the number of attendees. The kitchen was always clean and located inside the hall we where using. This made it easier at snack time as it was just a matter of taking items from the kitchen to the table we had set up buffet style outside the kitchen. The rooms are also built in a way that makes it flexible to arrange the room the way that suits you and your event. Although there is parking on site, it is limited. Luckily there are plenty of off street parking spaces.

This is a very well utilised community centre with clean spacious facilities if any local…read moreorganisation or group wanted to hire a space for a regular night of the week or temporary meetings, functions, etc. The staff have always been very friendly and helpful when I have been involved with hiring the facilities for regular set periods of time. The payments have generally been smooth and communication professional. It always seems quite busy, whatever the season, with various groups occupying the many rooms available, so if you want to set up a meditation or yoga course you might want to double check that karate or zumba are not also taking place that same night right next door! They also hold a farmers market at the centre on Sunday mornings that is worth supporting.

After my son was born I got a few house visits from a registered Plunket nurse until he was about…read morethree months old, then finally got the opportunity to take him myself into my local community Plunket centre. This Clinic is located right next to the Northcote Auckland City Library at the far end of Northcote shops. I would say the actual building must be quite a few years old as looks quite dated from the outside and the inside also however is still comfortable, clean and friendly. The reception lounge has a wall of pamphlets and information for all parents, concerning immunisations, feeding solids, where to attend play groups, etc. There even a few second hand children's and baby's toys and accessories for sale. The Nurses at the clinic are fantastic, very professional but also caring and friendly. I enjoy popping in from time to time to have my baby measured and weighed for my record book. As I mentioned the Library is right next door as I mentioned and they have wriggle and rhyme and other good sessions for kids.

I love this store!! I went here on a whim because I was desperate to get stylish clothing on a…read morestudent budget. I finally found the place. I felt as though the Red Cross and other op shops were too basic. Then there were some that had nice clothes but were too expensive. This store has a great selection. The cheapest item I purchased was $4.99. There may have been things that were less expensive. Don't take my word for it. Judge for yourself.

Savemart has just committed the last slap in the face to its customers by removing the essential…read moretrolleys. There is nothing to put your purchases into! And this is a store with thousands of items and acres of store space. Customers are not important to them, just look at the lack of change room mirrors and hooks. Three items! This used to be an all day fun and serious shopping day for me, now I am boycotting it.