With so many people need this Christmas more volunteers than ever before are needed to make sure people get what they need. Bernadine Oliver-Kerby talks to some of the volunteers that return year on year.

This week, the Herald and Herald Focus are profiling struggling families who have lined up for parcels or food at Auckland's City Mission.

COMMENT: Although 2016 offered up more than its fair share of clangers, it has in no way diminished Dominic Corry's excitement for what 2017 has on offer.

Burglars snuck into the destroyed two-story house and stole the only salvageable items including a TV, a cabinet and food.

Aucklanders are being urged to plan ahead to avoid delays if they are getting away for the Christmas break.

All Blacks great Richie McCaw flies with Santa into earthquake-battered Kaikoura today.

Sarah Gandy takes us through her top five Christmas songs of all time in the lead up to the big day.

Trickier than finding a Secret Santa present for someone you don't like...

What will the weather be doing on Sunday for Christmas?

Anthony Hill-Tamihana, who has been struggling to find a job, needs City Mission's help this year to give his sons and wife a "nice" Christmas.

COMMENT: We're entering that time of year when I remind people to be kind to atheists. Remember, Christmas capitalism has room for all of us.

New Zealand Christmas dinner is not just about ham and turkey, but kimchi, lechon and tequila too, a Massey University sociologist says.

At Christmas, Korean families eat kimchi and drink rice cake soup, chef Alex Kim says.

COMMENT: No matter how young your child is, there are lots of ways you can stay connected. And it's very important you do stay in your child's life.

A mother is livid after Santa promised her son a toy that would blow the Christmas budget.

Pregnant woman who was told to leave the pool because she was not wearing the correct swimwear has been given a pre-Christmas surprise.

Rotorua's Redwoods Treewalk will now be lit up at night by 30 bespoke David Trubridge lights. The partnership between New Zealand Tourism and Mr Trubridge's design allows the country to be marketed in innovative new ways.

Yuletide traditions are not only passed down from generation to generation, but from country to country, often in places that don't have a Christian tradition.

Weeds can be a challenge to get under control in the smallest of backyards, let alone on a 136ha reserve.

Trisha, a mother-of-three has come to the Auckland City Mission to help ease the stress of Christmas this year.

Tristram Clayton talks to families as they reunite at the Auckland Airport this Christmas.

Organisers of a Christmas fireworks show in Taranaki say anyone who thinks they were hit by debris should contact them.

Edible gifts need not be sweet - try savoury sauerkraut too.

A boy dubbed "The Kindergarten Bomber" is accused of planting a nail bomb near a Christmas market in Germany.

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

Brothers and sisters of disabled children often do it tough - they may feel they have less attention or are bullied at school.

COMMENT: Christmas is an official holiday pass to do what you want.

Why does Santa wear red and why do we kiss under mistletoe? The mysteries of Christmas unwrapped.

COMMENT: In New Zealand this summer, perspective is the universal gift.

A popular Kiwi campsite was closed for three weeks after an ant infestation.