Chatterbox seat

20/03/2026

If you're braving the supermarket over the weekend, good luck.
You've got this.

18/03/2026

Let's change the script. This week, try this: When you ask 'How are you?', just simply pause...

Pause...and really listen to the answer. And if it feels right, ask again: '....how are you, really?' It might feel a bit awkward the first time, but that’s okay. That’s where the good stuff happens. ✨

You can make a difference...through a simple pause, creating space for someone to chat.

You can also make a difference by donating and helping us get more Chatterbox Seats in the ground. The more seats in our communities, the more space for these important chats to happen. Donate today here: https://chatterbox.org.nz/ and help us build connection 🙏

14/03/2026

✨ The fear of saying the wrong thing often leads to saying nothing at all.

So, what actually makes a great chat? It’s not about saying the perfect thing - that doesn't exist! It’s about:
💬 Starting with curiosity, not judgement
👂 Listening like you really, really, REALLY mean it
🤝 Sharing a little of yourself
😄 And leaving space for both laughter and silence

Whether it’s a quick natter over coffee or a quiet chat walking through the park, every conversation has the power to brighten someone’s day — maybe even change their life.

👉 https://chatterbox.org.nz/chatterbox/posts/what-makes-a-great-conversation

13/03/2026

We say it ten times a day, but what do we really mean? "How are you?" has become a greeting, not a question. 💬 , but how do we all flip this around?

11/03/2026

It’s here! ✨ Our newest Chatterbox Seat and the first to hit Waikato, in the beautiful new Lakeside NZ development in Te Kauwhata. Huge thanks to he awesome team at Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities for making this possible. They reckon the strongest communities are built on connection and incorporate that idea into their planning right from the start - emotional infrastructure as well as bricks and mortar ❤️ What a gift for the Lakeside community!!

I was intrigued with this concept of 'emotional infrastructure' so took a deeper look. Curious? https://buff.ly/S3sfHt5 [ I'm now a bit obsessed🤣 ]

09/03/2026

💥When was the last time you had a chat with your kids about what it means to be a great mate? It's not just about being ‘nice,’ but it's about being brave enough to ask, 'Are you okay, really?' Being brave enough to trust their gut if something feels off.

https://chatterbox.org.nz/chatterbox/posts/how-to-help-our-kids-be-a-great-friend

08/03/2026

I found my diaries from when I was 15/16 the other day 🫣! Oh my god, so good 🤣! It reminded me what it's like to be a teenager though. That feeling of having this huge, messy, world inside you that no one understands and no idea how to talk about it, or even if you want to.

Man it's hard as a parent of a teenager too! Especially when you realise you can't actually fix everything for your kids 😔. But we are their safe haven, ready to swoop in and to listen. I'm trying to get better at not defaulting to my 'boomer mum' advice and just asking open questions to nudge honest chat. Sometimes I just get a grunt or an eye roll back🤷‍♀️but more often these days, it triggers a real kōrero and that's magic. So as you navigate these years, remember through the grunts and eye rolls and through the very random language they use 🤔, that you being there, is everything. Keep showing up ❤️ you're making a difference!

06/03/2026

Worried about what unfolds in the hallways of schools, when you're not there to see it? 🤔 The latest research from Growing Up NZ shows just how critical the school experience is for our kids wellbeing. 🏫 And with two teenage kids myself, it's got me thinking... how do we help them be the friend they might need one day? How do we give them the words for the big, scary stuff? It’s hard to keep teenagers talking, and we won't always get it right. But we have to start the kōrero. ❤️ What’s one thing you’ve found that helps open up a conversation with your kids? 👇
https://www.growingup.co.nz/news/school-experience-plays-a-critical-role-in-teen-mental-health-new-growing-up-in-new-zealand-findings-show

How young people experience school plays a critical role in their mental health, according to new findings from Growing Up in New Zealand.

17/10/2025

What beaut chats we had, as we unveiled the new Chatterbox Seat in Orewa - such a great spot to pause, connect and spark a conversation.

Sitting here, I felt a sense of 'calm togetherness' which is pretty special in our fast paced world. I could hear the waves behind me, chatter and laughter around me (it felt like a hug!)

So Orewa, you're all invited now to pause, take a seat and have a chat .... it all starts with a "Hi"

With huge thanks to
Carmen Bird Photography
ASB Bank
Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater
More FM Rodney 88.9
Orewa Beach
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
Auckland Council

05/10/2025

44% of Kiwi have felt lonely in the last month - it's time to tackle this, one chat at a time. ❤️

We're excited to announce our latest Chatterbox Seat, in Orewa's beautiful Moenui Reserve, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Week!

The MHAW2025 theme is "Top Up Together," and this seat is a dedicated space to do just that. It’s an invitation to connect, share & really listen because we believe small talk can lead to big conversations.

A huge thanks to our incredible community partners in Orewa who made this a reality: Destination Orewa Beach, More FM Rodney 88.9, Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater, ASB Bank, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and Auckland Council

Visit Moenui Reserve, take a seat & see how a simple chat can make a difference. 💙

20/06/2025

You've been so patient WSAFC - Western Springs Association Football Club but the waits nearly over.
Can't wait to chat with you soon.
Huge thanks to Auckland Council and the Waitematā Local Board for your support.
And to everyone in the community who donated to make this happen.
Small talk, leads to big chat...and we'll be doing just that, at Springs.

08/11/2024

Today's the day!! Let's get a Chatterbox seat for , and Cashmere Technical Football Club ....and let's have fun!! Donate at https://chatterbox.raiselysite.com/