''I have seen quite a difference in both the elderly and their visitors,'' she said.
''It benefits both sides.''
She matched people with similar interests.
''Hazel's face lit up when she heard Joziane loves playing cards and that's what they do.''
Besides playing cards, Mrs Steindorff took Mrs Aukett for walks so she could get a bit of exercise.
Mrs Steindorff, 39, visited three elderly people because she ''likes old people - they are cute, funny and have a history to share''.
When they could, Mrs Steindorff's 11-year-old twins Beatriz and Ana joined their mother on card-playing visits.
Mrs Aukett enjoyed country music so tunes were playing softly in the background.
Captain Harvey said the friendship between the two women demonstrated the best aspects of the service - they shared each other's families.
''Many elderly people have outlived their family and friends,'' she said.
''They find it hard to start new friendships and networks.''
Captain Harvey would like to hear from anyone who had time to befriend someone, and would also like to hear about anyone who might benefit from the programme.
''We know we are just scratching the surface. A lot of people suffering from loneliness don't know what the community offers.''
Services offered include shopping, outings, going for walks, advocacy and minor house repairs.
In conjunction with the befriending programme, the army hosted a diamond friendship group on Tuesdays for people aged over 65 to bring their lunch and share board games and light exercises.
On every third Tuesday, a hot meal was provided with a guest speaker.
The service was free and covered all areas of Tauranga.
Want to help?
• Lonely elderly people who might like a regular visitor can phone Captain Harvey on 07 578 4264 ext 712.
• Any volunteers keen to visit an elderly person once a week, fortnightly or monthly for about an hour can phone Captain Harvey.
• All volunteers are checked by police, trained, monitored and supported by Captain Harvey, the service co-ordinator.