Herald Focus: Father's struggle to give family a good Christmas

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

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.

"I'm trying to get some help to have a bit of a nice Christmas with my family for once, because we haven't actually had a good Christmas because we've been struggling financial wise," said Hill-Tamihana, outside the mission with his son Waitari, yesterday.

"I've been trying to get a job but they're just falling through."

Hill-Tamihana's wife is currently in hospital, leaving him to look after his sons, aged 7 and 15.

"That's also a stress because I'm going backwards and forwards.

"I needed some help this year, very much so."

This is Hill-Tamihana's second time at the mission and despite the long line, he said it is much more organised than last year when people queued right down the street.

The father-of-two who was a street kid many years ago, said he was very grateful for City Mission's support at such a stressful time of the year.

"Bless their hearts. We are very appreciative."

Hill-Tamihana said he is trying to teach his youngest son that you cannot have everything you want.

"I always tell him you have to be thankful for what we receive. At least you've got something whereas there are other children in the world who have absolutely nothing, they are either scrapping in a bin or going for a handout."

"That's what breaks my heart, the children."

Hundreds of people lined up for food every day.

The Mission is still taking donations and encourage those who can donate to do so.