It's rare for a parking ticket to give anyone a reason to smile, but for one woman an unexpected fine ended up making her day.
Sheena Mareikura said she was amazed and touched by a stranger's random act of kindness after they anonymously covered the cost of a ticket she got at St Lukes mall in Auckland.
The mum of four had parked without realising she was in a 90-minute spot, collecting a $50 ticket after exceeding the time limit.
Ms Mareikura drives down from Kawakawa every weekend so her 13-year-old son can train with IDentity dance crew in Auckland, an award-winning hip-hop group.
She had been waiting at St Lukes, which was around the corner from the studio where her son was dancing.
When she returned to her car with her 4-year-old daughter, the ticket was the first thing she saw.
"When I realised I got the ticket ... I looked up and saw all the massive signs saying 90 minutes only so I thought, 'Oh well, that's justified.'
"I was just hoping it wasn't a large sum but it ended up being $50."
Then she spotted a second piece of paper slipped under her windscreen wiper.
"Tucked underneath the notice was a little piece of paper with a note saying, 'I notice you got a parking ticket, I'm sure it's the last thing you need especially when your rego expires in a few days, let this cover it. God bless have a great day,' with a $50 note wrapped in it."
Ms Mareikura said she was amazed at what she was reading.
"I just couldn't believe there are people out there who would be so kind and to do that for someone else."
She said she wanted to thank the stranger for their actions, which had really helped her out.
"I appreciate that there are people in this world who have so much love to give to others."