A South African shop in New Zealand has reminded us all that people come first.
New Zealand (04 October 2025) – ‘Something From Home’ is a happy place for South African expats living in New Zealand. A shop packed with rare treasures from home like koeksisters, biltong, and Bar Ones. Ask any expat living across the pond – snacks become one of the things you miss the most!
It was a usual day in-store. A woman, who had also presumably once called South Africa home, stepped into the store to grab a treat, the shop shared. One moment she was smiling and the next, she suddenly collapsed to the floor.
She was diabetic.
For anyone living with diabetes, a collapse can be frighteningly serious. Blood sugar levels can drop or spike to dangerous points within minutes, and without quick help it can become life-threatening.
The team at the shop, together with customers, reacted instantly. They put her in the recovery position and did what they could until paramedics arrived. Their fast action, along with the medics’ swift response, made all the difference and the woman was brought to safety.
Afterwards, the store’s owners were so touched by what had happened, they wanted to share it. Now, we are too.
It struck a chord with us because no matter where in the world you might find yourself, there’s almost always kindness and compassion nearby to catch your fall.
The lesson was one about community and people for the shop owner.
“It’s not about what’s in the basket, but the person carrying it. The greatest gift we can give each other is to see, to care, to be present,” they shared.
The comments rolled in.
One person wrote, “Spoken like the true South Africans I grew up with and know…”
Another shared the Māori proverb: “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata” – “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.”
This story isn’t groundbreaking news, it’s just a little reminder that compassion in all its wonderful forms can save lives.
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