Banks Peninsula, Akaroa

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Got a question for your neighbours?

Post here and let them help!

2710 days ago

SCAMS - General Tips

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Scams

There seems to be a scam for every demographic - people with money to invest, shopaholics buying online, online banking customers and new migrants from countries where corruption is rife.

The people who operate scams use increasingly sophisticated ways to defraud you from your money, … View more
Scams

There seems to be a scam for every demographic - people with money to invest, shopaholics buying online, online banking customers and new migrants from countries where corruption is rife.

The people who operate scams use increasingly sophisticated ways to defraud you from your money, and are getting better at posing as legitimate organisations when they contact you. This includes developing fake websites and organisation letterheads that look like the real thing.

They rely on common human vulnerabilities, such as:

a belief in the legitimacy of companies and websites
a willingness to trust others
a wish for greater wealth
feeling obliged to follow through with something that was agreed to
not wanting to miss out on products or services that might only be available for a short time.
Your best defence is to educate yourself in the way that fraudsters work. You can find out about the wide range of scams on Consumer Protection’s ScamWatch website.

Some recent scams to be aware of include:

calls targeting migrant communities, claiming to be from Immigration New Zealand. They demand payment (sometimes in the form of iTunes vouchers) on threat of deportation or arrest;
emails claiming to be from a courier company, telling you that you missed a delivery and asking you to provide personal information so that you can retrieve the item.

There's a lot you can do to protect yourself. Below are a few tips:

Government agencies will never call, email or text demanding payment or threatening deportation. Banks will never call or email you to ask for your PIN or Internet banking password.
Salespeople and charity donations collectors will always wear clothing or accessories that identify them as such.
Microsoft is unlikely to call you to offer IT support services over the phone. Your internet provider is not likely to try to fix your internet problem by remotely controlling your computer. If you get an unexpected call with an offer to fix “problems” with your computer over the phone, just hang up.
If a bargain sounds too good to believe, it may be a stolen item – it may not even exist.
Before doing business with an unfamiliar company, do some research on them so you can be sure they are reputable.
Be careful about who you give your personal details to, as someone could use this information to steal your identity.
Check your banking and credit card statements regularly and look out for unexpected or unusual account transactions.
Be suspicious if the person you met online starts talking about their problems and suggesting that only you can help them.
If you didn’t buy a lottery ticket then it’s not possible for you to have won the lottery.
Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision quickly, whether it’s about investing, purchasing or donating.
If you receive a suspicious email, letter, fax or phone call, you can check whether it is a known scam. Reported scams are recorded on a number of websites:

The Department of Internal Affairs’ list of reported scams;
On the website of the business or organisation which the scammer wants you to believe they are representing (e.g. Inland Revenue, Immigration New Zealand);
You can also try doing an Internet search on the name of the organisation supposedly contacting you, followed by the word “scam”.

If you suspect it’s a scam but it isn’t listed as a reported scam, you can easily report it (on NetSafe's website, The Orb) so that others don't fall victim to it.

If you believe you have become a victim of a scam, report it to the Police. If you gave out your personal banking details you’ll also need to tell your bank.

www.cab.org.nz...

2711 days ago

Where's the best place for a sweet treat in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

You might have noticed Neighbourly has been celebrating its third birthday this month! We’re big fans of celebrations - especially when they involve cupcakes. Or giveaways!

Comment below and tell us the best place in your neighbourhood to get a sweet treat, and we’ll shout one lucky … View more
You might have noticed Neighbourly has been celebrating its third birthday this month! We’re big fans of celebrations - especially when they involve cupcakes. Or giveaways!

Comment below and tell us the best place in your neighbourhood to get a sweet treat, and we’ll shout one lucky Neighbourly member a $50 birthday Prezzy® card!

*T&Cs apply.

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2712 days ago

Port Hills Fires Operational Review

Communications Team from Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A reminder to make your submission to the Port Hills Fires Operational Review by Wednesday 14 June. Please use the form on our website to make a submission
www.fire.org.nz...

2714 days ago

Red Cross is Here For Good!

Community Resilience Coordinator from New Zealand Red Cross

You probably know Red Cross for our response work immediately after a disaster, but that’s just a small part of what we do. We're out working in the community every day, helping people recover from a disaster, transporting vulnerable people to appointments, delivering Meals on Wheels, … View moreYou probably know Red Cross for our response work immediately after a disaster, but that’s just a small part of what we do. We're out working in the community every day, helping people recover from a disaster, transporting vulnerable people to appointments, delivering Meals on Wheels, helping former refugees resettle and find employment, operating second-hand stores, providing first aid training, and more. Check out our new campaign: ‘Here For Good’! Check out Here for Good

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2717 days ago

Queen’s Birthday Kerbside collection

Media Team from Christchurch City Council

If your collection day is Queen’s Birthday Monday 5 June 2017 Kerbside collection will continue as normal.

To ensure collection, put your wheelie bin out by 6am.

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2718 days ago

WATCH: Explored Christchurch’s city centre lately?

Media Team from Christchurch City Council

We’ve asked Central Ward Councillor Deon Swiggs to show you why paying a visit should be next on your to do list. There are new buildings, new shops, new cafés, new laneways, new courtyards . To take his video tour visit: www.ccc.govt.nz... or click the video below.

youtu.be...

2718 days ago

Many bus routes will detour this Sunday for Christchurch Marathon

Claire Nicholls from Metroinfo

If you travel Sundays on the Blue, Orange or Yellow Lines, Orbiter, 17, 28, 29, 44, 60 or 95 your bus will be detouring around the CBD until 3pm on Sunday 4 June while the Christchurch Marathon is on. You can view specific detours for your route at the link below.

2719 days ago

Make knowledge work for you

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Discover how to get the skills and knowledge you need for the job you want at Ara Institute of Canterbury’s Open Day! It’s on at our City and Woolston campuses from 2pm to 5pm on Thursday 15 June. Open Day is a great opportunity to meet tutors, tour the campus, attend subject info sessions and … View moreDiscover how to get the skills and knowledge you need for the job you want at Ara Institute of Canterbury’s Open Day! It’s on at our City and Woolston campuses from 2pm to 5pm on Thursday 15 June. Open Day is a great opportunity to meet tutors, tour the campus, attend subject info sessions and learn about more than 150 study options ranging from certificates and diplomas to degrees and graduate qualifications. You can even enrol on the day.

Come along and discover how to make knowledge work for you!
Find out more

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2719 days ago

FREE waste drop for dangerous and hazardous household items.

Media Team from Christchurch City Council

Are you from Banks Peninsula? Have paint, aerosols, batteries or other hazardous items you need to get rid of?

Drop them off at Barry's Bay Transfer Station this weekend.

Click the link for more details, including a list of items that are accepted.

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2720 days ago

Plan for the ASB Christchurch Marathon this weekend.

Media Team from Christchurch City Council

With the ASB Christchurch Marathon coming up this week, it might be time to start planning ahead. The CBD will still be open for business, however delays around the marathon route can be expected.

To avoid congestion and plan your trip visit: www.tfc.govt.nz...

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2721 days ago

Great teaching in your community

Teach NZ

The Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards celebrate New Zealand teachers, leaders and communities who are working together to improve outcomes for our children and young people. This year, 14 finalists from across New Zealand have been recognised for their outstanding achievements – … View moreThe Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards celebrate New Zealand teachers, leaders and communities who are working together to improve outcomes for our children and young people. This year, 14 finalists from across New Zealand have been recognised for their outstanding achievements – including Halswell School. Please join us in congratulating them, and find out about their achievements here. Find out more

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2722 days ago

The only BA you can study by distance.

Massey University

Learning can happen anywhere. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey – the only BA you can study from wherever you are. With 26 majors on offer you can study what you’re passionate about, while gaining valuable knowledge that will serve you now and in the future. Semester 2 starts July. Learn more

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