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Do you love to sew and want to help make a difference?
We are seeking volunteer sewers to help raise funds for ovarian cancer awareness and research. All contributions welcome.
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The … View moreThree suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz... or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.
Ho ho ho!! Christmas is just around the corner, and our delivery cut-off dates are here! ❤
For the best chance of getting gifts under the tree on time, we recommend ordering as soon as possible. The sooner you shop, the quicker they'll arive.
Get your holiday shopping started today!
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Hutt Valley Police are investigating a fire at a previously targeted Stokes Valley residential address which left one person fighting for his life.
Around 3:10am this morning emergency services responded to a block of flats in Hanson Grove, an 81 year old man was located in a critical condition … View moreHutt Valley Police are investigating a fire at a previously targeted Stokes Valley residential address which left one person fighting for his life.
Around 3:10am this morning emergency services responded to a block of flats in Hanson Grove, an 81 year old man was located in a critical condition and was transported to Wellington Hospital.
The area was cordoned and a forensic scene examination is currently being conducted with the assistance of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ESR.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and is suspected to be linked to two other fires at the same block of flats on Thursday 10 and Monday 14 October 2024, both of which were also lit during the early hours of the morning.
Police are appealing for information from people who have CCTV footage, witnessed the incident, or were in the area at the time of the fire to please get in contact.
Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in our investigation.
If you have any CCTV footage from dashcam, residential, or commercial premises in any areas of Stokes Valley, witnessed any three of the fires, or were in the area at the time of the fires, even if you didn’t witness the incidents please contact us.
To report information please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation SOVE.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Come along to the Glaucoma NZ ‘Love your eyes’ Symposium in North Auckland– a free event for the local community. Register to attend right now.
This is your chance to learn more about glaucoma from Ophthalmologist Mark Donaldson and Optometrist Germaine Joblin. Hear about the latest … View moreCome along to the Glaucoma NZ ‘Love your eyes’ Symposium in North Auckland– a free event for the local community. Register to attend right now.
This is your chance to learn more about glaucoma from Ophthalmologist Mark Donaldson and Optometrist Germaine Joblin. Hear about the latest treatments and surgeries. And what you need to know about glaucoma tests and eye drops. Have a question about glaucoma? Get it answered during the event Q&A time.
Morning tea will follow question time. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. Save your seat by registering online now.
Congratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:
Justine Terrill from Mount Albert
Suzette Gibson from Nelson
Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt
… View moreCongratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:
Justine Terrill from Mount Albert
Suzette Gibson from Nelson
Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt
Millie George from Richmond Hill
If you're a winner, get in touch here before 12th November.
Not a winner this week? There's always next week!
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.
Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.
HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November … View moreNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.
Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.
HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November between 9pm and 5am.
There will be lane restrictions on the centre lanes. At least two lanes in each direction will be available.
Traffic Management: Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions across the bridge.
There may be increased noise levels as the team carry out bridge maintenance.
NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Onewa southbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)
Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Hill Road southbound off-ramp, 5-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am):
- Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Takanini northbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November
Bombay southbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Bombay northbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Razorback Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)
Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November
- Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 7 November
Dominion Road northbound off-ramp, 3-6 November
Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 6 November
- Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November
- Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November
Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 November
- SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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