Fraud Awareness Week
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:
+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.
+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.
+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.
+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.
For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:
Rentals
Hi
I went to view a rental that my family and i were excited to see on the weekend. Oh lordy! what a disappointment. When will they stop advertising properties that don't live up to the picture that they are portraying and show it in its real time state, warts and all??? I thought that there was a consumers protection act around false advertising??? I might be wrong. If this continues then the tenant should be able to ask for reduction in rent. Why? Because they in some cases are charged with cleaning the place up before they can even place their most treasured belongings in the home. The owners should be ashamed. I know no one will turn up if they showed warts and all. Well I think it's time for change. People are desperate, but come on, if you are getting good money from your tenants you have to lead by example. Those owners who make an effort deserve a medal. They aren't trying to hide anything. Their rent is also cheaper than the ones that don't make an effort. There are people out there who are only too happy to go and clean your property for you. Just make someones day and present your properties as if you are going to sell it. ( Hey, actually you are trying to do that in a way just to a tenant instead to rent).
What do you think renters? It's time for the korero.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.6% 1st December
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16.7% A week before Christmas
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32.4% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.