Neighbourly Q&A: The Councillor LIVE
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly with the wonderful, Sam McDonald - a second-term Christchurch city councillor representing the Waimairi Ward. We invite you to share a question for him!
A little bit about Sam:
A chartered accountant by profession, Sam has experience in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as a director of Civic Building Limited (a Ngai Tahu property Joint Venture) and is an Independent Trustee of Development West Coast. Sam is a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors and has experience in Audit and Risk, Health and Safety and Infrastructure projects.
Sam shares that within Council he is focused on 'financial oversight, particularly of the capital programme and the day-to-day operational expenditure, and how this provides impact investment into Christchurch communities.'
Leave a comment below and Councillor Sam McDonald will answer your questions on all things council, whether it's the budget, rate rises or even about the new stadium.
↓ Share your question now! ↓
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.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.