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:
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
Poll: Do you think an age check is required for these drinks?
Stores are checking IDs for fancy soft drinks and not everyone is happy about it.
One shopper, who asked not to be named, bought some zero alcohol branded drinks at his local supermarket and was asked to “step around into the thoroughfare so a supervisor could see me and make sure I was over 18. I couldn't believe it."
Do you think an age check is required for these drinks? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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33.3% Yes
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0% Not sure
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66.7% No
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.