Who's setting off fireworks tonight?! ๐๐ฅ
Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.
โ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.
๐ฅ 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from flammable items such as trees, grasses, gas tanks, and wood.
๐ฆ 3. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
๐ง 4. Children should never light fireworks themselves and need to be supervised closely at all times.
๐งฐ 5. Keep all unlit fireworks in a secure bag or container away from any source of fire until they are ready to be used.
๐ 6. Be considerate and let neighbours know if you're planning to set off fireworks. Aim to finish at a reasonable time.
๐ฑ 7. Keep pets comfortable and secure inside. The loud booms and flashing lights can easily scare them off.
๐ฎ 8. Avoid lighting off fireworks around farm animals and be aware of any newborns or elderly neighbours who may also be affected. If possible, change locations to somewhere that minimises any disturbances.
๐ฟ 9. Be a tidy Kiwi and let's work together to keep New Zealand beautiful! Clean up any any rubbish and leave your spot better than you found it.
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.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
Police are urging members of the public to be aware of Facebook Marketplace scams, in particular tiny home, shipping container and portable cabin home scams targeting Hawkeโs Bay and the Eastern Police District.
Multiple people have seen the different listings and either paid deposits or the full price into various bank accounts.
Once the victim transfers money, the scammer deletes the listing, all the messages and blocks them.
In one case a victim has lost $10,000, with further victims losing in the thousands.
In many of these cases the offenders are based overseas and our ability to recover the funds transferred is limited.
โWe are urging members of the community to think twice before transferring money for items on Facebook and other social media platforms.โ says Senior Constable Gillon.
Anyone who has been affected by this scam is encouraged to contact Police online or via 105.
Senior Constable Gillon says if you decide to purchase off social media, we encourage you to take precautions to protect yourself.
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐:
๐ธ Insist on meeting to conduct transactions and examine the item before completing the transaction.
๐ธ Meet in a public place and take a friend. DO NOT go into someoneโs house or allow them into yours.
๐ธ DO NOT deposit money into another personโs account before you have received the item.
๐ธ Learning more about the person you are buying from or selling to.
๐ธ You can tap on a person's profile on the product listing page to see if you have any friends in common, their marketplace activity, and any ratings they may have received.
๐ธ Ensure friends and family, especially anyone vulnerable, understand what to do to protect themselves.
๐ธ Be the person to provide that ongoing support and advice.
๐ธ Trust your instincts โ if itโs too good to be true or sounds like a scam, it probably is.
If you believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz..., or call Police on 105 and report the matter. If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and dรฉcor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.