unsolicited goodwill.
I was having a coffee at Cafe Bayon, in the corner of Countdown car park, Carlysle St, Napier, yesterday when a Police Officer entered and ordered some food and a coffee. Lisa, one of the owners, said to the officer, that the coffee was free to him as he was one of the frontline staff helping during the rescue/search efforts. In conversation ,with Lisa and Jack [ her husband ] it appears as if they have been doing this since reopening, even going so far as to give some food, from the little that they have been able to make, to the Australian contingent who are here helping out. They do this as an appreciation from their hearts for the work that all these people are doing even though coffee was one of the few things they had to sell to try and create some income to cover their outgoings such as rent, mortgage etc. With a family of seven to support and the trying times of covid lockdowns I know personally, that they are struggling to support themselves and pay outgoings yet they still think of others first, they even still support education for children in Cambodia. Another customer, who was in the shop at the time I was there, suggested that a pay forward scheme could be operated at the shop for other customers to show their appreciation, to the frontline staff, and help pay for what Jack and Lisa are now bearing the cost of.
Although they are now open there are still problems with getting baking supplies but things are improving so please do not be put off if the goodie you wanted with your coffee is not available yet.
I personally think it a great thing that they are doing and will fully support it as well as the shop. WILL YOU ?
Please note that this is not a sob story but a genuine effort on my part to help this couple helping others even when they need help themselves See you there for your coffee fix and nibbles.
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 Hawke’s 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.
“We are urging members of the community to think twice before transferring money for items on Facebook and other social media platforms.” 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.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
💸 Insist on meeting to conduct transactions and examine the item before completing the transaction.
💸 Meet in a public place and take a friend. DO NOT go into someone’s house or allow them into yours.
💸 DO NOT deposit money into another person’s account before you have received the item.
💸 Learning more about the person you are buying from or selling to.
💸 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.
💸 Ensure friends and family, especially anyone vulnerable, understand what to do to protect themselves.
💸 Be the person to provide that ongoing support and advice.
💸 Trust your instincts – if it’s 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.
Disaster Welfare and Support Team - Hastings
We are looking for highly committed, multi-skilled volunteers for our Disaster Welfare and Support Team in Hastings. Team trains regularly in St Leonard.
For more information, please contact hastings@redcross.org.nz