56 days ago

Are there laws against cyberbullying?

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

🚩Yes, there are laws against cyber bullying as it is a criminal offence to cause harm through digital communication in Aotearoa New Zealand. Digital communication is exchanging information through digital devices and networks such as email, instant messaging, social media, and video conferencing. You are protected under the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) that deals with harmful digital communications.

If you are being bullied online and feel that your safety or the safety of someone else is at risk, you should report it to the police. If your immediate safety is not at risk, you can report it to Netsafe - the authorised agency for people to go to if they have experienced cyber bullying.

If NetSafe is not able to resolve the problem, they might advise you to take the case to the District Court. NetSafe will provide you with a ‘NetSafe Summary’ to give the court as evidence that you went to them first.

👉For more information on the laws, your rights and important links, visit: cab.org.nz/article/KB00000570

It’s Cyber Smart Week (6 -12 October). Cyber Smart Week is the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) annual campaign. This year, the focus is on the importance of cyber security and helping people and organisations to be more secure and resilient online.

Original post credit: Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1627 votes
8 days ago

Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.

But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.

So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?

If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.

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13 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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