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510 days ago

Banking Regulations and Large Corporates - Beware

Mike from Papanui

Found out some pretty shocking information.... I cancelled my insurance policy with AMI and they owed me a refund.
Instead of paying the refund, they set up a direct debit on my bank account with BNZ without my authority and withdrew the amount they were supposed to refund me.
Called the bank to find out how that could have happened and they told me that "a number of large organisations were allowed to set up direct debits without any authorisation from the customer".
I called the Banking Ombudsman and they confirmed that was correct. They said it was done to "reduce the amount of paperwork for the organisations and they depended on the fact it would reflect badly on these organisations if they abused the plan" to prevent any issues.

So anytime they want, telcos, insurance companies electricity companies, etc can set up a direct debit on your accounts and deduct money. If you want to dispute it, you have to go through a disputes resolution process, so there goes hours, days or months of your time to get your money back.

Unbelievable!!!!!

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 hours ago

🌱✨ Now Enrolling for 2026 — Spaces Filling Fast!✨ 🌱

Cotswold from Casebrook

Looking for a nurturing, community-focused preschool where your child can grow, explore, and shine?
At Cotswold Preschool & Nursery, every child is embraced as a valued part of our Whānau. Our caring, experienced Kaiako create a supportive environment where Tamariki build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning through play.
💛 Small, welcoming group sizes for personalised care

💛 Rich play-based learning that inspires creativity and curiosity
💛 Strong Whānau partnerships and community connections
💛 Passionate, dedicated Kaiako who truly know and understand your child
📍 Proudly located in the heart of Bishopdale, offering a safe, inclusive, and loving space for all families.
37 Colesbury street - down the long driveway, just follow the river mural!
👉 Come visit us! Message us today office@cotswoldpreschool.co.nz or pop in anytime — we’d love to meet you, show you around, and chat about how we can support your child’s journey in 2026!

24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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