Watch out for SCAMS
Neighbourly is aware that online safety is front of mind for members, and scams are getting more tricky to spot. So we thought we'd share some tips from Netsafe to keep you informed about what to avoid and where to get help.
Where do scams take place?
Over the phone, via text message, via email, online or even in person.
What red flags should you be looking out for? Ask yourself these questions...
- Were you expecting this message? or was it out of the blue?
- Are they saying there's a problem which you didn't anticipate?
- Are you having to give money over?
- Are you being rushed?
- Are you being told to click on a link or go to an unfamiliar website?
- Are you being asked to share personal info or passwords?
- Are you being asked to pay in a strange way like wire transfer, gift cards, etc
- Does something not feel right? Do you feel confused?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's best to stop communicating and seek support. But if you've already given over money, contact your bank immediately.
You can check if it's a scam by contacting |Netsafe|:
- Toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or +6496660840 if calling from outside New Zealand
- Emailing help@netsafe.org.nz
If you're pretty sure it's a scam, make a report at netsafe.org.nz
Remember Neighbourly is a free service for neighbours so we won't ask you for money or for your password. All emails will come from noreply@neighbourly.co.nz - so feel free to get in touch if you're unsure of something!
Hope this helps you, neighbours!
CAROLS ON THE GREEN
This afternoon from 4 - 6 pm. Please leave 5 car parks free on both sides at the Domain side of the car park. Bring folding chairs and/or blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the afternoon with family and friends.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
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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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Stay sun safe
The temperature is rising, rapidly. My house is making those “I’m about to go nuclear” noises and the forecast is for 35°C on Monday.
Stay in the shade, but put sunscreen on 20 minutes (ears, noses, hands, feet, back, front, top, bottom, and everything in between) before you go into the sun or the water. It doesn’t work otherwise. And reapply no more than 2 hourly, staying out of the water and sun for 20 minutes afterwards.
Wear teeshirts and hats. Keep hydrated. Milk keeps you hydrated longer than water. You won’t pee as much. Alcohol dehydrates you. Save that till after the sun goes down.
Reflective sunburn is a thing, too. The sun reflecting off of other surfaces, including water, will burn you as quickly, if not quicker, than direct sunlight. Some reflective surfaces can magnify the suns effect.
If you are taking little ones out in strollers cover them with a light cloth, if you don’t have a stroller cover. A thin sheet will do, but leave the side open for fresh air. And you can get kids sunnies from most emporiums, like 1,2,3 plus or “Everything is $2” or the like.
And if you are going out, secure your windows and doors. Shut the curtains on the sun side to keep it cooler. Opportunists will opportune. And insurance doesn’t like it if you leave the house unsecured.
If you are staying in, open the windows and close the curtains. Make sure you use door jams, or you’ll find doors slamming with the lightest breeze.
Cover pets paws if you are walking them on concrete or bitumen. They will burn badly as the dark ground heats up. You can also get sunscreen for large animals.
Make sure there is plenty of water out for your pets. Cats need at least a cup a day, dogs up to 4 litres.
If you are on a walking route, put out buckets of water for dogs and cats, just to be neighbourly.
This photo was a school afternoon at the village pools.
He ended up with second degree sunburn. The white spots were the blisters forming. The scabs on his back were popped blisters, not just peeling, and he was sick for three days.
It’s no joke. And NZ has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. And skin cancer is a killer.
Check on your friends and family, especially the vulnerable ones.
You all matter. Take care of yourselves and each other.
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