Message to Couples:
Are the holidays here again already? Yes, indeed time flies.
For many people, this time of year can be so joyful – spending time with loved ones and often those that live afar.
And yet for many couples, it’s also a time that can create additional distress and tension in a relationship. So many extra decisions to make and so many competing family loyalties. That makes for a not-so - enjoyable holiday season for all.
And if you are one of those partners feeling the stress, you are not alone.
To support you this year 'The Couples Institute' has compiled the best of our holiday stress articles and put them in an easy to read format. Click on the link below to download.
It’s called the Couples Guide to Holiday Stress Prevention: Learn How to Have Better Conversations, More Shared Chores, and Happier Family Time This Season.
I think it will help your holidays go better.
From setting realistic expectations to negotiating the many decisions and division of labour that’s needed, we’ve given you simple ways (and sample conversations) that you can use to improve the discussions you’ll be having soon.
You’ll also learn easy ways to deal with difficult and negative conversations with your spouse and family, reduce overwhelm, and build new positive ways you can improve your relationship with your partner this season.
I'm confident that if you put even a few of these tips to use, you’ll see an improvement.
The holidays are so much more enjoyable when everyone can get along!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10% Yes! New Year, New Me
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17% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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73% Nah - not for me
Update to Neighbourly members on data breach 06/01/2025 8am
Yesterday in the High Court at Auckland, Neighbourly was successful in being granted an injunction against any unauthorised use of the data taken in a recent breach.
As we alerted you on January 1 and confirmed on January 3, our systems were accessed illegally and members’ information, including names, email addresses, GPS coordinates from the address you provided to us, forum posts and direct member communications were among the data that was accessed.
We acted immediately upon hearing of a potential breach: we temporarily disabled the site, notified members and authorities and worked with our external security consultants to understand if and how it had occurred. We then confirmed the breach with members, safely restored the site to service and began the process of seeking the injunction. Yesterday’s decision by Justice Johnstone prohibits the use of the data by any unauthorised person, and requires them to permanently delete it, or any information obtained from it.
This does not mean that vigilance against scammers is not still required: there is a large industry globally that seeks to use stolen information for identity fraud or to dupe people into providing details of their financial affairs for theft. Again, to keep yourself safe from scammers it is critical that you:
- Don’t click links in emails. Instead, type the web address directly into your browser. This helps ensure you’re visiting a real site, not a fake one
- Enable two-factor authentication where available as this adds an extra layer of security to your data
- Stay alert for phishing emails. Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for personal information, especially ones that create a sense of urgency.
Again, we want to apologise to you for this illegal access to the Neighbourly database and to assure you that we have carefully worked through how this occurred. We have safely secured the site and its services for use and ensured we have robust processes in place so this cannot happen again.
We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities, including the National Cyber Security Centre, on any further steps we need to take.
If you have any further questions please contact us via our customer support team at helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz.
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