Rural East Masterton news is brought to you by the team at News of Wairarapa
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Deirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement … View moreDeirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement and still working. Plus, we’ve included the recipe to her cheese puffs which were gobbled up by our camera crew because they’re delicious!
Click read more for the full recipe.
Police are aware of reports emerging in the Wellington police district where people have lost money though a “Task Scam”. A Task Scam is a form of online fraud where individuals are deceived into completing tasks under the belief they are in employment.
Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp, Wellington … View morePolice are aware of reports emerging in the Wellington police district where people have lost money though a “Task Scam”. A Task Scam is a form of online fraud where individuals are deceived into completing tasks under the belief they are in employment.
Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp, Wellington Police says “Most online scams request money or personal information, Task Scams are more deceptive, requiring you to complete activities that seem easy or attainable. These include such things as, writing a specified number of online reviews for consumables like luxury travel packages, household products and cosmetics.
Sergeant Steenkamp says at least eight cases have been reported to date in Wellington including some involving significant financial losses, which includes two cases where the victims have lost in excess of $100k (137,000 and 105,000).
“In the recent cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an increase in people having second jobs or side hustles. As a result, what is known as a Task Scam has emerged as a particularly deceptive threat.
“These scams imitate legitimate earning opportunities, with the ability to seemingly work around your lifestyle when and how you please.”
Wellington-based man *Peter is speaking out to help prevent others falling into the same trap. *Peter lost nearly $22,000 to a Task Scam last month. He was lured in by the chance of some easy money and regrets his decision.
*Peter says it’s the first time he’d ever been scammed and never expected he would fall for it.
“I have lost a significant amount of my life savings, I had to stop ‘working the task’ because I had no money left.
“But then my (fake) “supervisor” encouraged me to borrow money from a friend, or to apply for a loan from a bank, or online loan website.
“They build trust, they monitor your progress like any other good manager would. They offer advice, before requesting more and more financial investments to enable you to move through to reviewing higher value items, it’s very convincing.”
“I urge people to be very careful online and avoid any schemes which offer easy cash,” he says.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦?
Scammers are using various online platforms, from reputable job websites to social media channels, to unsolicited approaches on chat platforms.
“The scam operates on the allure of easy money. These offers typically promise high returns for simple tasks, instantly sounding appealing. In recent cases we have seen people offered $200-500 for 30 online product reviews, with higher-end items such a cruises claiming to provide even higher rates of commission,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.
The victim is assigned a manager who contacts them via Whatsapp, Telegram or Messenger using spoofing websites.
Spoofing is where someone disguises an email address, phone number, or website URL to appear to be from a local, trusted source.
The most enticing piece of these scams is the lure of easy money. Victims are promised hefty commissions upon completion of tasks. However, in most cases, they pay large sums of money to completing ‘training’, or to enable them to progress to the next task.
These are more often paid into crypto wallets or offshore bank accounts and the money is never seen again,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬:
The consequence of falling for a task scam is often huge financial loss. Recently, we have seen losses ranging from $7000 - $120,000. Globally, victims are thought to have lost more than $185 million.
In addition, the emotional and psychological distress, the feelings of betrayal and deception can have a lasting effect.
Remember this advice to help keep yourself safe:
• Confirm job offers: Thoroughly research the company and confirm the job exists, especially if you are approached via social media or chat platforms.
• The saying rings true: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Be cautious of earning high money for little effort.
• Ask other opinions: Ask your friends or whanau their thoughts on the job offers, a second set of eyes my see something you don’t.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...
*Peter is not the victim’s real name
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
A fascinating group exhibition where each artist is the subject of another artist’s work. Follow the artworks around the exhibition to see how each artist has painted, photographed and created work of another artist.
Join exhibition curator Lindsey Horne and Aratoi Director Sarah McClintock … View moreA fascinating group exhibition where each artist is the subject of another artist’s work. Follow the artworks around the exhibition to see how each artist has painted, photographed and created work of another artist.
Join exhibition curator Lindsey Horne and Aratoi Director Sarah McClintock this Saturday 2pm-3pm, as they discuss the exhibition Artists on Artists.
Exhibition starts this Saturday to 3 November, 10am-4pm
Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History
Moving into a serviced apartment at Ryman means there’s less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time for family and friends.
Feel safe and secure at a Ryman village, where beautiful gardens provide the backdrop for a host of on-site amenities.
The New Zealand International Festival returns to the Regent 3 in Masterton for two weeks of fresh and exciting cinematic treats from around the globe.
The festival runs from 21 August - 4 September. The full programme for the Festival can be found on the NZIFF website.
From winding down with calming music to sipping herbal tea, everyone has their own bedtime ritual. What's yours? Vote below and drop a comment, let's swap sleep secrets!
#sleeproutine
This Sunday at Tui Brewery car and motorbike owners are invited to bring their ride to participate in the monthly Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine Days.
These shows give you the chance to display your sweet ride for other car lovers and the public to enjoy, and you can compete to win some epic… View moreThis Sunday at Tui Brewery car and motorbike owners are invited to bring their ride to participate in the monthly Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine Days.
These shows give you the chance to display your sweet ride for other car lovers and the public to enjoy, and you can compete to win some epic prizes while you’re at it!
You can also enjoy the live music, delicious food, a cleansing ale, take a look at the Histui Museum, or do a bit of shopping for merchandise at the Tui Shop.
Free admission, 9:30am - 5pm Tui Brewery, State Highway 2, Mangatainoka
We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made … View moreGet 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
We are still feeling the pinch and the weekly shop is no different. So we are after your cost-saving tips please, neighbours!
What’s the best way you've found to cut down on your grocery bill? Share below (and hear tips from others!)
One healthy succulent. I think of it as the necklace plant but have not idea of its real name. LIttle round bead like 'leave's along string like trailing flexible stems. Ideal for hanging basket or on a shelf.
Would be a bit frost tender so better in a sheltered position or inside. It … View moreOne healthy succulent. I think of it as the necklace plant but have not idea of its real name. LIttle round bead like 'leave's along string like trailing flexible stems. Ideal for hanging basket or on a shelf.
Would be a bit frost tender so better in a sheltered position or inside. It probably is more suitable as an indoor plant, but doesn't mind the shade at all.
This one has been growing under the eaves along a south side of the house, so hasn't had a lot of sun and no direct sun.
Pickup is in Kuripuni.
Thanks for looking.
To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?
Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
It is officially that time of the year when we need to be cautious about the flu in the air. Many people who are extremely sensitive and catch flu very easily. Even when they make sure that they get their room or even the entire house disinfected.
There is one very tiny thing which many people … View moreIt is officially that time of the year when we need to be cautious about the flu in the air. Many people who are extremely sensitive and catch flu very easily. Even when they make sure that they get their room or even the entire house disinfected.
There is one very tiny thing which many people miss out and are not even aware of. You would be surprised to know that not sleeping well deeply affects the immune system, metabolism, reflexes and many other natural processes inside the body. Sleeping well is essential not just for the season of flu, but it should be done throughout the year.
Your body’s immune system gets stronger with this very simple yet very effective habit. A healthy immune system allows you to freely enjoy and do the things that you cherish and that too without an age bar. Even if you have crossed your 70’s and have a strong immune system, you can even expect your body to allow you to do a hardcore workout on a daily basis and for this, all you need to do is, get ample sleep.
Here are some examples and theories which tell us how sleep is so important for a healthy immune system
1. Lack of sleep affects your immune system.
The immune system has multiple processes, and thus it is very complex. There are various cells present in our body, and the white blood cells are responsible for fighting the diseases or keeping the immunity strong. Another type of the white blood cells are T-cells which are mostly focused on destroying the viruses and the bacteria.
The scientists have found through research and study that if you are not sleeping well, the amount of the T-cells can tremendously decrease. With the lack of T-cells, the defence mechanism of the body slows down, and the flu and other viruses can easily infect you.
When you are not getting enough sleep that your body needs, the inflammatory cytokines which are another kind of cells in our body, start increasing.
Although the increase of these cells leads to damage of tissues to a certain level only, it does enough damage which adds to the lack of T-cells and then makes the body very weak and it is eventually succumbed by the flu and other diseases.
2. Lack of sleep can also reduce the response to the fever
Surely nobody likes to have a fever as it a very miserable and uncomfortable feeling, but what we do not know is that fever is also a trick played by the immune system. The extra heat of the body during a fever kills the germs and viruses infecting the body.
When you have a fever, you must have noticed that while you are asleep, your body temperature is higher. This shows that while your body is in the rest mode, the immunity will be stronger. The body takes the advantage of being in no motion, and the disease-fighting cells will get more charged up to fight the against the infection.
When you are not well, it becomes more important to get a sound sleep. This helps your body to get well faster and become strong to fight against any other infections.
3. Extra sleep will not help your immune system
If you are taking the right amount of rest (nine to ten hours of sleep for kids and teens, and seven to eight hours for the grown-ups), you can expect to have a healthy immune system.
Just like all other good habits, an excess of sleep is also not so good. You also need to have healthy habits along with sound sleep. Like working late night and then sleeping till afternoon can also be bad for you. Best thing is to sleep early, have your meals at routine intervals, and also give some workout to your body.
Sometimes it is even your mattress which you should consider replacing if you are not able to sleep for at least 7 hours in one stretch. An uncomfortable mattress can give you a body ache and a bad posture in the long run. If you need help in finding the right mattress for yourself, do consider having a word with your friends at Beds4U. At Beds4U we can assure you that you will be able to find the right mattress for a comfortable sleep. Stop by today to find the perfect mattress for you!
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…