Volunteer with Samaritans
Kia ora koutou,
My name's Leola and I've been a volunteer with Samaritans Manawatū for three years now. For those of you who haven't heard of Samaritans before, we're part of a global organisation who provide listening services to people who are distressed, suicidal, and lonely. Primarily we do this through our 24/7 phone line, and we can do shifts both from our office and from home. The Manawatū branch was first established in the 1970s and remains a vibrant and diverse organisation, with people of multiple ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
We're on the look out for keen new volunteers, who have big hearts and want to make a difference in the world. No specific skills are required, just a willingness to listen and be compassionate to those in need. Training is flexible and we do our best to support volunteers every step of the way. When you join Samaritans, you also join a wonderful family of like-minded people, who care not only for our callers but for each other and our communities.
Want to learn more or even sign up? You can send me a message here, or email me at manawatu@samaritans.org.nz. Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Leola
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
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
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
Poll: Are you prepared for an emergency?
The Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group have been tidying up their emergency response.
We want to know: Do you have an emergency plan and stored supplies at home? Do you have any suggestions for anyone looking to get their emergency response kit ready?
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30.8% Yes
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69.2% No
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