Is your neighbour’s behaviour driving you crazy?
Is your neighbour’s behaviour driving you crazy? Before you start a neighbourhood war, put your diplomat’s hat on and have a nice talk with them.
“When it comes to problems with neighbours, a touch of diplomacy can go a long way.” says Neil Lancaster of Citizens Advice Bureau. “Whether you’re being kept awake every night by noisy neighbourhood parties, their tree is blocking your sun, or the dog from next door uses your lawn as a toilet – it’s always best to discuss the problem with your neighbour first and try to come to a compromise. They may not even know there’s a problem, and be quite willing to sort it out. When we see people with “problem neighbours”, we usually ask whether they’ve tried talking to them. If they have and it hasn’t been successful, we can help them work out where they stand with their particular situation and what their options are.”
If you’ve tried negotiating with your neighbour and they won’t budge, you may have to consider taking further action – and you’ll need to know what your rights are if you do. For example, when it comes to neighbourhood noise, you can contact your local council to find out what (if any) noise restrictions apply in your area. If you complain to your local council they can send a noise control officer to assess the situation. They can issue a notice asking the neighbour to reduce the noise if it’s deemed excessive or unreasonable, and non-compliance could result in confiscation of the noise-making equipment (such as a stereo or jackhammer).
Similarly, if you are bothered by constant barking from a neighbour’s dog, you can complain to your council and they can send a dog control officer to investigate. But try to work it out with the dog owner first, because drastic action (such as having the dog removed by a dog control officer) is sure to ruin any goodwill that you might have with your neighbours.
“If you have a problem with something that your neighbour is doing, and you haven’t been able to sort it out by talking to them, come and see us at Ara (CPIT), Fendalton Library and Hornby Library. You could also phone us for free from cell phone on 0800 367 222, or send us an email. We also have information about neighbourhood problems on our website www.cab.org.nz...
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What kind of lion never roars?
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Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
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