Saying thank you to essential services with art
Art is always a great medium for children to express emotions, especially during this difficult time and at the same time to say thanks to those doing the hard yards to keep us safe and well.
I am inviting children to say thank you to those providing essential services by producing art championing the work of our doctors, nurses, garbage collectors, supermarket and pharmacy workers and the many others in a way that is consistent and safe with the “stay home save lives” message.
The art is to be of anybody doing essential work, whether it be on the frontline in our hospitals, our caregivers at home, our emergency services or the cleaners, lab technicians, supermarket workers, truck drivers, port workers and farmers who are keeping us safe and well.
Please photograph your art and email to me at parmjeet.parmar@parliament.govt.nz.
Shortlisted art (ages 1 to 12) each week will be published on my website.
The competition is for the lockdown period.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.