Auckland NCEA students get extra bonus credits due to second lockdown
Senior students in Auckland will be able to get bonus NCEA credits and enrol in summer school after the second Covid-19 lockdown disrupted their learning.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced a raft of temporary changes to NCEA for Auckland students, who have missed an extra two a half weeks of school compared to pupils in the rest of the country.
The changes build on the system of bonus credits previously announced for all students.
Auckland teenagers will now earn one bonus credit for every four credits they achieve, up to a maximum of 16 bonus credits at level 1, and 12 at levels 2 and 3.
In the rest of the country, students will get one credit for every five they earn, up to a maximum of 10 and eight.
Four thousand students will now be able to enrol in summer school through Te Kura Correspondence School. There is normally a cap of 1000 students.
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.