J
806 days ago

Caution for Lithium batteries

Jennie from Kohimarama

Hi Neighbours. I'm wanting to post a message on the dangers of having lithium batteries, especially in cars, bikes, scooters. There have been many fires throughout NZ that have a NO-warning combustion fire that is extremely intense, fast and wild.
My neighbour had their house burnt down in the early hours 2 years ago because of a E-bike in the garage. There was also an expensive car, bbq, and gas tank in the garage. The saving grace was there was a fire alarm in the garage, the concrete base was lined with 1.5 hour fire gib board and a fire proof internal door. This allowed the family to escape. The garage door was blasted out and twisted, the car was a blacken metal frame by the ferocity of the fire.
Co-incidentally the FENZ had education talks at St Thomas School a couple of weeks before.
How safe is the second hand E-V, hybrid car, bike, scooter that you have got, or are giving for Xmas? Have these items had their batteries checked for damage, have they been in a crash?
Are the battery cells in good condition?
There has been very little media news, details, education to these fires, so this allows the public into thinking there is not a huge problem.
How much information in the news is given to cars that just combust by itself?
The Fire Service can recognise a lithium battery fire and put them out with specialised products. I I don't know if normal fire hydrants can put these fires out.

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7 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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5 days ago

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I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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3 days ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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