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Activism for 'introverts': Craftivists find their political voice
Auckland crafters are on a mission to change the world one stitch at a time.
The newly-launched Craftivist Companions are turning to needlework to find their political voice at Ponsonby's Unitarian Church in central Auckland.
Ten “introverted” activists are creating mini protest banners
– the square placards will form a temporary quilt that will be presented to Auckland Council on April 1 for the updated living wage announcement.
The banners will then be left as “respectful graffiti” on public spaces such as lamp posts.
Group founder and church member Kay Parish said the goal was to get people thinking from a different perspective.
A midwife driven by a strong dislike of injustice, she was inspired by a movement in England led by Sarah Corbett and the Craftivist Collective.
“Sarah talks about craftivism as being an ideal form of activism for introverts, people who don’t love getting out there shouting and challenging people in a confrontational way,” said Parish.
“Craftivism is a way of approaching people more gently and presenting a message in a more respectful and thoughtful way.”
Corbett’s group persuaded British retailer Marks & Spencer to pay its workers a living wage by giving every board member a personalised hand-embroidered handkerchief explaining why paying a living wage should fit with their values.
“The board members really took that message on board ...and it just shifted their perspective,” Parish said.
The Titirangi resident said paying people a fair wage helped them live their lives with dignity.
Read more here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
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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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