"Community Art exposure" scam
Kia ora folks.
I have just received a visit from a young lady asking for a minute of my time to show me some art for a "local community art exposure". Being an art teacher, I was all about it and agreed to participate. I knew something was definitely not right when she attributed one art work to the wrong artist but of a similar style. Unfortunately and not surprisingly, it became a sales call and had very little to do with enriching the community. The girl, I'm guessing on a working holiday seemed quite harmless and had a very pleasant approach. Yet she followed a script that was highly manipulative and included information that I believe to be false. Part of this script stated that the artworks are made by people who have recently finished art school from countries all around the world. I have traveled a bit in my life and know these paintings are done in villages in China and parts of South East Asia. The works are usually sold to tourists for around $40 depending on your negotiation skills. I do not wish to deprive these artists an income, but I object to the dishonesty and manipulative strategies employed by this business. When I said I didn't want to buy anything, the guilt was laid on thick and fast- "it's awful being out on a night like this, I hope I sell something" etc etc. I think it's all part of their training and designed to make you buy something.
I do not wish to deter anyone from purchasing these if you genuinely like the works, but I want people to get the whole picture and not get sucked in by the word "community" being used to gain trust.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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79.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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20.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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