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New Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.
Today is Safer Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our … View moreNew Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.
Today is Safer Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our partner agencies, including the Department of Internal Affairs, Netsafe, and New Zealand Customs.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards, officer in charge of New Zealand Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand Team (OCEANZ), says supervising children and young people online is the best way to keep them safe.
“The internet opens up a world of opportunity but there are offenders online looking to exploit people, and they target the most vulnerable.
“In the worst-case scenario, we see online extortion groups trying to persuade children and young people to record self-harm and sexually explicit acts, alongside other violent crimes.
“The footage is then circulated among members of the extortion group to gain notoriety and further extort victims.
“Offenders may also threaten to share these videos or images online or with the victim’s family and friends.
“While we’re not seeing a large number of this type of offending here in New Zealand at this time, we know this is having a significant impact overseas.
“We want parents to be alert to the possible risks, but not alarmed.”
Police urge parents and caregivers to educate themselves on this topic and have conversations with their young people about the dangers of having an online presence.
“Having open and regular conversations is the most important tip we can give any parent or caregiver,” Detective Senior Sergeant Richards says.
"This ensures their young children feel comfortable to come forward about any online issues that may arise.”
For parents and caregivers:
- Supervision is essential. This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using.
- Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions.
- Long term impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately.
- Report suspicious behaviour. Make a report and seek help and support.
For victims:
- Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos – even if they are threatening you.
- Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again.
- Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.
- Report the content and person’s profile to the platform and request the content is removed.
- Block the profile.
Where to report offending:
- To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.
- If you have seen content online that you wish to report, make a report to the Department of Internal Affairs HERE.
- If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723).
- You can also report online at netsafe.org.nz/report or by email at help@netsafe.org.nz.
Canterbury Police want to identify the man in this photo.
We are hoping they can assist with an ongoing enquiry in relation to an assault on Barbadoes Street on 23 January.
If this is you, or you know who this is, please contact Police on 105 online or by phone and quote file number: … View moreCanterbury Police want to identify the man in this photo.
We are hoping they can assist with an ongoing enquiry in relation to an assault on Barbadoes Street on 23 January.
If this is you, or you know who this is, please contact Police on 105 online or by phone and quote file number: 250123/0968.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Bev and John are no strangers to adventure. Whether it’s overseas escapades to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, or exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this intrepid couple has seen their fair share of the world. But these days, they prefer to keep their travel plans … View moreBev and John are no strangers to adventure. Whether it’s overseas escapades to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, or exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this intrepid couple has seen their fair share of the world. But these days, they prefer to keep their travel plans closer to home - with their beloved Cavoodle, Skye, always in tow.
“We’ve done all the overseas trips we wanted to do,” says Bev. “Now, it’s all about enjoying what’s on our doorstep.”
Click read more for the full story.
Help Kiwi families in need by swapping 2 cans of food for a FREE Resene testpot.
All cans will be donated to the local Salvation Army.
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Hi i have 4 Tyres with loads of life left in them 2 are 215 50 by 17 and 2 are 205 by 50 17 great for a larger car e.g Holden or falcon.
Janet Lovelock from Papanui, Christchurch has won the category of Best Floral Garden for her stunning floral garden in this small space. Congratulations, Janet!
Janet and her husband both enjoy tending to their garden and shared this about their garden:
"We are both in our eighties and … View moreJanet Lovelock from Papanui, Christchurch has won the category of Best Floral Garden for her stunning floral garden in this small space. Congratulations, Janet!
Janet and her husband both enjoy tending to their garden and shared this about their garden:
"We are both in our eighties and have lived in the Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village for three and a half years. Our passion for gardening spans many years. We change our display every six months to cover Spring and Summer.
The residents in the village regularly bring their visitors to see our display and take plenty of photographs. When you hear comments such as “It lifts my spirits when I get to this corner” you realise how much it means to everyone. We will continue to create a beautiful garden for as long as we are able."
Click on the photos below to have a good look! And give Janet's garden a Like below if you think they've done a great job.
The Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and we are looking forward to seeing the entries on this one!
This week's category is......... Best Floral Garden.
Whether your garden is bursting with wildflowers, perfectly coordinated roses, or elegant neutrals, we want to see it!
… View moreThe Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and we are looking forward to seeing the entries on this one!
This week's category is......... Best Floral Garden.
Whether your garden is bursting with wildflowers, perfectly coordinated roses, or elegant neutrals, we want to see it!
So share a photo, or two, in a comment below of your floral garden to be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher. Winner will be announced next Monday 🌿🌱🍃
Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful One Tree Point, Northland.
Valued at $845,000, this home features three bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to be loved by its new … View moreDon't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful One Tree Point, Northland.
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Christchurch Police investigating a serious assault in the city are seeking help from the public.
The female victim was found seriously injured at the Richmond Village Green on Stanmore Road about 9:20am today.
She remains in a critical condition in hospital.
A scene examination of the … View moreChristchurch Police investigating a serious assault in the city are seeking help from the public.
The female victim was found seriously injured at the Richmond Village Green on Stanmore Road about 9:20am today.
She remains in a critical condition in hospital.
A scene examination of the area is underway.
As part of our inquiries, Police would like to speak to anyone who may have information that would help us determine what happened.
Information can be passed to Police via our 105 phone service, or by going online to: www.police.govt.nz...
Use 'Update Report', referencing file number 250205/8067.
There's been an abundance of product recalls in the past few weeks. Please check the list below, and click on any products that may affect you so you can see all the details of its recall.
Food:
Heritage Mighty garlic ciabatta
LollyShop brand Frosted Caramels
Mexicano corn chips cheese
… View moreThere's been an abundance of product recalls in the past few weeks. Please check the list below, and click on any products that may affect you so you can see all the details of its recall.
Food:
Heritage Mighty garlic ciabatta
LollyShop brand Frosted Caramels
Mexicano corn chips cheese
Oxford brand steak pie
Sanitarium Up & Go Protein Energize Vanilla
Cape Herb & Spice brand himalayan pink salt, smoky bbq, salt & pepper & seasoned salt
Products:
ProtectorAI balustrade posts - Bunnings
Juniper 2-in-1 baby high chair & swing
Annabel Trends - Baby banana teether - Not Socks
Baby Way NZ baby rocker/bouncer
Fitbit - Sense and Versa 3
Hutchwilco manual inflatable lifejacket
Glow in the dark hooded jumper
Little Bambinos various pyjamas
Muve Baby Way NZ musical bouncer
Arlec power board - Bunnings
HPM Electresafe Powercentre
Polaris RZR Pro R/ Pro R4
ISOFIX rotating car seat
You can see last month's recalls here. We hope this update was helpful!
Struggling to get back into the groove after the holidays?
You're not alone!
January can bring emotional and mental challenges as we transition from holiday cheer to everyday routines.
If you’re finding it tough, these articles offer practical advice for coping with this time of year:
… View moreStruggling to get back into the groove after the holidays?
You're not alone!
January can bring emotional and mental challenges as we transition from holiday cheer to everyday routines.
If you’re finding it tough, these articles offer practical advice for coping with this time of year:
✨ Holiday Hangover Tips – Learn why emotional exhaustion hits hard in January and discover simple strategies to care for your emotional well-being.
✨ Beating the Back-to-Work Blues – Get practical advice to ease back into your work routine while managing mental and emotional fatigue.
Take it one step at a time, look after yourself, and remember: you’ve got this! 💪
Check out both articles below! ⬇️
Taken some beautiful snaps lately? Whether it's rainbows, sunsets or a beautiful summer's day, we'd love you to share the joy with us.
Share a photo in the comments below
FRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 10AM - 2PM
Discover the award-winning lifestyle at Ryman.
Join us at our open days and explore our living and care options, tour our show homes and see the amenities on offer. Plus, attend our open days and you could win a $500 travel voucher* — … View moreFRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 10AM - 2PM
Discover the award-winning lifestyle at Ryman.
Join us at our open days and explore our living and care options, tour our show homes and see the amenities on offer. Plus, attend our open days and you could win a $500 travel voucher* — perfect for embracing new adventures.
*Participating villages only, Ts and Cs apply
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!
We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.
Mark has a huge backyard so … View moreMark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!
We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.
Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.
His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.
Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'
The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!
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