Fraud Awareness Week
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:
+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.
+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.
+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.
+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.
For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:
Have you got a great recipe for feijoas?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for feijoas, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our March 2025 issue.
Favourite holiday finds
Hi there,
We're putting together an article on Kiwis' favourite holiday finds, and would love to hear about any great new places you discovered on your holidays and are happy to share.
It could be a beach you'd never been to before, a walking track you'd never tried, a town that pleasantly surprised you or a particularly good cafe, restaurant or bar. Please feel free to comment here or to message me directly. Please put 'NFP' in your comment or message if you do not want your name or suggestion published.
Thank you very much in advance.
Have you got an amazing shed? Show us!
Last year, Whangārei's Angela Lucas and Mike Mattin, pictured here with Cashew, saw their “tilted” shed named Resene Shed of the Year. They received a $1599 GARDENA SILENO City 250 robot lawnmower and $1000 worth of Resene paints/wood stains, as well as a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. This year's prizes are up for grabs, so it's time to send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops.