Northland Rentals
I was surprised to receive an email from Northland Rentals Ltd to tell me that they are going to charge me the insurance excess on damage to the van I rented on Saturday. They say that there was damage to the rear bumper.
It was raining heavily on Saturday at time of pick up (the service person could wait to close the door behind me quick enough) and the usual walk around the van.
When I stopped off at the BP to load ice into the back. I did notice a ding in the back of the door, taking a closer look at noticed a bit of rust. It appears that someone had reversed into something with enough force to push the bumper in and put the dent in the rear door. The damage to the bumper and ding line up perfectly. As you can see from the picture.
As there was rust I thought nothing of it.
Then the surprise came, I was accused of the damage, that ding didn't happen on my watch (if it did, how did it rust so quick) but Northland rentals insists that these dings and dents are two separate accidents, which just a lie. The proof is in the photo.
I can afford the excess, what I cant afford is being treat dishonestly. Shame on Northland Rentals for operating like cheats. We deserve better from local business. Everyone that knows me, knows that they are treated in the utmost professional manner I expect the same.
David W Harrison
Chartered Accountant
PS I wont be booking them again for any golf trips
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Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.