Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Head to our Know Thy Neighbour page.

75 days ago

Latest scam - nationwide

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.

The recipient is directed to reply within 72 … View more
Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.

The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances.

Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond.

While the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.

Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.

Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...

Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...

Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.

Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via www.police.govt.nz.... Please reference file number 240830/5842.

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75 days ago

Colour my day - wardrobe makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Naenae

Splashes of Resene colour and pattern in unexpected places add personality and a little whimsy to our homes.

Start with this super easy wardrobe door project.

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76 days ago
77 days ago

Staying Safe Refresher Course for Older Drivers

Steph Deegan from Age Concern Wellington Region

It's your turn Wainui and Lower Hutt!

Would you or someone you know like a refresher about safety on our roads.

Come along to Age Concerns Staying Safe Classroom based course at the Wainui Hub on Thursday 19th September. All the information is provided and it includes free lunch and … View more
It's your turn Wainui and Lower Hutt!

Would you or someone you know like a refresher about safety on our roads.

Come along to Age Concerns Staying Safe Classroom based course at the Wainui Hub on Thursday 19th September. All the information is provided and it includes free lunch and morning tea plus great company.
Register at www.acwellington.org.nz... or call us on 04 4996646

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77 days ago

Volunteer Wellington Training

Volunteer Wellington

Volunteer Wellington’s Upcoming Training Sessions:

1) How to Attract, Engage and Empower Youth Volunteers

This half day workshop will help you understand youth motivations, create youth-friendly roles and attract and engage with them.

Where: The Garden Room, 170 Victoria Street, … View more
Volunteer Wellington’s Upcoming Training Sessions:

1) How to Attract, Engage and Empower Youth Volunteers

This half day workshop will help you understand youth motivations, create youth-friendly roles and attract and engage with them.

Where: The Garden Room, 170 Victoria Street, Wellington
When: Wednesday11th September
Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm
Fees: $30 for Members. $60 for Non-Members

2) Cybersecurity Made Simple

Cybercrime has affected New Zealand organisations from government agencies like the Reserve Bank, to big corporations like NZX, to small businesses and individuals. And charities and not-for-profits aren't immune.

Where: Zoom
When: Wednesday 25th of September
Time: 10.00am - 11.00am
Fees: FREE

3) Having Difficult Conversations

Not sure how to start or conduct a difficult conversation? In this workshop you will learn practical skills, enhance your communication, and improve your relationships.

Where: The Garden Room, 170 Victoria Street, Wellington
When: 14th of October
Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm
Fees: $65 Members, $85 Non-Members

For more information, please visit our website at:
volunteerwellington.nz...

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77 days ago

Redefining retirement

Shona McFarlane Retirement Village

The meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, … View moreThe meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even launching new careers.

Living in a retirement village doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with work either; rather, it offers the opportunity to explore different activities, pursue long-held passions, and discover new interests. In fact, many people find the lifestyle gives them more freedom to stay engaged and active through work they enjoy.

Click read more for the full story.

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86 days ago

Poll: Do you believe in ghosts?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Just for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!

Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences … View more
Just for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!

Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences in the comments below.

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Do you believe in ghosts?
  • 55% Yes
    55% Complete
  • 43% No
    43% Complete
  • 2% Other - I'll share below
    2% Complete
2452 votes
78 days ago

Light the way

The Team from Resene ColorShop Naenae

Give your decor a twist with some two-toned clay candleholders in an array of Resene testpot paint colours.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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79 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lottery

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in picturesque Cooks Beach, worth over $1.2 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in picturesque Cooks Beach, worth over $1.2 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this coastal property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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79 days ago

Road slips, road closures and heavy rainfall

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The lower North Island is being battered by heavy rain, with authorities telling people in Wellington to limit travel.

What you need to know:
- Some roads have flooded around the region, with NZTA Waka Kotahi saying SH2 near Petone had one northbound lane closed.
- Police said on social media … View more
The lower North Island is being battered by heavy rain, with authorities telling people in Wellington to limit travel.

What you need to know:
- Some roads have flooded around the region, with NZTA Waka Kotahi saying SH2 near Petone had one northbound lane closed.
- Police said on social media flooding and slips had been reported on SH2, particularly between Petone and Silverstream. They are warning people to take care driving
- A train was hit by rockfall on the Kāpiti line and reversed away from it so commuters could get off at the Paekākāriki station.
- Hutt Valley High School closed due to burst water main
- Wellington Region Emergency Management Office is urging residents in the Greater Wellington region to work from home today if they can, due to heavy rain in the region.
Chair Anita Baker told RNZ she was expecting heavy rain in another hour. She said teams were meeting about whether to kick in emergency responses.
- Flooding and slips have been reported on a number of roads, including parts of State Highway 2, particularly between Petone and Silverstream. Police ask motorists to take care by reducing speed, using headlights and watching your visibility.
- Lower Hutt battered by heaviest rainfall in the region overnight
- Cars being removed from Hutt City carpark due to flooding.
- The Riverbank carpark in Lower Hutt is closed due to flooding, with contractors removing the cars currently parked there.
- At 7.48am SH2 is wet at Melling in Lower Hutt and traffic is backed up

Weather warnings:
- An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Tararua Range, Kāpiti Coast and north Wellington.
- heavy rain watch was also in place from 8am to 6pm for Horowhenua.
- Some roads have flooded around the region, with NZTA Waka Kotahi saying SH2 near Petone had one northbound lane closed.
- An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Tararua Range, Kāpiti Coast and north Wellington.
- A heavy rain watch was also in place from 8am to 6pm for Horowhenua.

Keep up to date with latest updates on the Stuff website.

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80 days ago

Celebrate Father’s Day with the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Mags4Gifts

Father’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.

View more
Father’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.

Visit mags4gifts.co.nz before 1 September to enjoy generous savings of up to 29%* on magazine subscriptions. Don’t forget to include a personalised message with our free e-card service. *T&Cs apply.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Find out more

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95 days ago

Poll: Have you kept trinkets from your life?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Many of us are sentimental about our childhoods and lives, and some even collect things to remember moments or people.

Share what you've held on to over the years and whether you still have it today. Feel free to share photos too, we'd love to see.

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Have you kept trinkets from your life?
  • 88.6% Yes
    88.6% Complete
  • 11.4% No
    11.4% Complete
1474 votes
82 days ago

Product recall - Antipasto products

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.

"The concern with these products is that they may contain… View more
Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.

"The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them out.

The following products, within the date markings below, are affected by this recall:
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 - 20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 27/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 - 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 - 30/04/25
Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 - 25/12/24
Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 - 1/01/25
Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 - 25/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024

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82 days ago

Deirdre’s Cheese Puffs

Shona McFarlane Retirement Village

Deirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.

Watch her journey of teaching, retirement … View more
Deirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.

Watch her journey of teaching, retirement and still working. Plus, we’ve included the recipe to her cheese puffs which were gobbled up by our camera crew because they’re delicious!

Click read more for the full recipe.

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82 days ago

A warning about 'Task Scams' in Wellington

The Team from Wellington District Police

Police are aware of reports emerging in the Wellington police district where people have lost money though a “Task Scam”. A Task Scam is a form of online fraud where individuals are deceived into completing tasks under the belief they are in employment.

Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp, Wellington … View more
Police are aware of reports emerging in the Wellington police district where people have lost money though a “Task Scam”. A Task Scam is a form of online fraud where individuals are deceived into completing tasks under the belief they are in employment.

Sergeant Rowen Steenkamp, Wellington Police says “Most online scams request money or personal information, Task Scams are more deceptive, requiring you to complete activities that seem easy or attainable. These include such things as, writing a specified number of online reviews for consumables like luxury travel packages, household products and cosmetics.

Sergeant Steenkamp says at least eight cases have been reported to date in Wellington including some involving significant financial losses, which includes two cases where the victims have lost in excess of $100k (137,000 and 105,000).

“In the recent cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an increase in people having second jobs or side hustles. As a result, what is known as a Task Scam has emerged as a particularly deceptive threat.

“These scams imitate legitimate earning opportunities, with the ability to seemingly work around your lifestyle when and how you please.”

Wellington-based man *Peter is speaking out to help prevent others falling into the same trap. *Peter lost nearly $22,000 to a Task Scam last month. He was lured in by the chance of some easy money and regrets his decision.

*Peter says it’s the first time he’d ever been scammed and never expected he would fall for it.

“I have lost a significant amount of my life savings, I had to stop ‘working the task’ because I had no money left.

“But then my (fake) “supervisor” encouraged me to borrow money from a friend, or to apply for a loan from a bank, or online loan website.

“They build trust, they monitor your progress like any other good manager would. They offer advice, before requesting more and more financial investments to enable you to move through to reviewing higher value items, it’s very convincing.”

“I urge people to be very careful online and avoid any schemes which offer easy cash,” he says.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦?
Scammers are using various online platforms, from reputable job websites to social media channels, to unsolicited approaches on chat platforms.

“The scam operates on the allure of easy money. These offers typically promise high returns for simple tasks, instantly sounding appealing. In recent cases we have seen people offered $200-500 for 30 online product reviews, with higher-end items such a cruises claiming to provide even higher rates of commission,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.

The victim is assigned a manager who contacts them via Whatsapp, Telegram or Messenger using spoofing websites.

Spoofing is where someone disguises an email address, phone number, or website URL to appear to be from a local, trusted source.

The most enticing piece of these scams is the lure of easy money. Victims are promised hefty commissions upon completion of tasks. However, in most cases, they pay large sums of money to completing ‘training’, or to enable them to progress to the next task.

These are more often paid into crypto wallets or offshore bank accounts and the money is never seen again,” says Sergeant Steenkamp.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬:
The consequence of falling for a task scam is often huge financial loss. Recently, we have seen losses ranging from $7000 - $120,000. Globally, victims are thought to have lost more than $185 million.

In addition, the emotional and psychological distress, the feelings of betrayal and deception can have a lasting effect.

Remember this advice to help keep yourself safe:

• Confirm job offers: Thoroughly research the company and confirm the job exists, especially if you are approached via social media or chat platforms.

• The saying rings true: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Be cautious of earning high money for little effort.

• Ask other opinions: Ask your friends or whanau their thoughts on the job offers, a second set of eyes my see something you don’t.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...

*Peter is not the victim’s real name

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