SCAM ALERT

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Own your Online website is part of the New Zealand government's work to raise understanding of cyber security issues for individuals and businesses, they have shared a message about a new scam that is targeting Kiwis.

Own Your Online say:
We are seeing a significant increase in reporting of ‘Hi Mum’ scams.
A ‘Hi Mum’ scam is a scam where a random message from an unknown number is sent to you claiming to be from a close relative, usually your son or daughter.
The fake relative often claims their phone is broken – which is why they’re contacting you from a different number – and will ask you to do something, sometimes asking you to help them with a payment or to do something by clicking a link.

If you receive one of these, don’t click the links. Try to contact your relative using their normal number which is probably still working.
You can also report these scam messages by forwarding free to Department of Internal Affairs on 7726

Check out Own Your Online scam checklist here.

Poll: Is this the most Kiwiana pie you've heard of?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Kiwiana pie consists of Watties spaghetti and colby cheese in pastry. Is this our most iconic 'Kiwi' pie?

Share your thoughts below!

Is this the most Kiwiana pie you've heard of?

• Yes!
• No, I can think of something else!

Vote View Results

• 13.2% Yes!
  13.2% Complete
• 86.8% No, I can think of something else!
  86.8% Complete

951 votes

Apply now: SPCA Street Appeal 2025 – Volunteer Area Coordinator

The Team from SPCA New Zealand

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals? Do you love events and have strong organizational and administrative skills? Are you calm under pressure, an exceptional communicator, and eager to contribute to a cause that truly matters?

We’re looking for SPCA Street Appeal Coordinators to help organise our sites across your local region. SPCA Street Appeal is a crucial fundraising event that directly supports our mission to protect and care for animals across New Zealand. As an Area Coordinator, your role is vital in ensuring the success of this event. You’ll assist our Events Team by managing volunteers, overseeing rosters and collection sites for your specific areas during the Street Appeal on Friday, May 30th, Saturday, May 31st, and Sunday, June 1st.

Area Coordinators are responsible for:  
• Oversight of the roster for Volunteer Collectors to ensure sites are covered for all 3 days. You will be provided with software to facilitate the rostering.
• Providing instruction and communicating with Volunteer Collectors in your area in the lead up to the appeal.    
• Helping volunteer collectors be familiar with the non-cash donation options available (you will be provided with a full brief on these and systems to be used are incredibly user friendly).
• Being the first point of contact for Volunteer Collectors throughout the collection days.   
• Setting up and visiting sites in your area to ensure everything is running smoothly throughout the two collection days.   
• Banking the money collected in your area. We provide banking bags to make the process easy.  
• Helping us promote the 2025 Street Appeal and encouraging your friends, family, colleagues and contacts to volunteer.  
• Ensuring all event collateral is collected and returned after the event.  

You must be available ALL of Fri 30th, Saturday 31 May & Sun 1st June from approx. 8am-6pm each day and have access to a vehicle. 
You are required to attend one information session – this may be held in person or virtually (details TBA). Collection sites are provided but we really appreciate any suggestions for good areas to book.   
We are more than happy to provide references afterwards.  

This is an opportunity not to be missed to gain valuable experience in the not-for-profit sector and make a real difference in the lives of New Zealand’s animals. 

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Area Coordinator, please contact SPCA Events Team via email events@spca.nz and detail the location you would like to coordinate.