Karaka, Papakura

301 days ago

Police urge parents & young people to be alert when online

The Team from New Zealand Police

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 more
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 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.

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301 days ago

Bev and John’s summer motorhome adventures

Possum Bourne Retirement Village

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.

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301 days ago

Swap food for Resene colour!

Resene

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.
Find out more

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301 days ago

Let us help you start a business and get online.

JumpStarter

Got a business idea but not sure where to start?

Whether it’s a side hustle or your big leap, JumpStarter is here to help you turn your business dreams into reality! From step-by-step guides to practical tips, we’ll walk you through launching your business and building your first website.
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Got a business idea but not sure where to start?

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301 days ago

Pukekohe IHC Op Shop

Janet Wallington from IHC Counties Association Op Shop

After many wonderful years, the IHC Op Shop Counties has closed its doors for the last time.
This isn’t goodbye! We’re relocating and reopening at 33 Edinburgh Street on Friday, 21st February, under the management of Bloom Pukekohe.
Bloom Pukekohe is a charitable trust that provides … View more
After many wonderful years, the IHC Op Shop Counties has closed its doors for the last time.
This isn’t goodbye! We’re relocating and reopening at 33 Edinburgh Street on Friday, 21st February, under the management of Bloom Pukekohe.
Bloom Pukekohe is a charitable trust that provides horticultural and craft activities for young people and adults with intellectual disabilities.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers who have given their time, energy and kindness to make the Op Shop such a special place.
And to our wonderful customers - your support has made a real difference in helping us support people with intellectual disabilities in Counties.
We’re so grateful to have been part of this community.
Stay tuned for what’s next with Bloom Pukekohe!
We will be closing our Facebook page. You can follow Bloom’s Facebook page here: www.facebook.com...

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302 days ago

Congrats to our winner of Best Floral Garden

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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.

309 days ago

We're looking for...The Best Floral Garden

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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!

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 🌿🌱🍃

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302 days ago

CLOSING DOWN SALE

Dave from

ONLY THREE DAYS TO GO - ALL STOCK MUST GO
DISCOUNT BEDS CLOSING DOWN SALE ENDS 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY
THREE DAYS TO GRAB A HUGE DISCOUNT ON BEDS, MATTRESSES, FURNITURE AND MORE

33 EDINBURGH ST PUKEKOHE

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302 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lottery

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 more
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 owner.

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Find out more

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305 days ago

Police seek motorists and footage to SH20 fatality

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for motorists to come forward following a fatality on the South-Western motorway this morning.

A man died on a section of State Highway 20 near Mt Roskill after entering live lanes on the motorway network.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, of Auckland City CIB, … View more
Police are appealing for motorists to come forward following a fatality on the South-Western motorway this morning.

A man died on a section of State Highway 20 near Mt Roskill after entering live lanes on the motorway network.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, of Auckland City CIB, says the pedestrian was struck by at least three vehicles.

“From our enquiries so far, we have established the man entered the northbound on-ramp at Dominion Road at around 1.30am,” she says.

“None of the vehicles stopped at the time.

“Police are asking these motorists to contact us as they are an important part of us establishing the circumstances of this tragic event.”

A scene examination was carried out on a section of State Highway 20 in the early hours of the morning, with those closures having since been lifted.

“An investigation is now underway and it’s important those motorists do the right thing and come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bostock says.

Police are seeking witnesses in the area to come forward that were travelling through the area on State Highway 20, between 1.30am and 2am, to come forward.

“We know there were a number of vehicles passing through, so we’d especially like to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information can contact Police on 105 or attend their local Police station using the reference number 250207/4077.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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306 days ago

Pukekohe IHC Op Shop

Janet Wallington from IHC Counties Association Op Shop

Kia ora! The IHC Op Shop will be closed on Thursday, 6 February for Waitangi Day. We’ll be back on Friday, 7 February, ready to welcome you with more fabulous finds. Enjoy the day, and we’ll see you soon.

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M
307 days ago

Seasons for Growth Programme

Marisa from Clarks Beach - Waiau Pa

SEASONS PROGRAMMES are starting on Thursday 13th of February 4-5pm at the St Andrews Church facility in Pukekohe. This 8 week programme is for children aged 6-12yrs who are struggling with significant changes in their lives. Those experiencing grief, loss or major family changes, our programme can … View moreSEASONS PROGRAMMES are starting on Thursday 13th of February 4-5pm at the St Andrews Church facility in Pukekohe. This 8 week programme is for children aged 6-12yrs who are struggling with significant changes in their lives. Those experiencing grief, loss or major family changes, our programme can help! Through story telling, arts and craft, activities and games, we can give them a safe space to talk and process, alongside others in similar situations. We also have a Parent group running at the same time to help support children through the changes. For more information or to enrol, please contact the Programme coordinator Marisa at seasonsfranklin@xtra.co.nz or ph/txt 021 142 5812.

307 days ago

Bathroom, Laundry or Kitchen Renovations

The Team from The Building Guys

We are a specialist renovation service creating beautiful bathrooms, laundries and kitchens at fair prices. We have a top quality team of tradies in plumbing, electrical and tiling with pride in our workmanship.

Based in East Auckland for over 30 years we have the know how to make your dream … View more
We are a specialist renovation service creating beautiful bathrooms, laundries and kitchens at fair prices. We have a top quality team of tradies in plumbing, electrical and tiling with pride in our workmanship.

Based in East Auckland for over 30 years we have the know how to make your dream build come true 😎👍🏽 Your one stop shop!

If you’re looking for a friendly family-run business with loads of renovation experience then choose us.

Book online using the link below or call Lucy on 021 022 55 388 for a chat about your amazing renovation plans.

Be safe!
Find out more

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335 days ago

Share your summer photos! 📷

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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

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