Cannons Creek, Porirua

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92 days ago

Deirdre’s Cheese Puffs

Malvina Major 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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92 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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93 days ago

What's our best winter activities?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?

Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?

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93 days ago

Feel your best self at Ryman

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Moving into a serviced apartment at Ryman means there’s less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time for family and friends.

Feel safe and secure at a Ryman village, where beautiful gardens provide the backdrop for a host of on-site amenities.
Find out more

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94 days ago

Looking for a Scrabble Whizz!

Steph Deegan from Age Concern Wellington Region

A lovely 96 year old gentleman and scrabble whizz is looking for a worthy opponent - be warned he is very good!
You would need to travel to him in the Porirua area. Please get in touch if you could commit to a regular visit and we will put you in touch with his family to make the connection.

95 days ago

What's your favourite rhubarb recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.

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95 days ago

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made … View more
Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
Find out more

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95 days ago

Volunteer role

Volunteer Wellington

Are you a warm and welcoming person who enjoys connecting with others and sharing parenting experiences? Join Whanau Awhina Plunket as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and become a vital part of their supportive Community Services team. In this role, you'll create a relaxed and inviting … View moreAre you a warm and welcoming person who enjoys connecting with others and sharing parenting experiences? Join Whanau Awhina Plunket as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and become a vital part of their supportive Community Services team. In this role, you'll create a relaxed and inviting space where parents with babies of all ages can gather informally each week. Your responsibilities will include setting up a cozy meeting area, greeting parents with a friendly smile and a drink, and fostering lasting connections. Help Whanau Awhina Plunket build a supportive environment where parents can share their joys and challenges. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of fellow parents and their precious pepi, volunteer as a Drop-In Coffee Group Facilitator and be part of something truly special.
For more information, and to register your interest, please visit our website at:
tinyurl.com...

Image from www.freepik.com...

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113 days ago

What's the best way to keep grocery shopping bills down?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are still feeling the pinch and the weekly shop is no different. So we are after your cost-saving tips please, neighbours!

What’s the best way you've found to cut down on your grocery bill? Share below (and hear tips from others!)

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L
96 days ago

Builder

Lois from Whitby

want a mezzanine floor, bathroom wall mold cleaned, step replaced, small decks steps from old gate made and other small mahi done...ideas of extension to front rooms costing

98 days ago

Poll: Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?

Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?
  • 71.1% Yes
    71.1% Complete
  • 28.1% No
    28.1% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
1976 votes
J
97 days ago
98 days ago

Create your own water garden

The Team from Resene ColorShop Petone

Enjoy water-loving plants in any part of your garden with this easy-to-build water planter finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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123 days ago

Show us your winter craft or DIY projects

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.

Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may … View more
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.

Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!

99 days ago

LOVE TO DANCE | Applications open now!

Malvina Major Retirement Village

Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View more
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!

Know someone who could use our support? Click read more to apply!

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