Supporting our local heroes
If an emergency happens, you know they’re here to help.
If your property catches fire or you’re in a car crash, it is the volunteers and career firefighters of Fire and Emergency New Zealand who come running to help.
As soon as that siren goes, they drop what they’re doing and put your safety first.
Behind our tremendous volunteers are another group of community heroes, who get less attention but are vital to Fire and Emergency.
It’s the employers and co-workers who support our volunteers at work, knowing that at any moment they may need to leave and respond to a crisis.
Did you know Fire and Emergency give recognition to the local businesses who support this important work with the Proud Employer mark?
Look out for this mark on businesses in your community or find out which of your local businesses are Proud Employers of Fire and Emergency volunteers here.
And you can show your support for our hardworking fire crews by making a comment on this post – why not share a tribute you would like to make to our firefighters.
Pictured here are four of the 12,000 volunteers who work across the country. Left to right: Marshall (Marsh) Anderson, Jarrad West, Iain Powell, and Marsh’s brother Ti Anderson. All work at Fonterra and volunteer for the local fire brigade.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.