Getting prepared for cyclone Gita
We’ve all got a part to play in being prepared for emergencies. Current MetService predictions are telling us cyclone Gita could be quite severe. To make sure you protect your home and property we recommend you:
- Check your guttering is clear.
- Check and clear the area around any drains you have on your property.
- If you’re aware of any areas where water collects or flows through your property, sandbags can help keep it away. Sandbags can be found at DIY stores such as Mitre10 and Bunnings.
- Have a look at the gutter and street drains outside your property. Are they clear of leaf litter and other debris? If you notice any significant blockages contact your local council.
- Put any rubbish in your wheelie-bin and tie down anything that might get caught in the wind, such as BBQ covers and trampolines.
- Check on your neighbours, and help them out if you can.
Flood events happen quickly, and can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
Stay out of flood waters, as there is a risk manhole lids have come loose, there could be debris floating in the water, and it can be contaminated with sewerage.
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
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!
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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66.9% Yes
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32.9% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
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