Abuse in the Neighbourhood
Didn't think quick enough late yesterday afternoon. Perhaps it was the cold weather or a Corgi that just wanted to keep going.
Walking past a little 9-10 year old, innocent-looking bare footed and thin school green coloured shirted sleeveless boy who was favouring his arm and shoulder and crying and shivering. So I enquired if he was alright and he shyly said no. He said he had been kicked out of his home after he agreed with me his father had bashed him. Later he said his mother was also at home. He denied he had done anything wrong. He said he had nowhere to go and no close by people he knew.
I told him that he should talk to a teacher that he likes at his school and the teacher will surely do something for him because most teachers are good like that and they have contact details and maybe history.
I was about to take him to my home get him warmed and drive him to his home. But I hesitated. Later my wife said if I had brought a complete stranger child home I could have been accused of being involved in pedophilia.
I chose not to walk with him to his home and confront a maybe vicious, drugged parent and later the child would probably suffer the consequences for bringing another person into the "fray".
Maybe he was not guiltless as he said and looked and did do something to raise the ire of his parent/s. But of course physical reaction on children is outlawed in NZ.
I suppose I could have phoned the police and wait around for ages for them to turn up. In the end I left the poor kid sitting on the wet grass underneath a Totara tree in The Reserve.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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43.6% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.4% I still indulge at my local cafe
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10.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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