Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is the second day of showcasing two of our AMI Community Grant finalists to share a bit more about the great work that they're doing in Kiwi communities. You can help support these organisations by voting for them to win their share of $20,000.
North Shore Initial Response Trust
Every week we voluntarily train to prepare for disasters when emergency services require additional support in searches for missing people, sandbagging to protect properties from flooding, and helping limit damage to people and properties following events such as tornadoes, storms and tsunamis. As a group of volunteers, we are not paid for any of this activity. Since the equipment is exposed to extreme weather events and difficult environments, it regularly needs to be replaced. There is some vital equipment we are in need of in order to be able to continue our dedicating our time to helping keep people safe. VOTE NOW!
Riverton Community Garden Project
Our goal is to create a self-funding, sustainable food producing garden that can eventually start to give back to those most in need within our community, such as struggling families, and the elderly. We rely on various age groups to look after the garden, including the Riverton Primary School, Aparima College (local high school) and Riverton Childcare and other local volunteers. We are seeking funding to establish infrastructure to support the garden for many years to come. VOTE NOW!
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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.