1717 days ago

We Say/You Say: Policing social media

Reporter Whangārei Leader

Hi Whangārei,

Three tools have been trialled or used by Police to search publicly available information during investigations, but they will not reveal which ones.

Some of these have sparked controversy overseas, including one tool that was used to track Black Lives Matter protesters or monitor electronic chatter.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has defended using these digital tools, and faced criticism for it, with digital rights groups worried online surveillance is escalating.

Auckland technologist Andrew Chen has argued police need to more transparent when deploying a tool and its justification.

Police said the 2020 stocktake was a "snapshot" only and was only revealing what it could to build public confidence.

What do you think about this approach? Find out more by clicking the 'Read More' button. You can share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your local community paper.

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More messages from your neighbours
22 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

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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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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6 hours ago

Step by step for a great cause!

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!

Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.

Click read more to read the full story.

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