Pou Whakaaro

17/06/2026

Never heard about this scam - but I'm glad I know now.
Be careful not to give your details to anyone, even if it does seem legitimate like a simple QR code.

There is a scam making its way around New Zealand right now and it is catching people completely off guard because it looks nothing like what most of us think a scam looks like.

QR codes have started to become a normal in everyday settings, menus, parking meters, donation boxes, emails from courier companies. We scan them without thinking twice. And that is exactly what scammers are counting on.

QR code scams were nearly non-existent a year ago but now make up one in every ten cyber scams in New Zealand. The way it works is simple. You scan what looks like a legitimate QR code, it takes you to a fake website, and then asks you to enter your credit card details, your Google login, or your Microsoft credentials. By the time you realise something is wrong, your information is already gone.

Before you scan any QR code, take a moment to think about where it came from. If it arrived in an unexpected email or text, do not scan it. If it is asking for payment or login details, go directly to the official website instead.

Learn more at pmgt.org.nz

15/06/2026

The V.W. Cafe is looking for a Part Time Skilled Cafe Worker.
You will be required to work Monday's and Fridays from 8.00am - 2.30pm.
We would ideally like someone who has experience working in a cafe and who has strong food preparation skills.
The cafe is located at 40 TeTahi Street, Whakatane in the CReW building.
Applications are available at 1 Bracken St, Whakatane or by emailing your CV and details to [email protected]

09/06/2026

Just Winter Blues? Maybe not 🤔
For more interesting and useful information about caring for yourself during the winter months, follow the link to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand page.
https://mentalhealth.org.nz/explore-mental-health-wellbeing/

05/06/2026

Would you like to have a go at designing and keeping your own personalised planter box, like this?
It's a perfect time to plant some strawberries for summer 🍓🍓You will have the choice of what you would like to plant in your box (plants and soil are provided)
If you would like to have a go,
contact Jan at Pou Whakaaro on 027 239 1368 for criteria information, a referral or just for some more details.

04/06/2026

This is a really great step forward and is long overdue, for victims whose lives have been destroyed by other people's destructive actions.

New Zealand has just made stalking a standalone criminal offence. From 26 May 2026, stalking and harassment now carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. It is a change that is long overdue.

But it is also a good reminder to know the signs. Stalking does not always look like what we see in movies. It can be subtle and easy to dismiss until it is not.

If you ever notice someone experiencing any of the following, take it seriously.

Unwanted messages or contact that continues after being asked to stop. Someone showing up repeatedly where they have no reason to be. Unexplained gifts from someone who will not take no for an answer. A pattern of behaviour that just feels wrong.

Trust your instincts. You do not have to wait until things get worse to reach out for help.

https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/

03/06/2026

The importance of checking in with those around us, especially the young ones. Hi, how are you doing? start a conversation, it doesn't take much to engage with our youth, even if you think they aren't interested, you never know who needs that small gesture of caring.

New Zealand has recorded one of the highest youth su***de rates in the developed world. With shorter days, less sunlight, and more isolation during winter, the pressure on young people can grow.

The signs are not always obvious. Someone struggling with mental distress could be the loudest child in the class or the quietest. Common signs may include withdrawing from friends, changes in behaviour, or losing interest in things they once loved. Sometimes, there are no obvious signs at all.

Checking in matters, and it is more than a quick “you alright?” Sitting down, listening, and being there without trying to fix everything can make a real difference.

If you are worried about a young person in your life, trust that instinct. Reach out. And if they, or you, need support, help is available.

Youthline: 0800 376 633
Free text: 234
Call or text anytime

Learn more at https://pmgt.org.nz/mental-health/

29/05/2026

Pou Whakaaro will be closed on Monday 1st June 2026

28/05/2026

𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒
@𝐑𝐒𝐀 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞
Wednesday's 9.00am-10.00am - Absolute Beginners

Pou Whakaaro will fund 10 sessions for our group participants, please contact us if you wish to attend this group with Pou Whakaaro ph. 07 3088170
Bring your own money for refreshments and food
𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞? 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨!
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 – 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧, 𝐟𝐮𝐧, 𝐟𝐮𝐧!

27/05/2026

Pou Whakaaro Wicked Weeders Programme
Contact us for more information: 308 8170

27/05/2026

Pou Whakaaro Whakatane - June Monthly Calendar