New Zealand Police Managers' Guild Trust

🛟 Nearly 900 people across NZ required rescue from the water this summer, according to Surf Life Saving New Zealand. That's an average of 29 rescues every week.

Research conducted by the University of Otago and Water Safety New Zealand found that participation in swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% among children aged 0 to 4 years https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=836094118547362&set=pb.100064403451084.-2207520000&type=3

Further research from the University of Otago suggests another interesting finding: that teaching water safety in natural open-water environments is MORE effective than traditional pools https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=826877202802387&set=pb.100064403451084.-2207520000&type=3

With proper education and early intervention, we can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, especially among young children. Access lifesaving resources on Water Safety at https://pmgt.org.nz/home-safety/ -safety

Thank you to Fieldays and ENGCO https://engco.co.nz/ for sponsoring our organisation.

Three Kiwi lives were tragically lost in house fires this week alone: a 16-year-old last Wednesday and two people in a South Auckland blaze on Monday.

According to AMI insurance, here are the top 5 causes of house fires in New Zealand homes during winter:

🔥 Kitchen Fires: particularly unattended cooking.
🔥 Fireplace Fires: Due to chimneys not being swept and carpet catching alight from sparks.
🔥 Garage Fires: Often from charging batteries and heaters.
🔥 Electric Blanket Fires: These are also commonly left in garages and catch alight when faulty.
🔥 Other Electrical Issues: Due to faulty wiring and overloaded circuits.

Remember, if there's a fire, evacuate immediately and don't worry about your things. Things can be replaced with insurance.

For additional fire safety resources visit https://pmgt.org.nz/home-safety/

Thank you to Pitstop NZ and Mastercraft Kitchens NZ for sponsoring our organisation.

New Zealand Police Managers’ Guild Trust The Police Managers' Guild Trust provide New Zealanders with support and useful information that helps them to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

New Zealand was revealed to have the highest school bullying rates in the developed world.

Be an upstander, not a bystander.

Seatoun School teaches this in their anti-bullying program called KiVa which was developed in Finland to promote positive interactions among students and empower them to be "upstanders rather than bystanders".

Looking at international data, KiVa has demonstrably reduced bullying rates in over 25 countries.

If we can help one child go to school and not be bullied, then we have made a difference. If we can drop it by a quarter or more then we've made a huge difference.

Find resources on Child Safety at https://pmgt.org.nz/child-safety/

Thank you to New Zealand Bloodstock and Ovation New Zealand for sponsoring our organisation.

Scammers are impersonating loved ones, claiming to have lost their phones and need urgent financial help.

➡ Here's how the scam works:
• You receive a message from an unknown number, pretending to be a friend or family member.
• The scammer claims to have a new phone and asks you to save their number.
• They'll then create a story about needing money due to a lost phone or unexpected situation with the goal of tricking you into revealing your credit card or bank details.

Remember, legitimate companies WON’T ask for your bank details over WhatsApp.

Verify their identity by asking a personal question only your real friend or family member would know (birthday, nickname, etc.) and if you suspect anything suspicious, report it to your bank and the Police.

Access more Online Safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/online-safety/

Thank you to NZ Limited and (Gisborne, New Zealand) for sponsoring our organisation.

Over 2200 cases of elder abuse are reported every year, but it is estimated that 3/4 of cases go unreported.

Most cases involve more than one form of abuse
79% involve psychological abuse
54% involve financial abuse
19% involve physical abuse
17% involve neglect
1% involve sexual abuse

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, don't suffer in silence.

Reach out to one of our free elder abuse helplines available on our website at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/ -abuse-directory or visit Age Concern NZ https://www.ageconcern.org.nz/

Thank you to Bakers Delight Pukekohe and & Associates Ltd for sponsoring our organisation.

Over 2200 vehicles were stolen in Hamilton in the past year, equating to 6 per day!

That's according to new police data, highlighting the importance of taking these steps to secure your car:

• Park smart: Choose secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Don't tempt thieves: Remove all valuables from your car, or keep them out of sight.
• Invest in deterrents: Consider installing an alarm, steering wheel lock, or wheel clamp.
• Consider CCTV: If you have a designated parking spot, installing a security camera can add an extra layer of protection.

Always report a stolen vehicle immediately to the police as well as any suspicious behaviour https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/how-can-i-report-that-my-car-has-been-stolen

Find a more comprehensive guide at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -let-them-take-your-car

Thank you to Otumoetai Automotive http://www.otumoetaiautomotive.co.nz and Bay Espresso In The Village for sponsoring our organisation.

While winter brings cozy nights, it also increases the risk of house fires, most commonly caused by heaters and electric blankets.

During 2017-2020, there was a 29% increase in the number of house fires in winter (Jun-Aug) according to FENZ.

🛏️ Focus on heating appliance safety by checking storage and usage guidelines for electric blankets.

🔥 Maintain a one-meter distance between heaters and flammable objects and prevent chimney flue fires by having them professionally cleaned.

🏠 Explore the FENZ website for valuable resources on smoke alarms, lithium battery safety, and crafting a household fire escape plan.

Find more comprehensive fire safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/home-safety/

Thank you to Marsh & Irwin Ltd http://www.marshirwin.co.nz and Rowan Law & Associates Limited for sponsoring our organisation.

What types of drivers have accidents?

Bad drivers? Drunk drivers? Speeding drivers? International drivers?

Rural drivers? Urban drivers? Motorcyclists? Young drivers? Old drivers?

People who drive for a living? Good drivers? People who don’t drive (cyclists, pedestrians)?

It's all of the above. Road safety is everyone's responsibility.

Find road safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -safety

Post originally published by South Canterbury Road Safety.

Thank you to Brackens Print and Signs and Mangawhai Focus for sponsoring our organisation.

Kmart is urgently recalling a specific design of their children's pyjamas due to a fire safety hazard.

The pyjamas are the Little Boys Sleep Twosie in Dino design. These PJs don't have the correct fire safety label and don't meet the mandatory safety standards for children's sleepwear in New Zealand.

Product Safety New Zealand warns that there's a serious risk of burns if the arm with the raised edge gets near a heat source or flame.

What to do:
- Stop using the pyjamas immediately.
- Take them to your nearest Kmart store for a full refund.
- Spread the word to other parents and caregivers!

View the full article here https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-business/childrens-pyjamas-recalled-due-fire-safety-risk to view the recalled pyjamas.

Find more fire safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/home-safety/

Thank you to Capitol Signs and Classic Carpets Flooring Xtra New Plymouth for sponsoring our organisation.

There's been a significant increase in number plate thefts across New Zealand, according to police figures.

Auckland City seems to be the hotspot, followed by Waitematā and Canterbury.

"I think it's something like 17 cars this week alone, as many as 30 sometimes across the greater Auckland area," Merril Bourne from Community Patrols New Zealand said.

Community Patrols NZ, working alongside the police, has a program called Safer Plates. Their volunteers install tamper-proof screws on cars in busy areas, making it much harder for thieves to steal your plates.

Find more Car Theft prevention resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -let-them-take-your-car

Thank you to Midlands and Aki Sushi for sponsoring our organisation.

⚠️ Share this with a family you know ⚠️

Two young children have tragically died in separate driveway accidents within a week in a rural South Auckland settlement.

The most recent incident occurred yesterday afternoon on Karaka Rd, Karaka. Police arrived at the scene around 3:30pm, but the child was declared dead.

This comes just four days after another child under the age of four was killed in a driveway accident on Mellsop Ave in Waiuku.

Unfortunately, NZ has one of the highest rates of childhood driveway deaths and injuries in the world. According to government figures, an average of five children die and another child is injured in a driveway accident every two weeks.

Matthew-Wilson, a road safety campaigner, points out that reversing cameras and beeping sensors can significantly reduce the number of driveway accidents involving pedestrians. While these technologies may not have prevented every accident, data suggests they are a crucial safety measure.

Make checking your driveway a habit you never break.

Find more on child safety at https://pmgt.org.nz/child-safety/ -kids-road-safe

Thank you to Palmerston North Boys' High School and Tradezone Frankton / Te Rapa for sponsoring our organisation.

55% of drivers admitted to being distracted while driving.

Additionally, 21% confessed to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol new research by AMI Insurer reveals.

Mobile phones, in particular, emerge as a significant culprit, with an overwhelming 68% of respondents considering mobile phones to be the biggest distraction while driving.

Plan ahead before you hit the road - “Set up your navigation system, choose your music playlist, and set your temperature controls before you leave, or have your front-seat passenger do this for you,” says Mr Tippet from AMI.

For more Road Safety resources, visit https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -safety

Thank you to Te Awamutu Medical Centre and PD Automotive for sponsoring our organisation.

Between 2022 and 2023, New Zealand authorities witnessed an alarming increase of nearly 5000 additional referrals from the Cyber Tipline, encompassing instances of sextortion and the dissemination of child sexual abuse material online 🚫 💻

Operated by America’s National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Cyber Tipline serves as a vital reporting platform for the public and organizations to notify NCMEC about sexually explicit content involving children.

Over the past year, NCMEC received a staggering total of 36.2 million Cyber Tipline Reports, reflecting a significant rise. Despite young New Zealanders constituting a small proportion of these reports, they reflect a concerning trend. Among the 36.2 million reports, New Zealand agencies, such as DIA, Customs, and Police, received 19,865 referrals in 2023, a notable increase from just over 15,000 in 2022.

Keep It Real Online provides excellent resources to tamariki, parents, and educators about staying safe online https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/

Access more online safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/online-safety/

Article originally published by NZ Police

Thank you to Nova Health and Iceman Whakatane for sponsoring our organisation.

The name "Women's Refuge" might make you think it's only for women. But that's not the case! Men experiencing domestic violence can also get help there.

Hawke's Bay Today reporter Mitchell Hageman spoke to Vincent, a man who found himself in this situation. When his wife became violent, his first concern was his daughter's safety. Knowing they needed a safe place, he called Women's Refuge.

"I actually called them to get some help for my daughter," Vincent says, "but they said, 'We take men now as well.'"

With nowhere else to go, Women's Refuge staff, under Family VIP services, stepped in. They provided Vincent and his daughter with crucial support.

Natasha Dodds, a whanau support advocate for transitional housing at Family VIP Services, emphasizes, "Even though we don't have a specific refuge for men, we can still help them in the community and wrap those supports around them."

Thank you to PRINCE Motor Lodge and Dunedin Monumental Masons Ltd for sponsoring our organisation.

New Zealand faces a critical issue with one of the highest youth su***de rates in developed countries.

Our su***de rate is higher than Ireland’s or the United Kingdom’s.

The good news is, that ordinary people can make a significant difference.
Approximately 80% of su***des are prevented by non-professional, ordinary people.

By starting conversations to show you care, and connecting them with resources like Lifeline or Youthline, you can be a powerful force in preventing youth su***de. Remember, you don't have to be an expert – a listening ear and a caring heart can make all the difference.

Access free 24/7 available, and confidential mental health helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/ -health-directory

Thank you to John Marshall & Co http://www.joma.nz and OCTA Project Management for sponsoring our organisation.

A business has lost $500,000 in a single transaction after its email system was hacked.

These scams involve sophisticated phishing emails designed to invade business systems, potentially bypassing some multi-factor authentication (2FA) methods.

Once compromised, hackers can leverage email access to modify real documents, compromise other accounts, and even hide fraudulent invoices, making detection difficult.

Businesses must be wary of suspicious links and attachments, verify urgent requests independently, and prioritize implementing robust 2FA systems on all email accounts.

Find more on Privacy information and Security at https://pmgt.org.nz/online-safety/ -and-information-security or watch out for the latest scam alerts at https://netsafe.org.nz/latest-scams/

Thank you to Cemac Commercial Interiors http://www.cemac.co.nz and Total Services 1998 https://www.totalservices1998.co.nz/ for sponsoring our organisation.

Data from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand reveals that a substantial portion of employees experience mental health difficulties. A concerning 33% of individuals using mental health services report apprehension about workplace discrimination, hindering their job applications.

Additionally, the prevalence of workplace bullying impacts 2 out of 5 employees.

If you are experiencing workplace bullying, psychological stress, or any other mental health concern, free and confidential helplines are available 24/7: https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/ -health-directory.

Thank you to Richard Buchanan & Co https://rbco.co.nz/ # and Offshore & Coastal Engineering Ltd http://www.ocel.co.nz for sponsoring our organisation.

From June - September 2023, Westpac customers spent $136.8 million with online gambling merchants.

"In one example, a customer received an inheritance payment of more than $100,000, then over the next 12 days spent more than $15,000 gambling online," Ms Brock says.

When the block is in place, it means a customer can't use their card for online transactions with gambling businesses (the transaction will be declined). The block doesn't stop transactions at physical gambling locations, such as casinos, or buying a lottery ticket at a retail outfit.

Once the block has been set up, it will stay in place for a minimum of three months before a customer can request to remove it.

Learn more on Westpac’s website at https://www.westpac.co.nz/about-us/media/westpac-nz-introduces-gambling-account-block-to-support-customers/

Access free gambling helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/

Thank you to Melray Electric Limited and Cookson Forbes and associates limited http://www.cooksonforbes.co.nz for sponsoring our organisation.

Every weekend 80,000 doses of the illegal party drug M**A are taken around New Zealand.

That’s the number Casey Spearin, the drug-checking program KnowYourStuff manager, quotes from police wastewater testing data.

“That’s just M**A, that’s not including all the other things that people take,” she says.

Reports are also showing that Dunedin students are increasingly using recreational drugs like M**A with Otago University expressing their concern last month.

Drug testing clinics don't just tell people what's in their drugs. They have a confidential harm reduction conversation with every person who walks through the door about ways to stay safer. To find a drug testing clinic near you, visit https://knowyourstuff.nz/events-2/

If you need help with your drug use, access our list of free drug use helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/ -&-alcohol-directory

Thank you to Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and & Civil for sponsoring our organisation.

Mobile phone driving offenses jumped over 25% year-on-year according to the latest Police statistics.

Using a handheld mobile device while driving increases the likelihood of a fatal crash by 4x.

Whether expressed as a fourfold increase, a 400% rise in risk, or simply as four times more likely, the message is clear: The danger is significant ⚠️

Is that a gamble you're willing to take?

Find resources on Road Safety at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -safety

Information sourced from Road Sense Au, Statistic from Towards Zero 2021.

Thank you to Haddock Spraypainters & Panelbeaters Ltd https://haddockspanelandpaint.co.nz/ and Loggers Shop for sponsoring our organisation.

MORE THAN HALF of the calls to the National Poisons Centre involve children under the age of 5 in New Zealand.

Among the medicines most frequently involved in the poisoning of young children are our household staples like Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatories, Thyroid medicines, Multivitamins, Antihistamines, Antibiotics, Oral contraceptives, and even seemingly harmless Cold and flu medicines 💊

Keep your medicines away from children's curious eyes and hands by keeping them out of reach and out of sight.

If someone has swallowed a chemical or poison, contact the Poison Information Service immediately on 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON).

Find more child safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/child-safety/ -safety-tips

Thank you to RSA Whakatane and Alpers Lodge https://alperslodge.co.nz/ for sponsoring our organisation.

New Zealand saw a surge in retail crime in 2023, with nearly 150,000 incidents reported to police.

That statistic translates to:
- Over 12,000 crimes reported monthly
- More than 400 incidents every single day
- Or one crime against a retailer every 3.5 minutes!

What you can do to prevent and deter crime against your business:

➡️ The NZ Police reports that businesses that provide regular training to their employees experience a 70% decrease in internal theft incidents. Invest in comprehensive employee training programs that emphasize the identification and prevention of retail crime.

➡️ According to the NZ Security Association, businesses that have installed surveillance cameras observe a 30% decline in instances of shoplifting and theft. Install surveillance cameras.

➡️ The NZ Crime Prevention Unit revealed that businesses with well-lit exteriors experienced a 50% decrease in attempted theft and shoplifting incidents. Maintain proper lighting both inside and outside your retail premises.

Access more information at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/ -in-the-workplace

Thank you to Naturally Yarns and Letton Kerb & Channel Limited http://www.kerbandchannel.net.nz for sponsoring our organisation.

95% of parents think they're clued in on their kids' online activities, yet 17% of children disagree.

Two-thirds of kids have bad online experiences, but only 45% of parents know.

Even when doing homework, 70% of kids come across inappropriate or violent content.

Stay alert and keep your kids safe online ➡️ https://pmgt.org.nz/online-safety/

Thank you to Electrinet https://electrinet.co.nz/contact/ and B.O.P Memorials - The Bays Headstone Shop for sponsoring our organisation.

If chocolate, hot cross buns, and Easter egg hunts are on your agenda this long weekend, make sure they are kept well away from your dog.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) warns these seemingly harmless treats include ingredients that may be TOXIC to our canine friends.

The reminder comes ahead of a traditionally busy weekend for veterinary clinics across Aotearoa, many of which are already overstretched.

By keeping emergency services for “emergencies only” it means very sick animals can receive the treatment they need quickly, and vet teams are not overwhelmed with pets that do not require emergency care.

Access more Animal Welfare resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/animal-abuse/

Thank you to SEEK NZ and Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd for sponsoring our organisation.

A recent report to the Minister of ACC has revealed a shocking 411% increase in sexual abuse and assault claims since 2014, surging from $58.6 million to $299.4 million in 2023.

Additionally, the Ministry of Justice recently estimated that more than one in five (23%) New Zealand adults experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

No matter when the assault happened – whether it be three days or three years ago - you can always report the crime. You can do this by calling 105 or visiting your local police station and asking to speak with an officer.

For information on what you can expect when reporting a sexual assault, this guide may be useful ➡️ https://www.thebravefoundation.org.nz/site_files/35500/upload_files/victims-sexual-assault-booklet.pdf?dl=1

Find free sexual abuse helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/

Thank you to DHMC and Chapman Upchurch for sponsoring our organisation.

New data shows crime is shattering the tranquillity of rural New Zealand.

Last year saw a significant uptick in animal theft (20%), illegal street racing (10.8%), and poaching (7.8%).

A Federated Farmers survey of over 1000 respondents reveals that 67% have experienced or suspected crime in the past two years, with the Waikato area bearing the brunt.

A mobile application called Rural Lookout was launched in May 2022 and is piloting in North Canterbury. With 3,823 downloads and 492 reports submitted, it's proving effective in mobilizing communities against crime. You can download the app here ➡️ https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/rural-lookout/id1611641235

Access additional crime prevention resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/safer-communities/

Thank you to The Bolt Shop and Weighbatch NZ Ltd http://www.weighbatch.com for sponsoring our organisation.

Over 50% of elder abuse cases seen by Age Concern involved financial abuse.

Recent research reveals that important conversations about financial matters with aging parents are being delayed… often until it’s too late.

The absence of these conversations can lead to disputes or misunderstandings between family members about what their parents want 👩‍🦳👴

‘’Some of the elder abuse cases are actually due to sibling disagreements around what they believe mum or dad would want. The cost of going through the courts to resolve those things is really high, monetarily and emotionally, on a family.” says Age Concern chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen.

Remember, older people ... should be engaged and have input into the decisions that have been made about them.

For resources on Elder Abuse, visit https://pmgt.org.nz/ageing-safely/

Thank you to & Watt and Community Patrols of New Zealand - CPNZ for sponsoring our organisation.

New Zealand is rolling out mental health and addiction specialists to emergency departments (EDs) in four large hospitals this year, expanding to four more hospitals next year.

With EDs overwhelmed by 13,000 mental health cases yearly, this move aims to ease the burden on staff and provide immediate support to those in crisis.

It also means that Individuals arriving at emergency departments will receive the support they need, fostering a more responsive and compassionate approach to mental health care.

👥 If you are experiencing mental distress, visit our list of free Mental Health helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/ -health-directory

Thank you to Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura and Allied Industrial Engineering Limited for sponsoring our organisation.

In New Zealand, approximately 270 children aged 0-14 years are admitted to hospital for an unintentional burn injury every year. A further three children are killed.

The leading cause of burn-related death is exposure to fire or flames with the leading cause of child burn admissions being contact with hot objects/substances such as hot liquids.

It takes just 10 seconds of exposure to water at 54°C to cause a full-thickness burn and only 1 to 3 seconds at 60°C.

It's a problem that can be addressed with simple preventive steps but that will have a monumental impact.

Visithttps://media.starship.org.nz/download-safekids-burns-factsheet%3E%3E/Safekids_Factsheet_BURNS_final_LR.pdf for the full report

Access more Child Safety resources at https://pmgt.org.nz/child-safety/

Thank you to Kitchen Studio Wellington and Pou Whakaaro for sponsoring our organisation.

Before they reach the age of 15, around one in nine boys and one in four girls in New Zealand go through some form of sexual abuse.

This kind of abuse can have long-lasting effects on children's mental health. It's been linked to many mental health issues like depression, anxiety, problems with eating, turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with strong emotions, and more.

Research shows that early intervention of specialist services is crucial. It can mean the difference between a family that can create a safe and healing home environment, and one where a child feels alone and vulnerable after abuse.

Research also shows that survivors who get help through therapy often see big improvements in how they feel emotionally.

Access our list of free Sexual Abuse helplines at https://pmgt.org.nz/directory/
Find the full study at https://helpauckland.org.nz/resources/sexual-abuse-statistics-summary/

Thank you to Flagmakers Ltd https://www.flagmakers.co.nz/ and Zeronet for sponsoring our organisation.