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Police Warn of Gardening Scams Amid Leadership Challenges

4/17/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Prime Minister's leadership faces challenges as police begin reviewing Auckland's DNA database.
In Masterton, an elderly man was charged $3,500 for two hours of gardening after a group of strangers did a poor job.
Police warn residents to beware unsolicited tree trimmers and gardeners, as scams occur regularly.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom says victims often do not understand the costs until after the work is completed.

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Story summary

The Prime Minister's leadership faces challenges as police begin reviewing Auckland's DNA database.
In Masterton, an elderly man was charged $3,500 for two hours of gardening after a group of strangers did a poor job.
Police warn residents to beware unsolicited tree trimmers and gardeners, as scams occur regularly.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom says victims often do not understand the costs until after the work is completed.