It is warning Auckland parishioners that scammers are asking for gift cards and money.

The Bishop's office says the texts usually start with the name of the so-called priest. Sometimes parishioners' names are included.

Describing a typical text from the scammers, the office says: "The text will say they're in a meeting, so don't phone, but text back and that your help is critical and highly appreciated.

"If you respond, they will ask you to do something for them, for example buy gift cards and they claim they'll pay you back.

"The scams are very good and don't always include bad grammar or spelling errors like they did before, but often rely on urgency so that you don't think before replying."

Speaking from the Bishop's office, Alison Munro says a number of people have been in touch saying they have received the messages.

One had used a few hundred dollars of parish funds before realising it was a scam.

"Those affected were contacted by someone pretending to be their parish priest and addressing them by their own first name.

"If the person replies, they ask them to purchase gift cards as a show of appreciation for dedicated staff, saying they will be reimbursed. They say to keep it confidential so it can be a surprise and instruct them to email photos of the front and back of the cards."

The Bishops's office email warns parishioners to carefully check email addresses and phone numbers. Don't click on unknown links, the office urges.

Priests will not go round begging for goods.

"Priests will not be asking you to buy them anything. If anyone is unsure, ring the parish office number before replying."

The scam has previously been reported by churches in the United States.

Simon Gallagher, manager of consumer services at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says scammers constantly evolve their tactics to make their scams harder to spot.

"They often work hard to appear trustworthy. Scams most often come through unexpected contact such as a phone call, an email or a text."

Anyone who thought they'd been a victim of fraud should contact police on 105, Gallagher says.

A police spokesperson said they were not aware of any reports relating to the scam.

Source

• Stuff

Van Schie told NZ Catholic the guide limits the diocese's business transactions to companies and organisations that share its "commitment to good ethical standards and social responsibility".

We are trying to avoid participating in products or services that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church or promote or support products or practices that are harmful or destructive, van Schie told CathNews in a statement.

"Good commercial partnerships are built on clear expectations and a good understanding of what outcomes we are trying to achieve," he says.

"Ultimately, the diocese is not here to simply ‘transact' in ‘services', and all our work should be directed to our mission to live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Van Schie says that, as a charity, the diocese has a focus on value, but value does not necessarily mean cheap. The diocese values quality.

"If we cut corners on quality our successors will just end up paying for it", he told CathNews.

In terms of buildings, van Schie says while the diocese would like to build to the '6 green star' level, there is a tension between finite funding and quality.

NZ Catholic reports the new business ethics policy says the diocese's business partners should be comfortable associating their name and brand with the Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland.

The publication says the diocese has confirmed several of its long-established business partners and associates are already practising the ethical values the diocese expects.

"For new suppliers and partners, we can now begin to integrate this guide into procurement documents, he says.

Van Schie clarified the diocese does not consider itself a 'superior judge' to business partners and any relationship the diocese has with its 'supplier - partners' is one backed on mutual accountability.

"I expect our business partners to hold us to account on ethical decision making", van Schie told Cath News.

Asked about specific values the diocese has included in the policy, van Schie they come from Catholic Social teaching.

"Catholic teaching is widely recognised as having something truly worthwhile and unique to offer our times. New York Times columnist David Brooks (not a Catholic) said that Catholic social teaching is 'the most coherent philosophy that opposes a philosophy of rampant individualism'".

van Schie said he thought that each New Zealand diocese and religious order should be working to develop what the full depth and breadth of Catholic teaching looks like in their business operations.

While the diocese says the business ethics policy means it will only work with businesses with values in line with its own, the only specific ethic mentioned is a commitment to work against modern slavery in all its forms.

Interested in other concrete examples, CathNews sought a copy of the policy.

The policy is also not publicly available on the diocese's website.

Source

• NZ Catholic Newspaper
• Image: Catholic Diocese of Auckland

The funeral was for gang member Taranaki Fuimaono, 43, who died in police custody and was facing drug charges.

The massive gathering forced authorities to cordon off parts of Grey Lynn, a central suburb, and divert buses from the area "as a precaution to ensure the safety of members of the public in the area".

While most people behaved within the road rules, Auckland's Inspector Jacqui Whittaker says camera footage led to 16 drivers being held accountable.

The charges include antisocial behaviour driving while disqualified, driving while forbidden and sustained loss of traction.

All 16 are due to appear in various Auckland area District Courts in the coming weeks.

Whittaker thanked members of the public who came forward with information and footage for their assistance in the investigation.

Intervening on the day of the funeral procession would have put other road users at risk, she added.

"Police decision making when it comes to these types of events will always be about community safety. The driving behaviours of some presented a real risk to those involved, as well as other road users, and will not be tolerated.

"If you choose to put other motorists at risk through dangerous driving activity, such as sustained loss of traction, you can expect the police to hold you to account and your vehicle may be impounded."

As these matters are before the court, police are not in a position to comment further.

A day following the funeral Auckland District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus spoke with Checkpoint's Lisa Owen saying that "From our point of view, the [funeral] procession went relatively well.

"Yes, there were roads blocked off and we did have to employ traffic management plans, but our aim, as always, is to ensure that everyone on the roads is safe and is kept safe.

"And that's what we feel that we were able to achieve today".

Source

• Stuff
• NewsHub
• Image: NewsHub