During times of uncertainty, finding support in our nearby communities is more important than ever. It reassures us there are people nearby who genuinely care. While Neighbourly is primarily a space for sharing safe advice, exchanging news and helping neighbours live better local lives, we understand some neighbours will also enjoy chatting about current affairs and potentially contentious issues (for example vaccinations, politics, government decisions, religion etc).
We understand most members have the best intentions in sharing content of concern to them. However, misinformation is prohibited on Neighbourly. Misinformation may include any content shared out of context, from non-reputable sources or non-scientific articles, and/or anything intended to discourage others from receiving the vaccine.
Moderation is actioned at the Neighbourly team’s discretion. All decisions around content are made in the best interests of New Zealand communities.
Why do we remove misinformation, conspiracy theories or other invalidated content?
Misinformation has the potential to create fear in the community and encourage unsafe behaviour. We moderate such content to make sure Neighbourly remains a safe and positive environment for all our members.
If you spot a post in your neighbourhood you believe contains incorrect information relating to community issues, please report it to the Neighbourly team for review.
Find out more below about what sort of content is prohibited on Neighbourly.
Medical Misinformation
Medical misinformation, if left unchecked, has the potential to cause serious harm to our communities as well as threaten individual health. This content is prohibited to protect the safety of all Neighbourly members.
Covid-19
To ensure Neighbourly remains a space for safe and trustworthy information, we review all content in line with the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Unite Against COVID-19. With that in mind, alternative claims about Covid-19 which are not supported by evidence will be removed. This includes:
- Misleading statements and conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19's causes, treatments and prevention
- The promotion of alternative cures and medicine that have not been approved by the Ministry of Health's regulatory body Medsafe
- Discouraging members from getting COVID-19 testing, treatment or vaccines
- Statements discouraging members from wearing a mask
- Fake COVID-19 Government announcements
- Information we believe to be misleading or harmful to the wellbeing of New Zealand communities
- Any other non-scientifically based information, or information not in line with the Unite against COVID-19 website.
- Breaches of the Neighbourly Guidelines.
Vaccines
Neighbourly moderates content that has the potential to instill doubt in members' minds about getting the vaccine. We prohibit the following:
- Posts actively discouraging members from getting the vaccine
- Claims that the vaccine does not work against COVID-19
- Claims that the vaccine contains magnets, microchips and/or can alter your DNA
- The promotion of vaccine alternatives
- Any vaccine related information we believe to be misleading or harmful to the wellbeing of New Zealand communities.
Recent News & Conspiracy Theories
We understand the importance of keeping up to date with the latest news, and you may notice Stuff journalists sharing recent developments on Neighbourly. If you want to share news with your neighbours, we ask that you provide sources to ensure members have context to your information.
Please note content considered to be a conspiracy theory, altered information or deliberately polarising opinions are prohibited on Neighbourly, and may be removed.