Disclaimer and important safety issues: notice relating to free services offered by the New Zealand Strange Occurrences Society, based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Disclaimer - what we do, and don't do

1. The New Zealand Strange Occurrences Society is simply an interest group of paranormal enthusiasts. We are not a listed company, trust, incorporated society or other legal entity.
2. We are guided by the medical edict, "First, do no harm." So we won't get involved if we think  we might make matters worse. Safety is paramount.
   
3. Because the study of paranormal phenomena is far from an exact science, we cannot guarantee our advice or findings. We would advise caution if anyone claims to have definite answers to paranormal questions because little or nothing in this field has been established with any degree of certainty.
   
4. Members of New Zealand Strange Occurrences Society accept no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on information on this website or in our blog posts and comments, emails, social media, or in any other communications. The paranormal is a broad field in which there are no true experts or authorities, so all information, claims, and opinions relating to paranormal subjects must be weighed with due care and judged with reason.
5. While we are very interested in paranormal phenomena, we do not clear properties, or release or emancipate ghosts or spirits. After investigating, we may sometimes recommend contact with an individual or group that offers these services, but with no guarantee from us that clearing will be achieved.
6. The privacy of your communications and contact with NZSOS is very important. Please read our Privacy Policy page. You should do this before choosing to contact us or interacting with this website.
   

Important safety issues

• Physical harm to people, caused by ghosts or demons? Human causes are much more likely than paranormal ones. And failing to identify the most likely causes of harm could mean leaving someone in real danger. So try to think of normal, human reasons for the harm occurring and then very carefully look for them. For example, look for signs of bullying or other forms of abuse, or self-harm. Although we don't rule it out, we think it unlikely that a demon, ghost, spirit or other supernatural entity will physically harm a person. Verified cases of such are so very rare that non-paranormal causes of physical harm are far more likely.
• Demonic possession? We strongly advise against exorcism-type procedures and rituals because they can be extremely dangerous. In 2007 there was a case in New Zealand of a person being killed during an exorcism procedure. Wikipedia article.  

• Seek professional health care. If you, or someone you know, is suffering physically or experiencing trauma or other mental or emotional distress, we would strongly advise that you seek appropriate medical advice and/or counselling from a medical doctor or other qualified, registered health professional, without delay. Paranormal investigators, no matter how well-meaning and sympathetic, are not qualified or able to give advice on mental or physical health matters.
• Mental Health Foundation Helplines directory -  lots of resources listed here
• If you are experiencing severe emotional distress: Youthline - 0800 376 633
• If you are experiencing worrying physical symptoms, there is the emergency phone 111 or Healthline - 0800 611 116. These are free-to-call phone numbers and the people who answer are very helpful, highly trained professionals.
• Carbon Monoxide Gas
  If you are experiencing unexplained dizziness, confusion, disorientation, headaches, vertigo or other symptoms, be sure you're not being exposed to carbon monoxide gas. This is a poisonous, odorless, invisible gas that can leak from gas, oil or kerosene cookers, heating systems, etc. Guide to home carbon monoxide safety.
  

Abandoned house near Carterton, Wairarapa. Photo: Rob Wilson

Private residence investigation in Wellington, using FLIR heat camera.

Print studio, Inverlochy Art School, Wellington - a room that has reported ghost sightings and documented unexplained poltergeist-type events. Photo: James Gilberd