1964 days ago

Curtain & Blind Safety for Your Kids Room

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

As a parent or parent-to-be, your number one focus will be the health and safety of your kids. In fact, it doesn't matter whether they are 18 months or 18 years, we always have their best interests in mind - even if they don't listen anymore!

However, the home environment can present many dangers to young children. Take curtains and blinds, for example. Although they look great in a room, there's a risk that kids can hurt themselves if they play around with them.

As such, what are the measures that you can take to ensure that they are safe in your home? Let us explain.

Keep your windows child-safe
Keep babies’ cots well away from windows and ensure that all blind and curtain cords are out of reach. This may mean not placing furniture next to windows – toddlers love climbing!

Child safety devices
You could install a safety device that adds another level of protection. This allows cords to be tightly wound around a cleat and out of reach, alternatively you could opt for electronically operated blinds.

Reduce the hazard
It is important to be aware at all times of child safety around the home. An extra safety measure is the installation of a safety device that either removes the cord loop or limits access to cords. A tension device (either a chain tensioner or cleat) can be anchored to the wall or floor so that young children cannot play with cords or put them around their neck.

Selecting the right curtain fabric type
There is no doubt that kids love to pull and tug on items around your home. While you can tell them off as many times as you like, it might be a good idea to invest in stronger fabric type for curtains in a kid's bedroom.
For example, sheers and voiles - while they look great in a baby's nursery, these fabrics are too lightweight and prone to damage especially when your youngest becomes mobile and wants to practice their climbing skills! In a kid's bedroom, you'll want a strong fabric that can take the odd pull and is also easy to clean should they get dirty.

If you need help, give us a call on 0800 579 0501 and we can offer helpful advice. We can also provide safety devices to keep your blind cords out of reach.

More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

Image
Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.1% Inside!
    76.1% Complete
  • 23.9% On top!
    23.9% Complete
1068 votes
J
1 day ago

Mr Minit in Chartwell: Be wary

Jenny from Hillcrest

Hi all,
Just sharing my experience. I had the battery for my car key replaced in March 2025 at Mr. Minit in Chartwell. I was given a one‑year warranty, which seemed impressive at the time.

However, the battery stopped working early Mar 26. With the warranty card, I brought the key back to have it checked and replaced. What I didn’t realise was that the battery was *not* actually replaced. He only tested it with a meter. When I asked whether he had replaced the battery, he said “yes,” but that wasn’t true. He then said he had tested the battery level and there was no need to replace it. When I asked to see the meter, it showed the battery was in the green zone which means it was ok.

I was then advised that I might need to replace the entire key unit. I asked whether he had properly troubleshot the issue to confirm it was the battery and not the key itself. His reply was that he normally doesn’t do that, but I was a “special case.” That means, the warranty card was a misrepresentation and there was no real intention of replacing the battery when it was faulty.

After he finally replaced the battery with a new one, my key worked perfectly again.

**Lesson learned:**
Make sure you take a photo of your warranty card. I feel like the warranty is mostly for show — if I had lost it, I would have been charged another $20+ for a battery. Worst still, I would have to pay more to change the key unit unnecessarily.

Make sure you witness that they replace your old battery with a new one if it's still under warranty.

9 days ago

Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!

Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫

What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇

Image