Alicetown, Lower Hutt

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1300 days ago

DIY - Double Glazing Using Insulation Film

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Window insulation film works on the same principle as standard double glazing by creating a layer of still air in front of the glass that acts as insulation. DIY window insulation kits consist of clear plastic film for attaching to wooden window sashes or frames using double-sided adhesive tape. … View moreWindow insulation film works on the same principle as standard double glazing by creating a layer of still air in front of the glass that acts as insulation. DIY window insulation kits consist of clear plastic film for attaching to wooden window sashes or frames using double-sided adhesive tape. They cost a fraction of the price of double glazing yet offer good performance in reducing heat loss and condensation in your home, as well as preventing your sills and window dressings from going mouldy. You can pick up a kit from your local Mitre 10 or Bunnings.

Window insulation film is only designed to last one season, but it may remain intact for several years if your windows are in good condition and the film is undisturbed. Just be aware that adhesive tape used on the film may leave a stain if you leave it on for longer than one season.

Tips for installing
Installing DIY window insulation film is relatively easy – you only need a pair of scissors and a hair dryer.
• Make sure your window frames are dry and the paint is in good condition to avoid condensation forming inside the air gap.
• For wooden windows, applying a bead of sealant like silicone along the glass edge will further reduce the risk of moisture creeping into the air gap.
• Make sure your window pane is clean and streak free before putting the insulation up.

Step 1: Clean the Window
Clean the window thoroughly with an ammonia-based window cleaner and wipe it dry using a squeegee. Make sure that all of the window cleaner is wiped off, as it will dissolve the adhesive on the window film.

Step 2: Wet the glass with a light spray of water and baby shampoo
Fill a spray bottle with water and add a couple of drops of baby shampoo. Spray the mixture onto the window. This mixture helps the film stick to the window but still lets you slide the film around so you can fit it properly into the corners before the mixture dries.

Step 3: Measure and trim the film to size
Measure the window to see how large an area you need to cover, allowing at least two centimetres overlap for all four sides. Roll the window film out onto a flat horizontal surface and trim to size. Before you put the film on the window, start peeling the backing off the sticky side of the film. Use masking tape on both sides of one corner to get the peeling started.

Step 4: Put the window film onto the window
Once you’ve peeled off the top five to ten centimetres of backing, move the film up to the surface of the window. Start by putting the top two corners in place. Once the film is sitting in a good position you can slowly start to take the rest of the backing off.

Step 5: Remove the backing from window film as you go
Slowly peel the backing off in stages. Use a squeegee to flatten the film out onto the window as you go. Start the squeegee in the centre of the window and push out to the edges. As you work down the window, use the spray bottle to keep the surface as moist as possible. It will give you a much smoother finish.

Step 6: Remove the air bubbles from the window film
Once the squeegee has got the larger bubbles out, use the small plastic scraper to remove any smaller bubbles. You can work out any small pockets of water at the same time. Whatever small amounts of moisture are left will work with the adhesive on the film to create a bond to the window.

Step 7: Give the window film a final trim
When all the bubbles are out, take a sharp blade and give the film a final trim at the edges of the window. Once you’ve trimmed the edges, give the film one final scrape with the small plastic scraper. Tuck the corners in as hard as you can, squeegeeing towards the outside, working out the last remnants of water.

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1300 days ago

Have you seen this amazing garden?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.

1300 days ago

Seaview Marina looking to expand

Reporter Community News

Cashed-up boat buyers unable to travel are thought to be behind a spike in demand for berths that has resulted in a million-dollar expansion at a Lower Hutt marina.
Seaview Marina is putting the finishing touches on a $1.2 million 46-berth extension and has plans to install an additional 31 which … View more
Cashed-up boat buyers unable to travel are thought to be behind a spike in demand for berths that has resulted in a million-dollar expansion at a Lower Hutt marina.
Seaview Marina is putting the finishing touches on a $1.2 million 46-berth extension and has plans to install an additional 31 which will allow the docks to hold more than 400 vessels.
Chief executive Alan McLellan​ says the marina is at capacity and a waiting list for spots has grown over the last couple of years.
McLellan said Seaview was the biggest marina in the region and the only one with the ability to expand. Once the new berths were built, there would be no room for more.

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1301 days ago

Your Big Mac, ordered from here.

McDonald's

New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View more
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.

We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.

ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.

Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
Learn more

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1303 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Captain John

Reporter Community News

Captain John was recently adopted by a family. Here is what they had to say.
"To the wonderful people at SPCA. On Tuesday, Captain John came home with us to his new furever home. Safe to say he has adjusted well and is loving his new life. He has discovered the confines of the kid’s bed.
He… View more
Captain John was recently adopted by a family. Here is what they had to say.
"To the wonderful people at SPCA. On Tuesday, Captain John came home with us to his new furever home. Safe to say he has adjusted well and is loving his new life. He has discovered the confines of the kid’s bed.
He is completely calm with three kids and two dogs. Thank you for looking after him until he came to us."

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1301 days ago

Caring for indigenous animal and plant habitats

Jon from Hutt City Council

Applications for grants to help private landowners protect indigenous plant and animal habitats on their land are now open.

There are two kinds of grant: one up to the value of $1000 to help cover the cost of materials, equipment or services for small-scale projects like weed and pest control, and… View more
Applications for grants to help private landowners protect indigenous plant and animal habitats on their land are now open.

There are two kinds of grant: one up to the value of $1000 to help cover the cost of materials, equipment or services for small-scale projects like weed and pest control, and a larger contribution of up to $20,000 for projects with a suitable project or property plan.

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1302 days ago

Normandale Community Inorganic collection DONE

Sandra from Normandale

Big thanks to the Normandale Residents Committee and the Normandale Community for their support in paying this years subs and donating their Inorganic rubbish to the huge skips.
WONDERFUL meaning of COMMUNITY and fun.
DONE and DUSTED for 2021.

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1301 days ago

Butcher's Block

Jane from Petone

Hi Everyone
I am looking for a good quality butchers block to purchase. If anyone has any information where to buy or has one to sell please let me know.
best wishes
Jane

1301 days ago

Mother's Day

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

Thank you to all our amazing mums from the team at NumberWorks'nWords.

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1304 days ago

Pet of the Day: Meet Ned Kelly

Reporter Community News

This week we feature a cat with the unlikely name Ned Kelly, who belongs to John Kelly from Carterton.
"Rehomed and renamed Ned Kelly. Every inch a rebel. Moved from the country into town, Carterton."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on … View more
This week we feature a cat with the unlikely name Ned Kelly, who belongs to John Kelly from Carterton.
"Rehomed and renamed Ned Kelly. Every inch a rebel. Moved from the country into town, Carterton."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you live in.

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1302 days ago

Help required-Garden Maintenance

Lauren from Normandale

I have a largish section and am time poor.
It needs about 4-6 hours per week to keep it maintained.
Please PM if you are interested.

1302 days ago

Help required-Garden Maintenance

Lauren from Normandale

I have a largish section and am time poor.
It needs about 4-6 hours per week to keep it maintained.
Please PM if you are interested.

1303 days ago

Do you support the HVHS students?

Reporter Community News

Students shut out of their classrooms because of toxic mould say the problem is a symptom of chronic underfunding for the upkeep of public schools.
About 350 Year 12 and 13 pupils at Hutt Valley High School have had to do half their weekly learning at home since Monday after unsafe levels of black … View more
Students shut out of their classrooms because of toxic mould say the problem is a symptom of chronic underfunding for the upkeep of public schools.
About 350 Year 12 and 13 pupils at Hutt Valley High School have had to do half their weekly learning at home since Monday after unsafe levels of black mould was discovered in 13 learnings spaces and a dance studio earlier this year.
At a meeting held in the school hall on Thursday night to update the community on how the school and the Ministry of Education planned to respond to the situation, deputy head student Lucy Rodger​ said while she was happy to see progress, the commitment by the ministry to demolish and rebuild C block was “horrendously and frustratingly overdue”.

1303 days ago

Mayor re-opens Days Bay Wharf with a 'manu'

Reporter Community News

Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry and National MP Chris Bishop have reopened Days Bay Wharf with a triumphant ‘manu’ into Wellington harbour.
“I’ve been googling how to perfect a manu. I’m pretty sure my splash was higher than Chris’s,” said Barry.

Bishop was gracious in defeat.

View more
Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry and National MP Chris Bishop have reopened Days Bay Wharf with a triumphant ‘manu’ into Wellington harbour.
“I’ve been googling how to perfect a manu. I’m pretty sure my splash was higher than Chris’s,” said Barry.

Bishop was gracious in defeat.

“Campbell’s was much better than mine,” he said.

More a hundred people gathered in Days Bay for a karakia and speeches to mark the completion of a $4.6 million refurbishment of the 126-year-old wharf on Friday.
If you do not know what a manu is, it is a water bomb.

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