Alicetown, Lower Hutt

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Why not share a snap to be in to win spot prizes! (and the title of NZ's Merriest Home)

1494 days ago

Linen lies – Busted!

Robert Anderson from

Want to understand why Linen makes such a great choice for your household textiles? Here are 7 common misconceptions about linen, and the reasons why they’re wrong.

1. It’s expensive
Sure, you can find plenty of pricey linen textiles out there. But it doesn’t have to cost more. Our … View more
Want to understand why Linen makes such a great choice for your household textiles? Here are 7 common misconceptions about linen, and the reasons why they’re wrong.

1. It’s expensive
Sure, you can find plenty of pricey linen textiles out there. But it doesn’t have to cost more. Our business is primarily online, which means we can offer top quality linen wares at very reasonable prices. Our fabrics are cut to demand and can be made bespoke to your individual needs, so you get amazing value for money. Tailor-made, highest grade linens at a fraction of the cost of other bespoke tailoring services.

2. It’s wrinkly
Well, yes, this is partly true – but the natural crinkles are actually part of the charm of linen fabric. The wrinkles are something to celebrate and mean that you can take linen pants with you on vacation without worrying about having to find an iron. They will look wrinkled, but intentionally so. If you really want to keep the fabric completely flat for a home sewing project you can cut linen on the bias and it won’t wrinkle. Linen is the ultimate in effortlessly stylish, easy, simplicity.

3. It’s difficult to care for
This couldn’t be more wrong! Our linen is machine washable and can be tumble dried. If you buy pre-shrunk garments there’s nothing to worry about, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Linen is hardwearing and durable, and in fact it gets softer and more supple with every wash. And because of the inherent crinkles (see above) there’s no need to bother about ironing.

4. It’s plain
There is certainly a rustic charm to linen, but. It’s so much more than that. Linen holds dye brilliantly, which means you can find linens in amazing colours and patterns, from bold citrus brights to subtle muted tones. We stock over 1000 different linen fabrics, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your home or your wardrobe.

5. It’s only for summer
Linen is a fabulous fabric for hot weather as it allows your skin to breathe, and wicks away moisture to keep you feeling dry and comfortable. But. It’s also a great choice for winter too. Thanks to its temperature-regulating properties linen will keep you warm and cosy on chilly days, yet you’ll never overheat. Transition between seasons with linen throws and linen scarves to add texture and warmth without being too bulky.

6.The lower thread count means lower quality
Again, this is wrong, wrong, wrong! Thread count is often used by cotton manufacturers and retailers as a mark of quality – the higher the thread count, the better the quality. Yet this doesn’t apply to linen. The fibres in linen are thicker, which means there will naturally be fewer when compared to cotton. In fact, linen is not only better in terms of quality, durability and feel,. It’s also better for the planet. In a contest, linen vs. cotton, linen wins hands down.

7. It’s not soft
There is a misconception that linen isn’t as soft as other fabrics. Whilst this may be true of poor quality, cheap linen, when you buy a garment from a reputable manufacturer who sources the best flax you’ll see for yourself just how deliciously soft linen can be. The fabric softens with each wash, so it gets snugglier with age.

If you have linen curtains in your house, we can DEFINITELY clean them! Call us on 0800 579 05 01 if you have any questions!

1499 days ago

Riddle me this!

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

What kinds of dogs and how many of each kind does Troy have? Leave your answer in the comments below!

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1495 days ago

Did your family celebrate Halloween this year?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We saw some friendly ghosts and even some costumed pooches this year! We'd love for you to spread the joy further than your backyard by sharing a snap from your Halloween festivities below 🎃

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1494 days ago

Does anyone remember Ron Deal?

Reporter Community News

Hu Neighbourly folk, is there anyone who remembers Ron Deal.
The city council recently opened Ron Deal Way in Epuni – where the Central Park on Copeland development is.
Mrs Gloria Deal (Ron’s wife) was invited to unveil the new street sign.
Ron Deal began his career collecting rates on a … View more
Hu Neighbourly folk, is there anyone who remembers Ron Deal.
The city council recently opened Ron Deal Way in Epuni – where the Central Park on Copeland development is.
Mrs Gloria Deal (Ron’s wife) was invited to unveil the new street sign.
Ron Deal began his career collecting rates on a bicycle before rising through the Hutt City Council ranks and being appointed Deputy Town Clerk, Town Clerk and Chief Executive.
He was always passionate about Lower Hutt and was especially proud of the work he did on Riddiford Garden and the roads around it.

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1494 days ago

Yang Gan and Julia Chu finally have somewhere to call home

Reporter Community News

First-home buyers Yang Gan and Julia Chu couldn’t be more excited to have finally found their first home.
The Lower Hutt couple have been looking for somewhere to buy for two years.
They have purchased a property in Central on Copeland, a project being driven by the Hutt City councils property … View more
First-home buyers Yang Gan and Julia Chu couldn’t be more excited to have finally found their first home.
The Lower Hutt couple have been looking for somewhere to buy for two years.
They have purchased a property in Central on Copeland, a project being driven by the Hutt City councils property company Urban Plus Ltd.
The new homes are in a medium-density development of 34 two-storey townhouses, due to be completed in the upcoming months. Ten of the homes were released to market at $550,000, making home ownership a possibility to buyers who had previously been shut out of the property market.

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1494 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past

Reporter Community News

When Toni Jeffs retired from competitive swimming in 2007, a Stuff journalist boldly predicted she would not be forgotten.
"So, while Jeffs will be left watching the Commonwealth Games team from her living room this year, there is little doubt one of New Zealand swimming's most colourful … View more
When Toni Jeffs retired from competitive swimming in 2007, a Stuff journalist boldly predicted she would not be forgotten.
"So, while Jeffs will be left watching the Commonwealth Games team from her living room this year, there is little doubt one of New Zealand swimming's most colourful characters will not be forgotten from sporting history."
Never one to shy away from controversy, Jeffs was arguably best known for being sponsored by a strip club at the Barcelona Olympics.
Jeffs won two Commonwealth bronze medals and was 27th at the Olympics.
At a time when many top swimmers stopped competing in their early 20s, Jeffs was notable for her long career in the pool.
In 2003 Jeffs won a legal battle against the New Zealand Olympic Committee, who admitted a selection blunder had cost her a place in the Olympic team.
The year before, at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, she regained her New Zealand title and won bronze in the 50m freestyle.
In 2007, she hinted that she would take up Masters swimming and refused to rule out a comeback. At that time, she was living on a lifestyle block in the Wairarapa.
Despite the prediction that she would not be forgotten, she has been out of the limelight in the years since.

1494 days ago

Aayla disappointed to be left out

Reporter Community News

A poll on Neighbourly was overwhelmingly in favour of Aayla Toman playing in the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata over the weekend.
Nearly 1200 people took part in our pool and 76 per cent were in favour of her playing.
Unfortunately, doing the haka with her team-mates was as close as she got to … View more
A poll on Neighbourly was overwhelmingly in favour of Aayla Toman playing in the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata over the weekend.
Nearly 1200 people took part in our pool and 76 per cent were in favour of her playing.
Unfortunately, doing the haka with her team-mates was as close as she got to the action.
Aayla, 13, had hoped to take the field for the Te Whanganui-a-Tara U13s at the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, on Saturday, but was told the referee would not allow the game to start if she played.
Standing on the sideline during her team’s first match against Samoa Wellington, Aayla said she had been overcome with emotion before the match, but doing the haka had made her feel better.

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1499 days ago

Beware...some adorable ghosts may be haunting your streets.

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Halloween can be a fun way to connect with your community. But naturally not all homes in New Zealand will get involved.
If your house is open to trick or treaters this weekend, or if you know of some popular, local streets for trick or treating, please share these below.

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1499 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, can you work out who this is and where the picture was taken. The only hint I will give is that it was 1909.

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1496 days ago

Things change. You can too.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

We’re holding information sessions to help you enrol with us in 2021. Find out about courses, meet tutors and enrol in one easy process.

Sessions run at various times on campus and if you can’t make it, join us on Zoom. Secure your place for 2021.
Book in today

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1496 days ago

Pet of the Day

Reporter Community News

Our Pet of the Day is Poppy, a five month old King Charles cavalier, who was born on ANZAC weekend.
Owner Rob Nicol says she loves chilling out and sleeping in the sun.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday.
View more
Our Pet of the Day is Poppy, a five month old King Charles cavalier, who was born on ANZAC weekend.
Owner Rob Nicol says she loves chilling out and sleeping in the sun.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday.
If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz

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1497 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, this week something a bit different - a lizard.
Photographer Louise Thomas snapped the image on a recent expedition to photograph some new bird species.

"I've had an amazing 24-hours. Yesterday, my faithful porter and I went out to Matiu/Somes Island. We saw sooty … View more
Hey Neighbourly folk, this week something a bit different - a lizard.
Photographer Louise Thomas snapped the image on a recent expedition to photograph some new bird species.

"I've had an amazing 24-hours. Yesterday, my faithful porter and I went out to Matiu/Somes Island. We saw sooty shearwaters, kākāriki, aka red-crowned parakeet, numerous skinks, and on the way back a spotted shag near the Days Bay wharf.
All three birds are new species for me. I'm afraid I have no idea what sort of skink this is, I think common skink, but it has a dark iris? Suggestions from those in the know much appreciated - I'm going cross-eyed trying to work it out on the internet.
Funny story, both Chris and I thought this was a railway spike holding up the wood on the edge of the step, then Chris said "wait, that spike has little hands."

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1496 days ago

Are you after new plants for your summer garden?

Joshua from Kelburn Price Smart Landscaping and Gardeners

Price Smart provides a good range of evergreen native plants at a competitive price. If you are looking for low maintenance and visually stunning local plants to complete your garden, we have them for you. Mini Toe Toe, NZ Iris, Carex, and many more.
For inquiries about products and services Give … View more
Price Smart provides a good range of evergreen native plants at a competitive price. If you are looking for low maintenance and visually stunning local plants to complete your garden, we have them for you. Mini Toe Toe, NZ Iris, Carex, and many more.
For inquiries about products and services Give us a call at 027 548 9818 or email us at info@pricesmart.co.nz

1496 days ago

Old Lower Hutt 1800-1850

Sandra from Normandale

Local history in local schools.
What do you know about Lower Hutt or THE HUTT as it was known.
1800-1850 The Hutt was accepting settlers into Port Nicholson and many landed on the flat land at Petone beach. Flooding caused them to move slowly up the valley. What did they think after sailing for … View more
Local history in local schools.
What do you know about Lower Hutt or THE HUTT as it was known.
1800-1850 The Hutt was accepting settlers into Port Nicholson and many landed on the flat land at Petone beach. Flooding caused them to move slowly up the valley. What did they think after sailing for months to arrive here and find NOTHING, no houses, no shops, nothing.
Maori grew potatoes, Settlers brought seeds, pre fab homes and lots of wet washing.

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1497 days ago

Entertainment and Encouragement Newsletter

Corinne Morris from

Hello Everyone,
We have a great newsletter for you this week. mailchi.mp...

Freshen up on driving with a Staying Safe Workshop. Join us for a free get together for a light lunch, cuppa tea and good company at one of our monthly Pop-up Hubs in Seatoun or Linden. Check out the Sleep Presentation at… View more
Hello Everyone,
We have a great newsletter for you this week. mailchi.mp...

Freshen up on driving with a Staying Safe Workshop. Join us for a free get together for a light lunch, cuppa tea and good company at one of our monthly Pop-up Hubs in Seatoun or Linden. Check out the Sleep Presentation at Rita Angus in Kilbirnie, to get tips on healthy sleeping and improve leg strength, balance and flexibility at one of our Steady As You GO classes.

We have a funny Poem in "Your Voice" written by DJ Bradley. Test your general knowledge and whip up a delicious panzanella salad in our "Entertainment" section.

We hope you enjoy and stay safe x

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