East Harbour, Lower Hutt

2091 days ago

If You’re Too Busy for Date Night, You’re Too Busy

Ann from Relationship Wellbeing Specialist

The plain and simple truth is date nights make relationships.
You’re probably thinking, that sounds great and in a perfect world date nights are doable, but who has the time, the money, or the childcare (if applicable) to go on dates?

It also helps to define what a date night is and what a date… View more
The plain and simple truth is date nights make relationships.
You’re probably thinking, that sounds great and in a perfect world date nights are doable, but who has the time, the money, or the childcare (if applicable) to go on dates?

It also helps to define what a date night is and what a date night isn’t. Watching Netflix on the couch together while scrolling through your Instagram feed is not a date night.

A date night (or date afternoon or morning) is a pre-planned time where the two of you leave your work life and work-in-the-home life and spend a set amount of time focusing on each other, and really talking and listening to each other.

Here are the most common date night obstacles and how to overcome them.

Time

Life can feel so incredibly busy that the thought of finding time for yet one more obligation feels overwhelming. But a date night is more than an obligation—it’s a commitment to your relationship. It helps to carve out a specific and regular time each week and make this “appointment” a priority.

Unless someone is in the emergency room, make date night a “no matter what” event. Set aside time like you would for a birthday, or church, or an anniversary, or any other special event you celebrate in your life together.

Date nights should be sacred times to honour your relationship. Think of them as such, schedule them in your calendars for as much time as possible—even if it’s just for an hour, show up no matter what.

Money

Dates don’t have to be expensive. In fact, they don’t have to cost anything at all. Pack a picnic, go for a walk, sit in a park. There are endless ways to spend time together without breaking the bank.

We used to have a cheap date by getting dressed up and going to the beautiful Hotel and pretending that we were hotel guests. We would sit in the beautiful lobby in front of a fire and nurse one drink all evening. We would answer each other’s open-ended questions for hours.

Childcare

Childcare is often the stickler for couples who want to go on date nights but have young children at home. Childcare does not have to be expensive or stressful. At times, we would trade childcare with other couples, so both couples could enjoy date nights. If that’s not possible, see if a trusted family member or close friend will help you in your quest to spend sacred time together.

Look for inexpensive babysitters in your neighbourhood, or ask friends for recommendations. Some parents worry about leaving their children with other people, but if you find a safe and reliable person to watch your children, you’re helping them learn that other people, besides their parents, are trustworthy and reliable.

Children are incredibly resilient, and by showing your commitment to your relationship with your partner, you’re nurturing your children by ensuring that they will be raised by parents in a healthy and stable relationship.

Too often, especially after couples have children, date night becomes a random, freak act of nature. Don’t let it. If you’re too busy for date night, you’re too busy.

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2091 days ago

The Barber of Seville

Capital E

Comedy mixes with music in this fast-paced, colourful, and entertaining adaptation of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville from New Zealand Opera.

Almaviva loves Rosina, and Rosina loves Almaviva. But Bartola stands in their way. So Almaviva turns to his barber, Figaro, to help him out. With a few… View more
Comedy mixes with music in this fast-paced, colourful, and entertaining adaptation of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville from New Zealand Opera.

Almaviva loves Rosina, and Rosina loves Almaviva. But Bartola stands in their way. So Almaviva turns to his barber, Figaro, to help him out. With a few good tunes and his razor-sharp wit, will Figaro win the day or will Almaviva be “hair today, gone tomorrow’?

One day only – get your tickets!
Book you tickets here!

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2091 days ago

Experience Chilton in Action

Chilton Saint James School

Visit Chilton Saint James School during March for one of our Open Days, Friday 22 March, 9.00am - 11.00am or Sunday 24 March 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

Discover what makes Chilton the best choice for girl’s education in Lower Hutt. Experience our small classes from Preschool through to Year 13, and our … View more
Visit Chilton Saint James School during March for one of our Open Days, Friday 22 March, 9.00am - 11.00am or Sunday 24 March 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

Discover what makes Chilton the best choice for girl’s education in Lower Hutt. Experience our small classes from Preschool through to Year 13, and our strong academic focus with an internationally recognised curriculum.

Chilton offers specialist teachers including Te Reo, Dance, Music and Art, all within a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

At Chilton, you can also discover our Dance Centre, free before school care, and a wealth of extra-curricular activities for your daughter.
Book now!

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2091 days ago

Gardener Wanted

Newell from Epuni

Mainly weeding and general garden maintenance
Contact Newell 0274522664

2092 days ago

Ministry moves to terminate Lower Hutt childcare centre's licence following investigation

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Education is moving to terminate the licence of a Lower Hutt childcare centre following an investigation into ​ the centre.

Stuff revealed last December that staff at the Hutt Hospital Childcare Centre had been stood down while an investigation was carried out into accusations … View more
The Ministry of Education is moving to terminate the licence of a Lower Hutt childcare centre following an investigation into ​ the centre.

Stuff revealed last December that staff at the Hutt Hospital Childcare Centre had been stood down while an investigation was carried out into accusations staff mistreated children. Read more

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2092 days ago

Petone Blues Club

Ian from Petone

Monday 18th March at the Petone Depot between 6.00 and 8.00, the Blues club is due to take place. However due to the lack of attendees recently, I need at least 6 people to confirm that they will turn up, otherwise I will need to cancel it. Let me know on mobile 0274574744 or stem@xtra.co.nz
Cheers… View more
Monday 18th March at the Petone Depot between 6.00 and 8.00, the Blues club is due to take place. However due to the lack of attendees recently, I need at least 6 people to confirm that they will turn up, otherwise I will need to cancel it. Let me know on mobile 0274574744 or stem@xtra.co.nz
Cheers Ian Harper

2092 days ago

Finding friendship and support within the village

The Team from

Making the decision to move into a retirement village can be a daunting experience. With so many things to consider, we want to make the process a little easier.

Visiting a village is the best way to obtain a true appreciation of what life will be like, take in the sights and sounds, and observe… View more
Making the decision to move into a retirement village can be a daunting experience. With so many things to consider, we want to make the process a little easier.

Visiting a village is the best way to obtain a true appreciation of what life will be like, take in the sights and sounds, and observe the general atmosphere. Find out why Bill and Leonie from Jane Mander Retirement Village in Whangerei, found the support and care they needed from the village community.
Find out more

2093 days ago

Poll: Movin' March

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Walking, cycling and scooting to school have many benefits for tamariki – exercise, independence, physical and mental health, decision making, risk assessment and road safety skills.

Do your kids walk, bike or scoot to school? What do you love about it?

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Movin' March
  • 18.6% Quality time
    18.6% Complete
  • 33.9% Exercise
    33.9% Complete
  • 37.3% Seeing my kids grow in confidence
    37.3% Complete
  • 8.5% Avoiding chaos at the school gate
    8.5% Complete
  • 1.7% Other (leave us a comment!)
    1.7% Complete
59 votes
2093 days ago

Phone/Computer scam

David from Petone

Scammers have upped their game - yesterday I received an automated call - the voice said it was from Sparc and that my internet would be cut off. It then said that I should press 1 to get more information or something - I didn;t really hear because I was too busy laughing at the sheer cheek of it … View moreScammers have upped their game - yesterday I received an automated call - the voice said it was from Sparc and that my internet would be cut off. It then said that I should press 1 to get more information or something - I didn;t really hear because I was too busy laughing at the sheer cheek of it and hanging up. Whatever you do do not press 1, or 2 or any other number - just hang up.

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