Tirohanga, Lower Hutt

Time to tidy that garage

Time to tidy that garage

Use Neighbourly Market to make a few bucks while you're at it

1199 days ago

Make a Living Wall

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

If you enjoy growing your own potted plants and would like a stylish way of displaying them inside the home, then this month's project could be just what you need. I've been admiring living walls and hanging gardens for some time now, and decided to create an achievable small-scale … View moreIf you enjoy growing your own potted plants and would like a stylish way of displaying them inside the home, then this month's project could be just what you need. I've been admiring living walls and hanging gardens for some time now, and decided to create an achievable small-scale version to house small pots and fresh herbs in my kitchen. These shelves are affordable and easy to make, and ideal for apartments and smaller homes without much garden space.

For this project you will need:
• 1 length of untreated pine 20mm thick and 120mm wide
• Hand saw or skill saw, sandpaper
• Drill with 72mm hole saw drill bit and 7.5mm drill bit (for 7mm rope)
• 9 x 9cm terracotta pots
• White synthetic general purpose rope 7mm x 10m, 8 x white plastic cable ties
• Resene Colorwood Whitewash, speed brush or synthetic paintbrush

• Various herbs or small plants

Step one: Cut your length of pine into three pieces, each 600mm long. You can do this with either a hand saw or a skill saw. Once cut, give them a sand.

Step two: Measure out the placement of your holes that will hold the terracotta pots. I spaced mine out at 150mm centres. Repeat these markings for all three lengths of timber.

Step three: Using a drill with a hole saw attachment, cut out 72mm (D) sized holes to fit your terracotta pots. I practised first on a spare cut of timber I had lying around, to make sure that the hole I was drilling was the right size. For my 9cm pots, I found that 72mm ensured a good fit. Tidy up each hole with a light sand.

Step four: Now you need to cut the holes for your rope. Measure in 20mm from each corner and mark your drilling spot. Use a 7.5mm drill bit to make one hole in each corner (the size drill bit you use will depend on the thickness of the rope you are using to hang your shelves – adjust accordingly). Repeat for all three lengths of timber.

Step five: To achieve a fresh, clean look I used Resene Colorwood Whitewash interior wood stain. There are lots of colours to choose from, so you could pick whichever best suits the timber you are using and where the finished project will be hanging. I applied two coats of Whitewash using a speed brush, or synthetic brush.

Step six: Cut your rope into four equal lengths and thread each length through the corner holes of your shelves starting from the bottom. Tie each length of rope into a knot on the underside of the bottom shelf, so the bottom shelf rests on these knots.

Step seven: Adjust the placement of your shelves until you get them evenly spaced. Make sure you allow room for the pots to sit in the shelves, and room for your plants to grow of course. I spaced my shelves at 200mm apart. Secure the undersides of your remaining shelves with cable ties, they are a good solution because they aren't hugely visible and they don't budge. Trim the long ends of the cable ties once in place.

Step eight: Add your pots and plants, and hang in your chosen spot. Make sure that you use hooks that can safely take the weight of your shelves.



DIY with pictures: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1200 days ago

Thank you to the kind honest Person.

Cheryl from Naenae

Kia Ora neighbours, I don't know who you are or if your even on here, but I want to say thank you very much for handing my purse into the police station last week, I had gone to the bank to do some banking for my son & i meet up with one someone I knew across the road from cash converters,… View moreKia Ora neighbours, I don't know who you are or if your even on here, but I want to say thank you very much for handing my purse into the police station last week, I had gone to the bank to do some banking for my son & i meet up with one someone I knew across the road from cash converters, and I put my purse in my jacket pocket & it must of dropped out when I was hopping in my car, I didn't even realise, I was sitting at my sister that afternoon & the police rang, my first thought was oh no whose in trouble lol, then the lady office asked if I was the person she was talking to with hesitation I said yes & I then she said someone handed my purse in I said omgdness, I got to the station & she asked me what was in my purse so I told her exactly & how much, which wasn't much, its OK if its gone, so she get my purse & said everything is in it, I had a real peace before I got there, then i said I'm going to pray & ask the Lord to bless that person, I'm so greatful to whoever handed my purse in, and so please if anyone know who he/she is I appricated getting it back if they've mentioned it to anyone, I don't have to replace my license or any of my cards thank thank you so much & Bless you heaps ❤️.

1199 days ago
1199 days ago

Wooden butterfly

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lower Hutt

Recreate a Kiwiana classic using butterflise and Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own.

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1200 days ago

Take a wild ride to Paradise

Indian Ink

Award-winning theatre company Indian Ink comes to Upper Hutt next week (5-7 August) with their powerful new play Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream.

This glorious production is inspired by Ernest Becker’s Pulitzer prize-winning Denial of Death, and the vibrant, life–filled chaos of … View more
Award-winning theatre company Indian Ink comes to Upper Hutt next week (5-7 August) with their powerful new play Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream.

This glorious production is inspired by Ernest Becker’s Pulitzer prize-winning Denial of Death, and the vibrant, life–filled chaos of India’s most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai. Jacob Rajan delivers a dazzling solo performance as he channels seven characters, weaving the afterlife and a dash of Bollywood disco into the real life mystery of India’s vanishing vultures. Infused with serious laughter, exquisite puppetry and inspired sound design this show will blow your mind and melt your heart.

“To say this is a must see is an understatement” (NZ Herald)
Book now

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1200 days ago

Flecos

Miriam from Naenae

Beautiful healthy flecos for New homes

Price: $5

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1200 days ago

Knitting Lessons

Jenny from Hutt Central

Learn to knit and have some fun!

Would you like to learn to knit? Do you have some skills but would like to learn more? Here is something for you!

Knit a Stitch Workshops Lower Hutt
Knitting Lessons

* Workshops run in blocks of 5 weeks, in groups of no more than 5 people .
*Two levels … View more
Learn to knit and have some fun!

Would you like to learn to knit? Do you have some skills but would like to learn more? Here is something for you!

Knit a Stitch Workshops Lower Hutt
Knitting Lessons

* Workshops run in blocks of 5 weeks, in groups of no more than 5 people .
*Two levels available
- beginners (you have never knitted before, or it's just been so long since you last picked up needles you need a bit of a refresher)
- more advanced (you have basic skills but would like to learn more).
*Cost includes - all of the materials you need (no need to rush out and buy anything) and of course nibbles and a drink.
*Access to a FB group with videos, tips etc
*Invites to Bring Your Own Project Nights!

So why not learn a new skill, meet new people and have some fun!

For more information email createdbycraftychick@gmail.com

#knittinglessons #learntoknit #wellingtonnz

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1201 days ago

Wish dinner time was a little...simpler?

The Team from HelloFresh

Hi Neighbours, back to school has thrown your routine into chaos? HelloFresh has dinner sorted for you. With our +20 quick and easy recipes (covering a range of dietary needs with new ones added every week!), dinner time will become a delicious breeze🌿

With no lock-in contracts, you can … View more
Hi Neighbours, back to school has thrown your routine into chaos? HelloFresh has dinner sorted for you. With our +20 quick and easy recipes (covering a range of dietary needs with new ones added every week!), dinner time will become a delicious breeze🌿

With no lock-in contracts, you can pause, skip or cancel your subscription at any time. You can also switch up your plan sizes and delivery times to suit your household and schedule.

Sign up today and get up to $100 off across your first 4 boxes with code “NEIGHBOUR”. All you need to do is cook!
Order now

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1201 days ago

Deer, deer

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

I am looking for people who have a problem with deer in their garden.
If you have some photos or would lie to comment please email your details to nicholas.boyack@stuff.co.nz

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1201 days ago

Book My Vaccine is now open

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

Book My Vaccine is now open for anybody in Group 3, and for those aged 60-64, to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments at any of our 13 centres across the region.

www.BookMyVaccine.nz...

If the website doesn’t suit, you can also phone 0800 28 29 26 to book your appointments. This line … View more
Book My Vaccine is now open for anybody in Group 3, and for those aged 60-64, to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments at any of our 13 centres across the region.

www.BookMyVaccine.nz...

If the website doesn’t suit, you can also phone 0800 28 29 26 to book your appointments. This line is open 8am – 8pm, 7 days per week.

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1201 days ago

60+? Book your vaccination now.

The Team from Ministry of Health

Are you aged 60+? If so, go to BookMyVaccine.nz now to reserve your spot to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

You can be vaccinated at any point from now – there’s no cut off.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your whānau from COVID-19.

The stronger our immunity, the … View more
Are you aged 60+? If so, go to BookMyVaccine.nz now to reserve your spot to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

You can be vaccinated at any point from now – there’s no cut off.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your whānau from COVID-19.

The stronger our immunity, the greater our possibilities.

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1202 days ago

Homeowners - eligible for a free home energy assessment.

Sustainability Trust

Are your energy bills so high they've got you feeling down? Maybe you're wondering where that draught is coming from or where all that expensive heat is going?

Or maybe your home feels (dare we say it) MOIST?

The truth is that there are lots of things that contribute to how healthy … View more
Are your energy bills so high they've got you feeling down? Maybe you're wondering where that draught is coming from or where all that expensive heat is going?

Or maybe your home feels (dare we say it) MOIST?

The truth is that there are lots of things that contribute to how healthy a home feels and how well it functions.

That's why Wellington City Council in partnership with us (Sustainability Trust) offer free personalised home energy plans specific to your home. The end goal is to arm you with the information you need to create a warm, dry, healthier home. You can even find out if your home is EV or solar ready.

This is a completely free service for homeowners in Wellington City.

Book your free home energy assessment today.
Find out more

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1202 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Words and pictures by Rosa Marie.

"This afternoon it was off to Pāuatahanui for a kingfisher hunt with a husband who is very good at taking my hints about it being a beautiful day whilst staring at the birds that were flying around outside!
The kingfishers were certainly in the usual place, … View more
Words and pictures by Rosa Marie.

"This afternoon it was off to Pāuatahanui for a kingfisher hunt with a husband who is very good at taking my hints about it being a beautiful day whilst staring at the birds that were flying around outside!
The kingfishers were certainly in the usual place, but not really being social with each other as they were on our previous trip.
I waded out in my wellies but couldn't really get as close to them as I would have wanted to! Here are a few shots of them on various bits of driftwood, some with crabs in their mouths, some without! It was lovely to also capture the spoonbills coming into land to have a feed."

1202 days ago

Homophones

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

Homophones can be confusing! But learning word meanings can help prevent spelling mistakes. What homophones can you think of?

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1203 days ago

How to Make Hemp Rope

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Knowing how to make rope was once a critical skill for survival and self-sufficiency on the frontier. Early settlers were able to make rope from a variety of materials, but the main thing they used was hemp.

A rapid growing plant, hemp is perfect for making rope. Hemp grows fast. It produces up … View more
Knowing how to make rope was once a critical skill for survival and self-sufficiency on the frontier. Early settlers were able to make rope from a variety of materials, but the main thing they used was hemp.

A rapid growing plant, hemp is perfect for making rope. Hemp grows fast. It produces up to 75 tons of dry matter per acre per year. It thrives in poor soil, needs no fertilizers or pesticides to succeed, and gobbles up atmospheric CO2, stymieing the greenhouse effect. It produces more fibre per pound than either cotton or flax, and these fibres are easily extracted in order to make hemp rope, twine, or cord.

Hemp rope is easy to make. Some methods involve using a rope machine, but fortunately such an investment isn’t necessary to the process. All you really need is some hemp fibre or hemp twine, and a short piece of wooden dowel. Our hemp rope maker, available in our shop, will really streamline the process for you if you plan on making lots of hemp rope.

Step one: Separate the hemp fibres or unwind the hemp yarn and cut into lengths approximately twice as long as the desired length of the rope. Continue cutting until you have a bundle of fibres approximately half the size of the diameter of rope you’d like to make.

Step two: Grab the bundle of fibres and fold it in half, securing the fold by placing a dowel rod through the resultant loop and into the ground. Smooth the fibres of this bundle down by running your hand along the length of the cord.

Step three: Divide the bundle in two, holding half the fibres in your left hand and half the fibres in your right.

Step four: Twist each bundle clockwise until the cord you are creating begins to kink and loop. Pull as hard as you can while twisting.

Step five: Twist the two cords together, wrapping one over the other in a counter clockwise motion, to form a rope.

Step six: Secure the ends with overhand knots beginning with the end in your hands. Once the first end is tightly tied, slip the rope off the dowel rod and tie it as well.

To make a cable, repeat steps 2 through 6 and twist the two ropes together. This process can be repeated as many times as you like, making thicker, stronger cables as you go.

Enjoy making your own hemp rope! This technique can be used to make hemp twine, hemp cord. and hemp yarn as well. It all depends on the size of the fibres you start with. Need some ideas for what to do with your newly made hemp rope? Try using a piece as a clothesline, for air-drying your clothes. Make a hemp leash for your pet, or keep your hemp twine petite for use in jewellery making.

Making rope is a great way to be self-sufficient and eliminate the supply chain requirement. Everything you can make yourself is one less packaged product– in this case, one less coil of synthetic rope– that needs to be manufactured for you. Have fun!

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