Awatoto - Meeanee, Napier

Time to tidy that garage

Time to tidy that garage

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

1231 days ago

5 cheap (or free) ways to keep the house warm this winter

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

Don’t shiver in silence! Use these 5 simple (and cheap) techniques to warm up your home and stay toasty this winter.
Quick Summary
• Open curtains in the day, close them at night
• Make and use draft excluders
• Install window insulation films or use bubblewrap
• Keep furniture away… View more
Don’t shiver in silence! Use these 5 simple (and cheap) techniques to warm up your home and stay toasty this winter.
Quick Summary
• Open curtains in the day, close them at night
• Make and use draft excluders
• Install window insulation films or use bubblewrap
• Keep furniture away from heat sources and use rugs/blankets to insulate the floor
• Use as few rooms as possible and close off the rooms you aren’t using

1) STRATEGIC CURTAIN USE

After double-glazing, curtains are the next line of defence against the chill of winter. Thermal lined ones are best, and floor-to-ceiling ones provide a good ‘seal’ of warmth.


However, it’s also important to know when to open and close these curtains to get maximum effectiveness out of them. Generally, when the sun is up, keep the curtains open to let the sunlight and warmth in. As soon as the sun goes down, close them to trap that heat in overnight.

The advanced version is:
• In the morning, have north-facing and east-facing curtains open. Keep south-facing curtains closed throughout the day.
• In the afternoon, close the east-facing curtains and open the west-facing curtains. Keep the north-facing curtains open throughout the day.
• Once the sun sets, close all the curtains (including the north-facing ones).
• Repeat in the morning.
Curtains aren’t just for windows either! Pinning a rug or blanket over an external door can help give it an insulation boost too. Pro-tip: cover up pet flaps in the same way.

2) MAKE (AND USE) DRAFT EXCLUDERS
Draft excluders are long pieces of thick material, usually in the shape of a sausage, that are placed at the bottom of doors to keep the cold out and the warm in. You might be surprised at how much of a difference blocking even a small gap can make!



Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1231 days ago

A Woolly Tale

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

Humans have enjoyed wool for over 10,000 years and it continues to be a coveted textile in both high end fashion and interior design due to its many qualities. Here we deep-dive into the wonderful world of wool, sharing the tale of this ancient fibre’s origin, production and inherent attributes. … View moreHumans have enjoyed wool for over 10,000 years and it continues to be a coveted textile in both high end fashion and interior design due to its many qualities. Here we deep-dive into the wonderful world of wool, sharing the tale of this ancient fibre’s origin, production and inherent attributes.

ORIGIN

Britain is said to have lead wool manufacturing through spinning and weaving pre 1900 BC, a skill highly prized beyond their shores. Sheep were first exported beyond Europe to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia toward the very end of the 1700s. We have had a long time to accustom ourselves to the incredible natural qualities of wool and it is quite literally woven in to our trading, cultural and farming histories.


How does wool come to be? Fleece is shorn from sheep annually with a new fleece produced every year (unless you are Shrek the Sheep, who avoided shearing for 6 years – once finally caught in 2004 he produced enough wool for 20 large men’s suits, or 27 kg… blimey!). Once shorn, fleeces are thrown clean side down onto a wool table, skirted (a process to remove undesirable parts of the fleece), folded and rolled to determine class by a qualified wool classer. Bales of wool are then sent to be scoured, a bathing/cleaning process to remove dirt and impurities such as sweat and vegetable matter. Quality is determined by diameter, crimp, yield, colour and staple strength. Finer wools are used for apparel manufacture and heavier for soft furnishing textiles and carpets/rugs.
There are a wide variety of ways to process wool in to differing yarns, including worsted – a very fine yarn spun from carded wool producing a lustrous and smooth product especially suited to apparel. You may also be familiar with felted wools which are produced with heat, pressure and moisture compressing the fibres, entangling them together into a matted textile with a dense, ‘foamy’ or almost spongy appearance and feel. The woollen system of preparing carded wool for spinning ensures short fibres are retained, sometimes requiring combing. Wool can be spun to yarn on its own, or in conjunction with other fibres which can add desirable qualities and attributes to the finished fabric.


Despite a reputation as a land of sheep, New Zealand is actually the 4th largest producer of wool, with the top spot being taken out by Australia, responsible for 25% of global wool-clip. International wool production is about 2 million tonnes, 60% of which is apparel. Approximately 3% of the international textile trade is comprised of wool. We would like that number to be a little higher!

RENEWABILITY
A natural fibre similar to human hair, wool is made of keratin and therefore readily biodegradable. As long as there is grass to graze on, sheep will continue to produce fleece, making it an ideal renewable fibre. Safeguarding the environment is part of the important work undertaken by woolgrowers to guarantee future production and industry longevity. Due to the high quality and durability of wool, woollen products have wonderful longevity and it is also excellent for re-use and recycling. In some instances, wool products can be returned from the interior and fashion sectors to be carded and re-spun in to yarn for re-weaving – an excellent way to reduce waste and extend the life of the material. Because of its hardy nature, when properly looked after, wool has a longer lifespan than many other fibres - if you have ever visited an antique/vintage/mid-century furniture trader, you will often find original wool and wool blend upholsteries still going strong even after a few lifetimes, albeit in need of a good clean!

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1231 days ago

Auction Wednesday 30 June 10am

Todd Foster from Maidens & Foster Auctioneers Ltd

2 Shed Clearances. 1 Small Villa Lot. Reputable Art & Collectables. Lots of Tools.
Viewing & Bids Welcome: Mon 8-5 Tue 8-6 Wed from 8am.
Absentee Bids Welcome. More Photos www.mafa.co.nz... (30 June)

1231 days ago

Looking for an apprentice?

Competenz

Advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz through our free online job board, we have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your organisation.

Find your next apprentice with Competenz!

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1232 days ago

Wrap your home in nature

Resene ColorShop

Nature is far too beautiful to be kept outside. Create a haven in your home with the Resene Willow Wallpaper Collection. With designs to help you relax, recuperate and revive, this collection will help make your house a home.

View the full Resene Wallpaper Collection at your local Resene … View more
Nature is far too beautiful to be kept outside. Create a haven in your home with the Resene Willow Wallpaper Collection. With designs to help you relax, recuperate and revive, this collection will help make your house a home.

View the full Resene Wallpaper Collection at your local Resene ColorShop or get a taste of the latest releases online
Find out more

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1234 days ago

Office Space Available

Jenny Nilsson from House of Travel Jenny Nilsson

Are you looking for office space in central Hastings?

We have space available again in our Hastings store – short or long term options available. Perfect for a professional sole operator. To find out more contact Jenny on 06 878 8858

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1234 days ago

Birdsong

The Team from Resene ColorShop Napier

Be entertained by feathered friends enticed to your garden by making your own bird feeder painted in favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own.

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1234 days ago

Clean up time?

Willy from PortaSkip

Get that declutter you have been procrastinating on done!

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1234 days ago

Why are my windows damp all the time?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

How do you know it’s winter? When the windows start dripping. While it might seem like just another staple of New Zealand homes, you don’t have to put up with a pool of water at the bottom of your windows every morning.

How condensation forms and why it matters: Condensation is the result of… View more
How do you know it’s winter? When the windows start dripping. While it might seem like just another staple of New Zealand homes, you don’t have to put up with a pool of water at the bottom of your windows every morning.

How condensation forms and why it matters: Condensation is the result of water warming up, evaporating, then turning back into a liquid once it touches a cold surface. You know when you breathe onto a mirror and you can use your finger to write messages in the remaining mist? That’s condensation. The same thing happens with the moist air in your home and your cold windows.

What's the big deal about moisture anyway? Moisture doesn’t just make your home feel cold and damp, it causes mould too. Mould has all sorts of nasty effects on your health and it thrives in wet environments.

The condensation on the inside of your windows is a good indicator that there is too much moisture in your home. You can get accurate readings from a ‘hygrometer’; a cheap little device that you can get from many hardware stores that tells you exactly how humid the room is.

Ideally, you’d use one in each room of your house over the course of a few days to get an idea of which room is in most need of attention. If the reading is over 65% relative humidity and below 18 degrees Celsius, it might be time to take the following steps, depending on the room.

Kitchen
Boiling water and cooking kai releases up to 3 litres of water every day---it’s one of the worst offenders in the fight against wet windows. Doing the dishes isn’t much better, contributing up to 1 litre per day. To reduce the impact, remember to:
• Keep the extractor fan on. Your range hood should be larger than the cooking surface it’s venting, and should be venting directly outside---not to the roof space. Otherwise, it might end up damaging the insulation and internal roof structures. If you’re renting and the extractor fan doesn’t tick those boxes, it’s worth discussing with your landlord. They don’t want moisture or mould in your home either.
• Keep pots covered. If you’re boiling potatoes, pasta or just making a cup of coffee or tea, keep the lid on while the water heats up and while the contents cooks. Not only does this keep the steam inside, it also means the water boils faster---less energy used, a lower utility bill, and a faster dinner!

BATHROOM
Don’t worry, cleaning your teeth isn’t spreading moisture into the air, no matter how vigorously you scrub. But the bath and the shower certainly are, with each person releasing 1.5 litres of water per day with their washes.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1235 days ago

Is New Regent St really NZ's most beautiful street?

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
We're looking into how some common claims about NZ stack up and would be interested in your thoughts on whether New Regent Street in Christchurch deserves its title of 'NZ's most beautiful street'. Do you think it is the best-looking street in the country? Or is … View more
Hi everyone,
We're looking into how some common claims about NZ stack up and would be interested in your thoughts on whether New Regent Street in Christchurch deserves its title of 'NZ's most beautiful street'. Do you think it is the best-looking street in the country? Or is there another street you think is more beautiful? Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you do not want it included in an article. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

1235 days ago

Luxury Lodge Escape in the Heart of Fiordland

Jenny Nilsson from House of Travel Jenny Nilsson

Soak Up Luxury In The Fiordland from only $1389pp perfect for a special birthday or anniversary!🥂

A rugged jewel in the deep south, the Fiordland national park is a must-see for any outdoor lovers. But rugged needn't mean roughing it. Retreat to a welcome sanctuary at these two luxurious … View more
Soak Up Luxury In The Fiordland from only $1389pp perfect for a special birthday or anniversary!🥂

A rugged jewel in the deep south, the Fiordland national park is a must-see for any outdoor lovers. But rugged needn't mean roughing it. Retreat to a welcome sanctuary at these two luxurious stays on this 5 Days Iconic Lodges of Fiordland package.

Explore the dramatic landscape of New Zealand’s southwest corner while staying at two distinctive lodges. With each property offering a unique perspective on this iconic wilderness area, this package is your opportunity to explore forests, fiords and far-reaching lakes from every possible angle.

Includes:
✔ 2 nights at Fiordland Lodge in a Lakeview Lodge Room
✔ Breakfast, afternoon tea & pre-dinner canapes at Fiordland Lodge
✔ Hot Tub Experience at Fiordland Lodge
✔ 2 nights at Milford Sound Lodge in a Riverside Chalet with Breakfast
✔ 20 mins Mountain Highlight Flight
✔ Milford Sound Cruise with Picnic Lunch

To find out more call us on Hastings 06 878 8858 or Havelock North 06 877 8737

1236 days ago

Go behind-the-scenes in Stuff's newsroom

Angela Quigan Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?

The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you … View more
Hi neighbours,

Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?

The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you behind-the-scenes insight into stories and newsroom decisions, from Stuff Editor Patrick Crewdson. It's sent every one to two weeks and it's free!

Sign up here.

If there's an element of Stuff's operations you'd like the inside scoop on, email Patrick with suggestions here.

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1236 days ago

General Assistant

Jeanette from Pakowhai - Waiohiki

General Assistant at Silky oak Chocolate Co
This position involves 20+hours including some rostered weekend work.
We are looking for a person who is a good multi tasker, enjoys coming to work and learning new things, has a friendly manner, with integrity beyond reproach. Someone who will enjoy … View more
General Assistant at Silky oak Chocolate Co
This position involves 20+hours including some rostered weekend work.
We are looking for a person who is a good multi tasker, enjoys coming to work and learning new things, has a friendly manner, with integrity beyond reproach. Someone who will enjoy working alongside our great team.

The person we seek must be flexible, as the position involves working in Production (Chocolate and Pantry items), Packaging (making a variety of gift packs), Café, plus some Retail work in our shops.

The position will require training, but the ideal candidate will preferably have previous experience in at least one of these areas.

Please apply with a covering letter, C.V. and references to: info@silkyoakchocs.co.nz or 1131 Links Rd, Waiohiki, Napier

1236 days ago

Thinking about a career change?

AA Driving School

Hi everyone – Mike here from AA Driving School (the guy on the right). We’re looking for people in your neighbourhood who are interested in buying an AA Driving Instructor franchise!

If you think the time is right for a career change or you want to be your own boss and set your own hours, … View more
Hi everyone – Mike here from AA Driving School (the guy on the right). We’re looking for people in your neighbourhood who are interested in buying an AA Driving Instructor franchise!

If you think the time is right for a career change or you want to be your own boss and set your own hours, then this could be right up your alley.

If you’re interested, get in touch with us through our website, we’d love to hear from you.

Mike - AA Driving School
Find out more

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1237 days ago

All Tree services

Andrew O'Connor from AOC Tree Care

Get in touch for a free quote on all your tree needs
Pruning,reductions, hedge trimming, tree removals, stump grinding
0272605936 or contact us through www.aoctreecare.co.nz...
Thanks
Andrew

Negotiable

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