Otorohanga District, Otorohanga

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Share what you've seen

If you know of crime happening locally, let your neighbours know here.

406 days ago

Donella enjoys simple and perpetual charitable giving

The Team from Momentum Waikato

Donella Graney likes to give back to her community, so being in a position to do so, has made regular donations to a range of local and national charities for some years.

“They all do a good job and are screaming out for money, and with the health-related ones you never know when you will need… View more
Donella Graney likes to give back to her community, so being in a position to do so, has made regular donations to a range of local and national charities for some years.

“They all do a good job and are screaming out for money, and with the health-related ones you never know when you will need them yourself,” she explains.

However, Donella was finding that her charitable giving was requiring time and attention, and that she was getting a lot of mail due to the number of groups she was supporting.

“Then a few years ago I listened to a speaker from Momentum Waikato who gave a talk to my women’s group Tuahini,” says Donella.

“I could see that placing money into the care of Momentum simplifies your giving, and that it means your donating can continue forever.

“Some monies then came my way from investments made by my late husband Richard, so I decided to set up my own fund at Momentum, with the income going to the charities I choose.”

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408 days ago

Poll: What issues influence your vote most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type … View more
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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What issues influence your vote most?
  • 3.2% Education
    3.2% Complete
  • 24.2% Health
    24.2% Complete
  • 8.1% Environment
    8.1% Complete
  • 6% Housing
    6% Complete
  • 18.7% Justice/Law
    18.7% Complete
  • 2.2% Infrastructure
    2.2% Complete
  • 0.4% Defence and foreign affairs
    0.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Community & Inclusion
    2.5% Complete
  • 7.5% Income & Employment
    7.5% Complete
  • 22.3% Economy
    22.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Other - I'll share below
    4.9% Complete
1929 votes
406 days ago

Ryman Healthcare & Black Ferns: It takes a village

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of … View more
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
Learn more now

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D
406 days ago

Shredded paper

Dennis from Lynmore

I have quite a bit of shredded paper to give away if you are interested please txt Dennis 0211784876 location Lynmore

Free

406 days ago

Poll: What Hits Hardest?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours! We all understand bills are piling up for everyone.
What's been hitting your wallet the hardest lately, making you cringe every time you pay for it?

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What Hits Hardest?
  • 14.5% Power/Gas
    14.5% Complete
  • 60.9% Groceries
    60.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Broadband/Phone
    2.2% Complete
  • 22.5% Insurance
    22.5% Complete
1051 votes
407 days ago

Momentum’s menu of smart giving options...

The Team from Momentum Waikato

Do you want to support charitable social and environmental work in the Waikato in a way that has an effective and ongoing impact?

Momentum Waikato, your local community foundation, is growing a range of philanthropic investment funds entrusted to us by community groups, social enterprises and … View more
Do you want to support charitable social and environmental work in the Waikato in a way that has an effective and ongoing impact?

Momentum Waikato, your local community foundation, is growing a range of philanthropic investment funds entrusted to us by community groups, social enterprises and local champions.

Donations to these invested ‘nest eggs’ diversify and increase the income streams they provide for charities doing important frontline work across the region.

No matter how much or how often you donate, your gift will keep on giving back to your community.
Find out more

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411 days ago

Make a Dreamcatcher

Trish Seddon from Te Awamutu Museum

Learn to weave a Dreamcatcher with Nicky Samuel

A special workshop supporting our Māori Myths & Legends month of October, create a protective talisman used to protect people from nightmares and bad dreams. Used for young children to hang above their beds, dreamcatchers act like a … View more
Learn to weave a Dreamcatcher with Nicky Samuel

A special workshop supporting our Māori Myths & Legends month of October, create a protective talisman used to protect people from nightmares and bad dreams. Used for young children to hang above their beds, dreamcatchers act like a spider's web, trapping bad dreams while allowing the good ones to filter down through the feathers. In the sun's light the bad dreams are extinguished and only the good dreams remain.

Adult workshop (15+ years)
All materials provided

Things to bring along to the workshop:
Loads of enthusiasm
A great sense of adventure
No skills necessary

Cost $5.00 per participant

Bookings essential (limited seats available)

To book please phone 07 872 0085 or email museum@waipadc.govt.nz, giving your name and contact details.

Please ensure you are well to attend. If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately so we can offer your place to waiting participants.

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407 days ago

$20,000 New Home Offer

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

If you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. Imagine a new smart TV, a holiday or furniture for your … View moreIf you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. Imagine a new smart TV, a holiday or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!

Purchase an occupation right to any Ryman independent apartment or townhouse and receive a $20,000 credit on settlement. Or purchase an occupation right to any serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement.* Offer valid until 22 December 2023.


*Terms and conditions apply.

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408 days ago

Win this brand-new Whitianga home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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410 days ago

Master The Gentle Art Of Sleep

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. … View more
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.

Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.

Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.

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410 days ago

Bird & bee sanctuary

The Team from Resene ColorShop Te Awamutu

Create a birdbath with a natural sandstone paint effect with Resene Sandtex.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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411 days ago

Sound Absorption for Comfortable Living

The Team from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”

Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing … View more
“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”

Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing excessive noise is not only aggravating it can actually be harmful to your ears and has a significant impact on the way our spaces work in the home.

When it comes to residential design, the acoustics, (the way in which the structural characteristics of a space relate to how well sound can be heard) although a key design feature, are rarely considered during the building process and sometimes only tackled during a renovation.

Soundwaves seep through doors, windows, ceilings and cracks, so how do you reduce unwanted sound from affecting your day to day activities?

Hard flat surfaces tend to bounce sound waves around, sometimes creating a lasting echo effect if the surfaces are parallel walls. The softer and less uniform the surface, the less opportunity sound has to bounce off. Textiles, including drapery and upholstered furniture and furnishings not only deliver a design aesthetic they also play a significant role in the absorption of sound.

However not all textiles have equal sound absorption qualities however. The level of sound absorption is dependent upon a textile’s weight, composition, and/or construction. Generally (due to the large vertical mass) drapery provides the main textile source of sound absorption however, there are several other ways to achieve this.

To decrease the level of sound in a room you need to dampen the sound waves. This can be achieved by adding surfaces that absorb the sound (or reverberation) so the sound doesn’t bounce from one thing to another.

Here are some sound absorbing ideas that you can implement fairly simply into your home:

- Acoustic panels/tiles: These come in a range of colours and fabric styles and can be designed into your interior decor. The purpose of acoustic panels is to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, resonance within the room.
- Drapery: Fabrics are an effective solution for managing sound. The more drapery folds, the more sound absorption. Hanging a curtain a small distance off the wall increases sound absorption and softening opposing walls reduces sound waves from travelling wall to wall
- Upholstered furniture: The fabrics on your upholstered furniture also help to reduce sound waves. The thicker the fabric and foam the better. Add cushions and other textiles throughout a space for ultimate sound absorption.
- Cork flooring: While it may not be fashionable of late, cork is one of the best materials for sound absorption. Made up of a honeycomb design of air-sealed cells made of the bark of the cork oak. The cells each absorb the vibrations of sound, preventing those sounds from passing through to the other side. Cork reduces sound and noise vibration by trapping it in its cell structure. It reduces the sound transmission of sound through walls and absorbs the impact of feet through the floor to the ceiling below.
- Concrete flooring: Surprisingly, lightweight porous concrete can be effective in absorbing sound (however it essentially transmits the sounds through to the next room too).
- Carpets, rugs and padding: If your floors are timber, tiles or linoleum on subfloor concrete, you may want to try rugs or carpet coupled with a sound-absorbing underlay or foam rubber backing.
- Floating hardwood: This type of flooring installation includes a gap between the subfloor and your actual floors, which effectively dampens sound.
- Fabric pendant lamps/floor lamps: Update your light shades with a textile shade, the thicker the better. Every textile in a space will help.

A combination of the techniques above, depending on your budget and skill level should help in the overall acoustics in your home. Below we have outlined a selection of fabrics from our range that offer great sound absorption qualities due to the high level of either wool content, thickness and/or construction.

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411 days ago

#RWCfans

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've loving our Rugby World Cup fans sharing their photos on Neighbourly and bringing the spirit!

These fans below have won some spot prizes, keep sharing your photos to be in to win!

412 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene

Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask … View more
Now’s the perfect time to get decorating with 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at Resene ColorShops. Choose from thousands of colours and get your favourites tinted in Eco Choice approved Resene paints.

Ask our staff for expert advice on everything from choosing the right colour and paint to how to apply it for the best finish.
Find out more

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414 days ago

What's it like living with a loud voice

Sanda Reporter from Stuff

Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you… View more
Hi there,

I'm writing a story on what's it like to live with a loud voice. Are you someone who gets high-pitched whenever you are excited? Does your family constantly nag you to dial down your voice? Or are you someone who's annoyed by your loved ones' loud talking?

If you can relate to any such scenario, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or you can email me at sanda.arambepola@stuff.co.nz
Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it or your name to appear in the article.

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.

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