Springfield - Tihiotonga, Rotorua

1528 days ago

Driveways driven away by new rule

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new … View more
Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

Property developer Phil Robinson said scrapping car park rules was a “big change”, but he was unsure if it was a “big win”.

What do you think of having more new builds in your area with fewer driveways and garages?

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1526 days ago

See how our Houseplant Hero runnerup Hollie Procter fits all her plants into her tiny home!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

“So I would say it’s possible I might have the most plants per square metre,” she quips.

1527 days ago

Your thoughts on making Matariki a public holiday

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.… View more
Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.

The policy announcement follows a series of public campaigns for Matariki, which acts as the Māori New Year, to be recognised.

We want to hear your thoughts about Matariki becoming a public holiday. Do you support the idea, or are you against it? Perhaps you have a counter proposal.

Share your thoughts here.

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1527 days ago

Unravelling textile testing - Colourfastness

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Unravelling textile testing - Colourfastness
Colourfastness is one of four key topics (others include Abrasion Resistance, Pilling, Seam Slippage) that we are covering to provide some background as to how we test and why.

Test results provide us with critical information about textile’s … View more
Unravelling textile testing - Colourfastness
Colourfastness is one of four key topics (others include Abrasion Resistance, Pilling, Seam Slippage) that we are covering to provide some background as to how we test and why.

Test results provide us with critical information about textile’s durability and suitability for certain applications. We externally test all James Dunlop and Mokum textiles in Melbourne at a highly reputable laboratory who are amongst the most conservative and stringent in the world, due to the extremely harsh environmental conditions we face here in Australia and New Zealand.


We have gathered a number of frequently asked questions relating to colourfastness so we asked our Mokum studio designers Stephanie Moffitt and Annie Moir to share their expert knowledge.

One of the most important textile tests is that of colourfastness.

Simply put, a colourfastness test measures how well a textile will resist or withstand fading. Fading typically means a change in colour which may be a change in hue, depth or brightness of colour. We perform a range of different colourfastness tests when developing a new textile, we test its resistance to fading against UV light, as well as washing / dry cleaning and also rubbing.

Can you briefly outline the colourfastness to washing/ laundering test?
Colourfastness to washing and/or dry cleaning measures a fabrics ability to withstand fading or colour loss from laundering. The test replicates specific cleaning methods then measures any colour loss against a set of five grey scales, creating a result (1 being least colourfast and 5 being most colourfast). In this instance, a result of 4-5 is the result we strive for.

One question pops up a lot, if a product is machine washable can it be spot cleaned?

We would always approach spot cleaning with water or a cleaning product with caution. Most of our washable textiles are rating as delicate or gentle washing which means a delicate setting and we would prefer a delicate washing liquid. Whereas spot clean tends to be more localised and more aggressive. If spot clean is needed always first try a dry white clean cloth, to reduce any colour loss as this often can remove a stain.

Can you briefly outline the colourfastness to rubbing test?

Colourfastness to rubbing, or commonly known as ‘crocking’ measures fabric resistance to colour loss when subjected to rubbing or friction from another fabric. This is particularly relevant for upholstery textiles – you can imagine wearing white pants and sitting on a dark coloured sofa, you’d want to be confident that when you stand up your pants haven’t changed colour.

With this test, a white cloth is used as a standard abradant, and rubbed against the test fabric in both in both dry and wet conditions, with wet being more severe. Any colour transfer onto the white cloth, and colour loss from the test fabric is analysed and measured against a set of 5 grey scales (1 being least colourfast and 5 being most colourfast). The result we receive from the lab helps us to determine the recommended usage for the upholstery fabric.

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1527 days ago

Potential Choking Hazard Found in Faulty Snorkels

Neighbourly.co.nz

A user of a snorkel product has reportedly found a piece of material detached inside, which may have lead to them choking.
The snorkel, manufactured by major water sports company arena, issued the recall which affects snorkels bought at various stores in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and … View more
A user of a snorkel product has reportedly found a piece of material detached inside, which may have lead to them choking.
The snorkel, manufactured by major water sports company arena, issued the recall which affects snorkels bought at various stores in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Bay of Plenty regions.

What you need to know:

- The recall affects the arena Swim Snorkel II & Swim Snorkel Pro II.

- A piece of material may become loose in the snorkel which can become a choking hazard.

- The products were sold at Swim T3 and Teamline Stores from October 2019 to April 2020.

- Fill out this survey to check whether your snorkel has been affected.

Known owners of the snorkel will be contacted by Swim T3 or Teamline.

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1528 days ago

Monster Garage Sale

Rina from Lynmore

Fundraising for the 29(Rotorua) Air Cadets
Saturday 12 September, 9am
Come along and grab a bargain... sausage sizzle and home baking too.

Negotiable

Cadets-GarageSale.pdf Download View

1528 days ago

Source Quality Yearling Bulls

PGG Wrightson Ltd

In the market for yearling bulls? We know every advantage counts in the farming industry. Advantage is exactly what we give the breeders and farmers we partner with.

PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics combine decades of hands-on rural experience with the most comprehensive data available.

We … View more
In the market for yearling bulls? We know every advantage counts in the farming industry. Advantage is exactly what we give the breeders and farmers we partner with.

PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics combine decades of hands-on rural experience with the most comprehensive data available.

We partner with forward-thinking breeders and farmers to enhance animal performance and improve business results.

If you’re looking for better business results, then view upcoming PGG Wrightson Yearling Bull Sales around New Zealand.
Find out more

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1531 days ago

Fridge – Samsung 255L Top Mount

Vlado from South Waikato District

Top Mount Fridge – Samsung 255L (model SR255MLS), as new, perfect working condition, no scratches or wear. Dimension: W56cm x H155cm x D64cm. Comes with a user manual. The original price was $750. For all specs please see www.samsung.com...
Must sell - relocating overseas (see my other listings … View more
Top Mount Fridge – Samsung 255L (model SR255MLS), as new, perfect working condition, no scratches or wear. Dimension: W56cm x H155cm x D64cm. Comes with a user manual. The original price was $750. For all specs please see www.samsung.com...
Must sell - relocating overseas (see my other listings for more items).
Viewings are welcome right away. Available for pick up on 16 or 17 Sept. I'm in Tokoroa.

Price: $350

1531 days ago

Dining Table and 4 Matching Chairs

Vlado from South Waikato District

Dining Table and 4 Matching Chairs, good condition. Optional matching coffee table available at an extra $30 (shown on the second photo). Must sell - moving overseas. I'm in Tokoroa.

Price: $80

1532 days ago

Poll: Upcycling Award finalists *VOTES ARE OPEN!*

Resene

We need your help! The calibre of entries for this year's Resene Upcycling Awards has blown us away. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite below. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

Find out more about each entry here. … View more
We need your help! The calibre of entries for this year's Resene Upcycling Awards has blown us away. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite below. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

Find out more about each entry here. If you entered and didn't make the cut, don't worry! There's still spot prizes and other special category winners that are yet to be announced...

Thanks for voting; your clever neighbours thank you!

Upcycling Award finalists *VOTES ARE OPEN!*
  • 8.1% 1. Plant Drawers (Lee Morris from Levin)
    8.1% Complete
  • 6.4% 2. Garden Fridge Box (Daniel Todd from Linton)
    6.4% Complete
  • 16.6% 3. Plastic Spool Racetrack (Helen McFetrish from Hei Hei/Hornby)
    16.6% Complete
  • 20.2% 4. Playhouse (Pete Knewstubb from Waikanae)
    20.2% Complete
  • 12% 5. Remu Wall Art (Richard Barnett from Huntsbury)
    12% Complete
  • 3.4% 6. Pink and Grey Desk (Fran Bellingham from Hataitai)
    3.4% Complete
  • 7.6% 7. Kid's Kitchen (Wendy van der Voort from Hoon Hay)
    7.6% Complete
  • 25.5% Plastic Knives, Forks & Spoons Bird (Edith Gibson from Mount Albert)
    25.5% Complete
2384 votes
1531 days ago

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say you can grow herbs even in small gardens. Plus get cracking with spring seed sowing, repot houseplants, sow sweet peas, feed rhubarb plants, and look after newly-planted fruit trees. Follow this month’s guide to plants to sow and grow and meet the 2020 Houseplant … View moreIn this week’s issue we say you can grow herbs even in small gardens. Plus get cracking with spring seed sowing, repot houseplants, sow sweet peas, feed rhubarb plants, and look after newly-planted fruit trees. Follow this month’s guide to plants to sow and grow and meet the 2020 Houseplant Hero. Plus go in the draw for Tui potato growing products and Mr Fothergill’s ultimate gardening pack.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1531 days ago

Key tips for a warmer, drier home – 7/9 – Draughts

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Stop cold air getting into your home by stopping draughts around doors, windows and fireplaces.

www.youtube.com...

1531 days ago

Make a desk organiser

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

Messy desk, messy life, so they say. Even if you disagree with the sentiment, there’s something calming about having an organised desk that lets you concentrate on being productive on the work that matters.

Keep your desktop clutter free with this clever DIY desk organiser. This one uses a … View more
Messy desk, messy life, so they say. Even if you disagree with the sentiment, there’s something calming about having an organised desk that lets you concentrate on being productive on the work that matters.

Keep your desktop clutter free with this clever DIY desk organiser. This one uses a green/blue paint palette, but get creative with the Resene colours that you love.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own.

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1532 days ago

A saucy rebrand brings te reo Māori to Kiwi fridges and dinner tables

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Are you looking for a new pantry staple? A Canterbury restaurateur has launched his own te reo Māori-branded tomato sauce after boycotting another for “bastardising” the language.

Fush owner Anton Matthews has teamed up with Barkers to produce Kīnaki Tomato after removing … View more
Hi neighbours,

Are you looking for a new pantry staple? A Canterbury restaurateur has launched his own te reo Māori-branded tomato sauce after boycotting another for “bastardising” the language.

Fush owner Anton Matthews has teamed up with Barkers to produce Kīnaki Tomato after removing Watties from his Christchurch restaurant because the company poked fun at Māori place names in an advertising campaign.

Matthews, who has become well-known for championing the country’s indigenous language, is proud to have te reo Māori on sauces displayed on his tables.

When he went in search of a new sauce to accompany his kaimoana (fish) and chips in January, they picked a sauce they loved, and asked the Geraldine-based condiment producer if it could collaborate on a label.

“I’m really stoked that they’ve taken a chance on us.”

To read more about Kīnaki Tomato, click here

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1531 days ago

Washing machine - Fisher & Paykel

Vlado from South Waikato District

Fisher & Paykel QuickSmart MW512 (5.5kg) – perfect working condition (fabric softener never used). Installation and User manuals available. The original price was $800. Must sell - relocating overseas (see my other listings for more items). Viewings are welcome right away. Available for pick … View moreFisher & Paykel QuickSmart MW512 (5.5kg) – perfect working condition (fabric softener never used). Installation and User manuals available. The original price was $800. Must sell - relocating overseas (see my other listings for more items). Viewings are welcome right away. Available for pick up on 16 or 17 Sept. I'm in Tokoroa.

Price: $250

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