Tumunui, Rotorua

1368 days ago

Auckland to move to Alert Level 2, rest of New Zealand to move to Alert Level 1

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
17 February
4.53pm

The rest of New Zealand will return at Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- New Zealand will return to Alert … View more
UPDATE
17 February
4.53pm

The rest of New Zealand will return at Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- New Zealand will return to Alert Level 1 with Auckland moving to Alert Level 2.
- These restrictions will be reviewed February 22.
- There has been an additional 1 case confirmed, with the positive case a member of the same household bubble.
- New locations of interest have been loaded on the Ministry of Health website.
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UPDATE
16 February
1.09pm

There are no new community cases Ashley Bloomfield confirmed in a 1pm update today. There are no new cases in MIQ facilities.
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UPDATE
15 February
4.20pm

Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- The Prime Minister says there's a variety of scenarios on how the virus got into the community. To date, health officials are still attempting to establish the source of the outbreak.
- 42 people have been identified as close contacts.
- The first batch of Pfizer vaccines - 60,000 doses - arrived this morning on a Singapore Airlines flight.
- Vaccines will be offered to border and MIQ workers from this Saturday.
- This will be the largest vaccine programme in New Zealand's history, Jacinda Ardern says.
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UPDATE
February 15
1.36pm

The Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation. There are no new community cases.
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UPDATE
February 15
8.18am

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the first two February cases are the highly infectious UK strain. There is no link to any MIQ infections.
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All regions outside Auckland have moved to Alert Level 2.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation at 7.00pm Sunday, announcing all regions excluding Auckland, will move to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm tonight.

Here's what you need to know:
- Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.
- Mask use is encouraged when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
- From 11.59pm tonight, travel to Auckland will no longer be possible with the heightened alert level - unless you are returning home.
- The full list of rules under Alert Level 2 can be found here.
- Here's the full list of locations of interest where the cases visited.

Neighbourly will update this message as further information comes to hand.

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1365 days ago

Do you struggle with using technology?

Kanorau Digital

Learn basic everyday digital skills.

Our short course will give you the skills to stay digitally connected to your friends and whānau. We’ll show you how to:

• send and check emails
• use tools to create, organise, and connect with the digital world
• solve common problems using … View more
Learn basic everyday digital skills.

Our short course will give you the skills to stay digitally connected to your friends and whānau. We’ll show you how to:

• send and check emails
• use tools to create, organise, and connect with the digital world
• solve common problems using online resources
• explore day-to-day tasks such as online shopping and banking
• stay safe when you’re online.

Click here and find a course near you!
Course schedule

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1366 days ago

Pams bacon pieces recalled

Neighbourly.co.nz

It has been revealed that aluminium pieces may be present in a Pams product.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary Industries advised that a specific batch of "Pams Bacon Pieces" should not be consumed due to the possible presence of the foreign matter.

So far, there have been no… View more
It has been revealed that aluminium pieces may be present in a Pams product.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary Industries advised that a specific batch of "Pams Bacon Pieces" should not be consumed due to the possible presence of the foreign matter.

So far, there have been no reports of associated injuries but if consumers have any concerns about their health, they should contact health officials.

What you need to know:
- The product is sold in Pak'n Save, Four Square and New World stores throughout the country.
- The best before date is February 28 2021.
- The bacon pieces weigh 350g and are contained in a plastic wrapping.

Customers are asked to return the product to their retailer for a full refund. Further queries can be directed to Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd on 0800 24 51 14

For further information on the recall please visit the New Zealand Food Safety Website.

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1367 days ago

Do Thermal Curtains Really Work?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Curtains, particularly thermal lined ones, can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%, depending on the type of windows your home is fitted with. The key to ensuring you get the most out of your curtains is in understanding exactly how heat is lost, and how the use of thermal lined curtains can prevent… View moreCurtains, particularly thermal lined ones, can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%, depending on the type of windows your home is fitted with. The key to ensuring you get the most out of your curtains is in understanding exactly how heat is lost, and how the use of thermal lined curtains can prevent this.

Understanding the physics: You know the old saying that hot air rises? Well, during cold weather that is exactly what happens, and something called the reverse chimney effect comes into play.

It is widely accepted that cold air is denser, and therefore heavier, than warm air. When it’s cold outside the air close to the window is cooled and sinks down (due to its density increasing with the temperature change). When the cooled air sinks it’s replaced by warmer air from other parts of the room.

As you can imagine, this then creates a circulating current, taking all of your warm air and replacing it with cool air. And just like that, you have lost most of your heat, not just near the window, but in the entire room.

If your curtains are not fitted correctly they form a channel between the window and the curtain, creating a space for the cooled air to sit and increasing the effect of the reverse chimney. The most important aspect to note is that it is the power of each factor combined, which decreases heat loss. No single factor works in isolation.

The first thing to ensure is that your curtains fit your windows correctly. This means that they are within a millimetre of perfect, with absolutely no gaps at the top or bottom. They need to fit against the wall snugly, creating a seal between the curtain and window.

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

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1368 days ago

COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL UPDATE

The Team from New Zealand Police

From 11:59pm tonight, Auckland moves to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The measures will remain in place for three days until midnight Wednesday.

More information on the Alert Levels here: covid19.govt.nz...

For everything you need to know visit … View more
From 11:59pm tonight, Auckland moves to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The measures will remain in place for three days until midnight Wednesday.

More information on the Alert Levels here: covid19.govt.nz...

For everything you need to know visit www.covid19.govt.nz....

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1368 days ago

The difference between Lined and Unlined curtains

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Curtains are an essential part of every home’s decor. And having the right curtains can be the last piece to the puzzle - the furnishing that makes the room, while having the wrong ones . . . well, no one wants to look at bad curtains.


When given an option, should the curtains be lined or … View more
Curtains are an essential part of every home’s decor. And having the right curtains can be the last piece to the puzzle - the furnishing that makes the room, while having the wrong ones . . . well, no one wants to look at bad curtains.


When given an option, should the curtains be lined or non-lined? What are the differences? We'll find out in this article.


Lined curtains, as the name would suggest, have a supplemental lining on the inside of the curtain. This lining can be multifunctional so it’s best to consider what you want to achieve with your curtains.


Sometimes the lining is simply for decoration, giving the curtain a bit of depth and extra weight, perhaps offering a splash of colour to offset the primary colour of the curtain.


More often than not, they are often designed to be noise cancelling, heat insulating, or fully light blocking, among other things. If for example, you’re planning your living room to also be a fully functional home entertainment centre, 100% blackout - lined curtains would be your best bet.


Lined curtains offer better privacy due to the extra thickness of the fabric. They often have extended lifetime compared to unlined curtains due solely to the lining preventing the fabric from fading.

Unlined curtains, on the other hand, have their own advantages.
They are both lighter and airier making them perfect for rooms that have either smaller or fewer windows and a tendency to remain dark.



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

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1368 days ago

Tell us about a local business that makes your day?

Prospa

We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. Well, it’s … View moreWe all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. Well, it’s payback time!

Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2021 Prospa Local Business Hero awards – and they could be up for some fantastic prizes (T&C’s apply).

Every nominated business receives a free 3-month premium listing on Neighbourly. The 11 Regional finalists get a $100 Prezzy® gift card for the business (and one for the nominator too) and a 12-month Premium Business listing on Neighbourly (valued at $399). The National winner receives $2,500 cash prize from Prospa, a $5,000 Stuff advertising package and a $2,500 Neighbourly package.

Nominate a business today and spread the word about your Prospa Local Business Hero.
Learn more

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1369 days ago

Stop Your Curtains Getting Damp and Mouldy

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

It’s time to bid farewell to summer for another year and start facing the reality that soon it’s going to be cold and damp for a while. As we enter those colder months and condensation appears on the windows, we thought it was a good time to share some tips on preventing mould and mildew … View moreIt’s time to bid farewell to summer for another year and start facing the reality that soon it’s going to be cold and damp for a while. As we enter those colder months and condensation appears on the windows, we thought it was a good time to share some tips on preventing mould and mildew growing on your curtains.

What makes mould and mildew grow?
Interestingly, it’s not directly the condensation on your windows that causes mould and mildew because most curtains don’t come into contact with it. Mould and mildew grow when there’s moisture and warmth in the home, which condensation does contribute to.
Just like everything absorbent in your home, as temperatures go up the moisture in the air evaporates and is absorbed into the fabric. As they cool, the moisture changes back from its gaseous state to being closer to its liquid form. In absorbing this moisture, they also take in any bacteria it holds. Repeated over time, this is what causes the nasty growths.

The difference between mould and mildew
Mould is a broad term that encompasses multiple identical nuclei and can grow beneath and penetrate the surface of affected material. Mildew is a type of mould that grows on the surface and can therefore be much more easily treated/removed. When its live, moulds are orangey or reddish in colour. The black patches we see are actually the hibernating mould spores waiting for the sun to warm them up and bring them back to life.

Where does all this moisture come from?
We live in a pretty humid climate in New Zealand at the best of times; in some areas it’s even greater. But it’s not all weather related. Cooking, showering, drying clothes, unflued gas heaters and simply breathing and existing all produce moisture content within our homes.

Preventing moisture build up and/or drying out your home
- Install a home ventilation system of some kind.
- Crack the windows a little during the day to allow a bit of cool air to flow through your home. North facing windows are best....



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

1369 days ago

Pioneering a new way of living

There’s a new generation pioneering what it means to be living in retirement. They’re making the most of every moment, trying new things and rediscovering passions that were lost when responsibilities took over.

They’re busy enjoying newfound independence and relaxing into creativity.
We … View more
There’s a new generation pioneering what it means to be living in retirement. They’re making the most of every moment, trying new things and rediscovering passions that were lost when responsibilities took over.

They’re busy enjoying newfound independence and relaxing into creativity.
We want to help them do it. That’s why we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Find out more

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1371 days ago

Where did all the waterbeds go?

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Did you have - or do you still have - a Waterbed? I hunted high and low for someone who still used one of the originals, but couldn't find a soul who'd own up to it.
What do you think about these wonderfully kitsch pieces of retro bedroom decor?

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1370 days ago

Our February SuperSeniors Newsletter is out now!

Office for Seniors

Our first SuperSeniors Newsletter of the year is out now!

This issue has information about a free driving course from Age Concern New Zealand and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, some advice from SPCA about pet ownership, a warning from Consumer NZ about a discount scheme being offered to … View more
Our first SuperSeniors Newsletter of the year is out now!

This issue has information about a free driving course from Age Concern New Zealand and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, some advice from SPCA about pet ownership, a warning from Consumer NZ about a discount scheme being offered to seniors, tips on how to look after your wellbeing and loads more.

Check it out and pass it on! bit.ly...

Want to subscribe? You can do so here: bit.ly...

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1370 days ago

Personalise a print!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

Need a quick way to add colour to a room? Add your own creative flair to a shop-bought art print using a few Resene testpots and you can have a one of a kind pick me up for your wall.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your … View more
Need a quick way to add colour to a room? Add your own creative flair to a shop-bought art print using a few Resene testpots and you can have a one of a kind pick me up for your wall.

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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1373 days ago

Poll: Which photograph takes the cake?

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kia ora Aotearoa! Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
Stuff received almost 300 entries in the category featuring all things local and we have whittled these… View more
Kia ora Aotearoa! Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
Stuff received almost 300 entries in the category featuring all things local and we have whittled these down to six brilliantly captured photographs in the running to win a Canon EOS camera.

You can hear more about these finalist entries on our blog, but judging is simple:
Cast your vote in the poll below before 3pm, February 11.

Which photograph takes the cake?
  • 42.5% Finalist 1: Ken Hansen (The beach)
    42.5% Complete
  • 11.8% Finalist 2: Tiana Golder (Mana Wāhine)
    11.8% Complete
  • 12.4% Finalist 3: Tom Mazey (Vintage cars)
    12.4% Complete
  • 7% Finalist 4: Vivian Gehrmann (On the farm)
    7% Complete
  • 16.6% Finalist 5: Stephane Dussau (Maori Battallion)
    16.6% Complete
  • 9.8% Finalist 6: Kate Henry (Kids playing)
    9.8% Complete
1332 votes
1371 days ago

English can be confusing!

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

Brought/bought, often confused. How do you remember which to use?

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1371 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We have been bowled over by the amazing entries to the Resene Shed of the Year 2021 competition. There's still time though, to submit yours. Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The winner … View moreWe have been bowled over by the amazing entries to the Resene Shed of the Year 2021 competition. There's still time though, to submit yours. Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The winner receives $3000 worth of gardening gear and the runner-up receives $1075 worth of prizes.

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