Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.

1500 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1502 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel … View moreDiwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel free to share your photos and best wishes to your community below.

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1501 days ago

Maintaining your Curtains after Cleaning

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Keep your newly revived curtains looking fresher for as long as possible with our tips!

Minimise the food sources that encourage mould growth
• Clean soft furnishings regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves a regular light vacuum, with less frequent … View more
Keep your newly revived curtains looking fresher for as long as possible with our tips!

Minimise the food sources that encourage mould growth
• Clean soft furnishings regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves a regular light vacuum, with less frequent dry cleaning or laundering.
• Regularly clean windows and wipe down window surrounds and venetian blinds or shutters with a mild detergent in warm water.
• Consider selecting window coverings manufactured from man-made materials, particularly in damp areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and on south facing windows.

Minimise moisture in your home
• Use lids on pots and pans when cooking.
• Never hang clothes to dry inside and vent your clothes drier to the outside.
• Keep your roof, cladding and guttering in good repair.
• Check that stormwater is being discharged to an appropriate outlet.
• Check plumbing for leaks.
• Replace any unflued gas heaters with flued gas or electric heaters.
• Avoid bringing wet clothes or shoes into your home.

Ventilate your home to reduce moisture build-up in the air
• Open north facing doors and windows when you are home during the day, even during the colder months.
• Use exhaust fans in areas where water vapour is created (e.g. the kitchen and bathroom).
• If all else fails, consider a heat recovery ventilation system to replace stale damp air with fresh air.

Maintain an even inside temperature throughout your home to prevent moist air from condensing onto cold areas like windows
• Insulate ceilings, floors and, where possible, walls.
• Improve the insulative properties of your windows by closing your curtains/blinds as soon as the sun goes down each day.
• Replace any thin or unlined window coverings with quality thermal or lined curtains or roman blinds.
• Fit your curtains or blinds as close to the wall as possible to trap air against the window and take your curtains all the way to the floor to prevent air circulating out from under the curtain
• If you are planning any home renovations, consider upgrading joinery to double glazing or installing a retrofitted secondary glazing.

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1501 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1501 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1503 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1507 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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1520 days ago

Clear the Clutter Rotorua

Kathryn from Pukehangi - Mangakakahi

Hiya
My name is Kathryn. I help people declutter their homes from one room to whole houses and I also help organise and simplify for putting your house on the market.

For more information please call me on 021 811 788.

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1503 days ago

Tiakina te taiao!

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Te Aka Pūtaiao (Kaupae 5)

Kia ora! Are you passionate about looking after our environment? At Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, our Te Aka Pūtaiao certificate is fee free and provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge examining traditional and contemporary models of … View more
Te Aka Pūtaiao (Kaupae 5)

Kia ora! Are you passionate about looking after our environment? At Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, our Te Aka Pūtaiao certificate is fee free and provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge examining traditional and contemporary models of science and the environment.

If you are a community group, marae or individual who’d like to study with us, we’d love to hear from you!
Find out more

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1503 days ago

Kumara Plants for sale

Jane from Owhata

I have Red Kumara plants for sale for $1 each. Growing instructions are also included.

Price: $1

1504 days ago

Let's work together to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more compassionate place.

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines
View more
To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines

+ Know the signs. Family violence can affect anyone

+ When you see it, report it to New Zealand Police

+ Support victims: check-in regularly, listen, refer

+ Volunteer / make a donation to a relevant charity

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1504 days ago

The Nukes -Ukulele with a Twist - 21 Nov QE Recreation Hall Rotorua

Julie from Springfield - Tihiotonga

Tickets through www.rotoruaukulele.co.nz... or Julie 027-2424-132
$22 for the show or $35 for a workshop and show
Supporting act local ukulele grou The Thermaleles

1504 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one … View more
Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Learn more

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1506 days ago

Locally made, Natural Products. Ngongotaha Cottage Shop

Kate from Country Herbals Cottage Shop

Country Herbals Natural Products.
Visit us so you can see, smell and in many cases, try our great range of products before you buy!
Locally made, natural products including:
* Shampoo Bars (from $5) and Conditioners
* Natural skin care for all ages and skin types. Low allergenic.
* Natural body … View more
Country Herbals Natural Products.
Visit us so you can see, smell and in many cases, try our great range of products before you buy!
Locally made, natural products including:
* Shampoo Bars (from $5) and Conditioners
* Natural skin care for all ages and skin types. Low allergenic.
* Natural body powders, lotions, deodorants, and perfumes.
* Pet products including natural flea treatments, Stopitch products, Pet Shampoo Bars, and much more....
Or
Browse/shop in our online store
(link below) or go to countryherbalsstore.ecwid.com...
COTTAGE SHOP OPEN HOURS - Please check the front page of our online store for the open hours for that week. Outside those hours, I will be open by appointment. Text a time 021 144 1113
Thank you for supporting local business!!!

1506 days ago

Why Choose Custom-Made Curtains

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

If you’re considering installing curtains in your home, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you’d prefer to buy ready-made curtains or have them custom-made especially for your home.

Get exactly what you want - There’s no need to compromise when you choose to have … View more
If you’re considering installing curtains in your home, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you’d prefer to buy ready-made curtains or have them custom-made especially for your home.

Get exactly what you want - There’s no need to compromise when you choose to have your curtains custom-made; you’ll get exactly what you want and it will be the perfect for your space. A good company will send a consultant to meet with you at your home who will bring with them a wide variety of actual fabric samples so you can see how different colours, patterns and textures look in your space.

The right curtains for the right rooms - You’ll get experienced, professional advice about which type of curtains is best for certain rooms and purposes. For instance, if you want curtains for bedrooms where blocking light is the main priority, your consultant will be able to talk you through the different lining options to achieve this.

A perfect fit - Another benefit of having your curtains custom-made is that your window measurements will be taken by someone who really knows what they’re doing.

Excellent quality - There’s no doubt the finished product will be impeccably made with special attention to detail. And there’s peace of mind knowing your curtains are backed by a decent product warranty.

Finance - By choosing a specialist blind manufacturer there may be the possibility of a finance option to help make it affordable.

Professional installation - And the service will be end-to-end with professional installation also often included.

Things to consider when choosing custom-made curtains – Good things take time; from consultation to having the finished product installed you could be looking at a 3 to 4 week wait if not longer. The initial cost of having custom-made curtains would likely be a more expensive option over ready-made. However, this cost is easily justified by the quality of the product.

Reasons to AVOID ready-made curtains
Whether online or from a store, ready-made curtains are often seen as a fast and cost effective option.

Potentially limited options - The first thing to know about buying ready-made curtains is that you might not get what you want OR what you need. Unlike Russells’ custom-made curtains, most ready-made curtains are not made in New Zealand. They are mass-produced in a finite number of sizes. These can be quite common sizes so you may get lucky and find something that fits your window. However, most people find ready-made curtains are either slightly too wide and overlap the frame, or not wide enough, letting through light. Be prepared to dedicate some time to shopping around to find curtains that are just the right colour, pattern and size for your home.

Measurement mishaps - You will need to measure your own windows; do so carefully. How to measure for curtains differs depending on what kind of curtains you want too so be sure to research the best method.

Inferior quality - Cheaper ready-made curtains may seem like a good deal initially, but long term (and curtains are a long term household item) inferior quality will end up costing you.

No professional installation - And finally, when buying ready-made curtains, you may also need to budget for professional installation if you’re not confident in your own skills.

No matter if you have custom or ready made curtains, Curtain Clean can take care of all your cleaning needs! Call us on 0800 579 0501 if you have any questions

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