foxton, Shannon

1305 days ago

Are you obsessed with your houseplants? Enter our Houseplant Hero competition!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what … View more
The hunt is officially on for New Zealand's best collection of houseplants
. Which means you could be 2022 Houseplant Hero. There’s some great prizes to be won! To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) what potted plants you have, the time you put into caring for them, and what you love about them. Send us up to five photos of your indoor plant displays. Email mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Meanwhile, here's last year's winner Alyce Read, from Nelson.

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1305 days ago

The Green Side of Wool

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Levin

We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone of the economy for many years.

Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and for several decades wool accounted for more than one third of New … View more
We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone of the economy for many years.

Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and for several decades wool accounted for more than one third of New Zealand’s exports by value, with the sheep population peaking at just over 70 million in 1982.

This number is significant when compared to New Zealand’s human population of 5 million. By 2020 sheep numbers dropped to 26 million following a decline in profitability compared to other types of farming, particularly dairy.

While also farmed as a food source, today’s article focuses on sheep wool and its environmental attributes.

Wool is a natural and renewable resource and as long as our beloved sheep are eating our tasty green pastures they will always produce wool. Wool has amazing properties that make it ideal for many applications from home furnishings to underwear.

Cotton and synthetic fibres are currently the most commonly produced fibres globally, however, their performance and environmental benefits do not compare to wool.

From Wool to Yarn
The wool clip (the total yield of wool shorn during one season from the sheep) is sent to the scourers where it is cleaned and dried before being spun into yarn. The yarn is then sent to the textile manufacturer where many different processes are involved.

The yarn is wound onto dye cones to be dyed the required colours. Next the yarn is warped onto beams which are threaded through the loom, allowing the weft yarn to run across the warp and create a woven fabric.

The fabric is then inspected, washed, and dried. Very few chemicals are used in the processing, typically only water and heat.

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

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1306 days ago

A calm morning (083439)

Paul from Levin

A calm morning at Foxton last week.

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1306 days ago

Kirby Sentria II Home Care System

Jenni from Levin

Built to last! Approx 8 Years old, excellent condition. Comes with manual, many attachments plus carpet shampoo system (unused). Price is negotiable.

Price: $350

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1313 days ago

What should Horowhenua ratepayers expect under "new leadership" at Horowhenua District Council?

Veronica from Manakau

Commentary Updated

I'm sure the education sector would be concerned to read the new chief executive for Horowhenua District Council Monique Davidson state, "I don't think we live in a world where... degrees matter."

It's not good form, or a very promising sign, the … View more
Commentary Updated

I'm sure the education sector would be concerned to read the new chief executive for Horowhenua District Council Monique Davidson state, "I don't think we live in a world where... degrees matter."

It's not good form, or a very promising sign, the first public comments she makes to Stuff is to demean a sector that works to achieve educational excellence in a very challenging 21st Century environment [Horowhenua Mail, May 12, 2022 New council boss ready to lead].

At its best knowledge gained by completing tertiary education courses, or "degrees", provide critical thinking abilities especially useful in professional roles such as the one she has secured.

The alternative in-house training is a poor return on investment for the community especially taking the salary the chief executive receives into account. What is it annually, $250,000?

The Horowhenua community would certainly be the beneficiary if Ms Davidson did have a degree or, at least, formal qualifications to apply in her role rather than the in-house training received as a long-time protege of former mayor Brendan Duffy and former chief executive David Clapperton who were both her mentors. And she does despite her comment in the community newspaper. She has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington.

Her in-house training took place during the more well known infamous email blocking era instigated by Clapperton and Duffy. I'd be interested to know whether Davidson was involved in this activity during her time previously at Council. A question that would have been good for the reporter to ask. Were any questions asked? If Davidson was involved in the email blocking saga it certainly also raises concerns about the legitimacy of her appointment. Chief executives are appointed by councillors.

If Ms Davidson wants to genuinely demonstrate to the community she represents a fresh, new start (doubtful considering her local government origins) her very first decision would be to recommend a closure of the Levin Landfill.

It's a legacy that ended in her lap now it's time for her to show the community that she has the mettle, and the political maturity, to make the only recommendation that can possibly be made taking all the consultation done already into account.

Broadly speaking essential infrastructure is one of the biggest issues locally and nationally. Is Davidson prepared to demonstrate from the "get-go" that Horowhenua has a chief executive who does more than talk about leading from the front? Her recommendation to the Council on the Levin Landfill will answer that question.

Former deputy chief executive Nicki Brady left the Council three months ago - and not long into her role - to take up a position as general manager for the Wayne Bishop Group, an infrastructure company owned by councillor Wayne Bishop.

What! The former deputy chief executive of Horowhenua Council, who was appointed by Clapperton, is now employed as a general manager in an infrastructure company owned by a a councillor who exercises significant economic and political clout of his own around the council table?

If there was ever a need for restraint of trade conditions surely this is a clear example. The public need to be assured the Wayne Bishop Group does not gain commercial advantage from the intellectual property and confidential ratepayer information former deputy chief executive Brady had access to.

Veronica Harrod is a qualified freelance journalist who lives and works in Horowhenua. And, yes, qualifications matter.
#education #community #investment #training #council #Horowhenua #chiefexecutiveofficer

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1319 days ago

RENTAL PROPERTY NEEDED

Helena from Levin

Hiya a couple in my family have had there home sold out from under them and a looking for a longterm rental 1-3 bedrooms plus garage can pay up to $500 per week PM ME FOR CONTACT DETAILS

1309 days ago

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

Information from Coast Access Radio 104.7FM

** HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE ON Coast Access Radio 104.7FM **
* Friday 6.30pm: "Joe's Show" - With local year 13 lad, Joe Shaw - featuring his music picks...
* Fri 7pm: "The Groove Yard" - James Eaton is back with his weekly perfectly … View more
** HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE ON Coast Access Radio 104.7FM **
* Friday 6.30pm: "Joe's Show" - With local year 13 lad, Joe Shaw - featuring his music picks...
* Fri 7pm: "The Groove Yard" - James Eaton is back with his weekly perfectly polished selection of 20th century tunes and gems....DON'T miss it!
* Saturday 9am: "Conversations" - Paul Jones from Waikanae Community Patrol talks with Todd Zaner.
* Sat 10am: "Jazz Actualities" - It's Adam Melville's turn this week and he's featuring NZ Jazz Music for NZ Music month!
* Sat 11am: "Kapiti C.A.B" - David Robertson from the Citizens Advice Bureau is in to tell us about the upcoming new migrants luncheon in Kapiti (Fri. 27th May 2022).
* Sat 11.30am: "At the table with Gail" - With Gail Hall and Tanya Tanya Jayne Ellis.
* Sat 12noon: "Health Happenings" - Todd Zaner is enlightened!
He talks about Menopause with Bronwyn Romain.
* Sat 8pm - 12am: "Rock Back the clock with Dave Dee".
* Sunday 6pm: "Embracing Life on our own terms" The third book in the series from authour Angela Robertson. Today's subject is Dawn McCormick, originally of Otane, Central Hawkes Bay, born in the late 1920's and survived the Napier earthquake.
* Monday 10.30pm: "Political Point of View" - Graham Priest is back in the studio and will connect with National MP (via phone) Simeon Brown.
* Tuesday 3pm: "Afternoon Delights" - Tony Reed features music from composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958 pictured).
Have a warm weekend - stay safe out there folks!
For more info on our programmes and podcasts, head to our website.

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1309 days ago

Severe weather warnings continue in Levin

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

This morning a tornado, created by a severe thunderstorm, hit the township of Levin destroying trees and property in the area. State Highway 1 has experienced areas of flooding and is therefore closed through this region.

MetService meteorologist Kathryn Hodge shared that severe thunderstorms … View more
This morning a tornado, created by a severe thunderstorm, hit the township of Levin destroying trees and property in the area. State Highway 1 has experienced areas of flooding and is therefore closed through this region.

MetService meteorologist Kathryn Hodge shared that severe thunderstorms passed through Levin about 7am with gusts of 140kph being measured. Flights out of Wellington were paused temporarily but have now resumed.

Here's what you need to know:
- State Highway 1 and 10 local roads have been closed - Oxford St, Cambridge St (from Liverpool to Bath St), Tawa St, Wilton St, Gladstone Rd and Mako Mako Road.
- Damage in the township includes powerlines, trees ripped to pieces, a building has been destroyed and several properties damaged. Some residents are currently without power to their homes.
- Several schools are closed including St Joseph's Catholic School, Levin School, Levin Intermediate and Horowhenua College.
- Residents are being urged to stay home for the time being.

MetService says it remains possible that more thunderstorms could hit Levin later this morning. Stay up to date with the latest official information on the Horowhenua District Council website.

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1309 days ago

Candle creations

The Team from Resene ColorShop Levin

Who would have thought pine chair feet could make such an amazing addition to your home décor? Painting these with Resene testpots and stacking them to make contemporary candle holders is a breeze.

Find out how to create your own.

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1309 days ago

Wanting to buy old wooden wardrobe

Lani from Foxton Beach

Howdy neighbours, I'm wanting to buy an old free standing wooden wardrobe, doesn't matter too much on condition as just really wanting the door but it must have a mirror in the door. Cheers. I've attached an example.

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1310 days ago

Block layer required

Peter from Levin

I am looking for a Block Layer for approx 40 concrete blocks in Ohau. It is for a nib wall approx 9m long 2 blocks high .Any recommendations or anyone who can do this job (Not ready just yet) please phone Peter O'More on 021 315 328

1310 days ago

Homed Manawatū - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Manawatu

Our House of the Week this week is actually some brand new town houses in Terrace End. These are stunning inside and out and have been meticulously designed to suit young families, down-sizers or professional couples. These are for sale through Tim Cook and Felicity Treadwell from Harcourts. Get a … View moreOur House of the Week this week is actually some brand new town houses in Terrace End. These are stunning inside and out and have been meticulously designed to suit young families, down-sizers or professional couples. These are for sale through Tim Cook and Felicity Treadwell from Harcourts. Get a better look inside today's edition of Homed.

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Manawatū to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Manawatū.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Manawatū gets delivered to letterboxes on a Thursday, and also inserted into the Manawatū Standard, delivered to subscribers, and is available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Karen Baker on 021 973 105 or karen.baker@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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1311 days ago

Kitten

Leah from Levin

One kitten left to rehome. she's 12 weeks old a true tortoiseshell black ginger and beige female dewormed deflead looking for her new home. She's affectionate and well socialised around young kids and other cats. Please contact me on 02109127497 if you would like to come meet her or have … View moreOne kitten left to rehome. she's 12 weeks old a true tortoiseshell black ginger and beige female dewormed deflead looking for her new home. She's affectionate and well socialised around young kids and other cats. Please contact me on 02109127497 if you would like to come meet her or have any questions. Thank you

Price: $40

1311 days ago

Window treatments to keep your home warm this winter

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Levin

Aren't you tired of sky-high winter power bills? Start with your windows to stop the cold from getting in.
BRANZ, an independent research organisation, says:

• 42% to 45% of heat in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements is lost through windows.
• If your home has been built or … View more
Aren't you tired of sky-high winter power bills? Start with your windows to stop the cold from getting in.
BRANZ, an independent research organisation, says:

• 42% to 45% of heat in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements is lost through windows.
• If your home has been built or renovated under the 2007 Building Code, which requires double glazing, you still lose up to 31% of heat through windows.
• Properly fitted curtains and blinds can cut heat loss through single glazed windows by 60% and double glazed windows by 40-50%.

Choosing the right window treatments will help insulate windows and prevent heat loss. Here are three options to answer your "how can I warm up my home?" this winter.

Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds are one of the most energy-efficient window treatments. They are also known as honeycomb or cellular shades. These window coverings feature a honeycomb structure to make an air pocket between the window glass and the room that acts as an insulator, blocking heat and keeping the cold out.

When a heater is running, Honeycomb blinds reduce heat loss through windows by up to 60%, which equals around 10% savings on your heating energy. In hotter months, honeycomb blinds reduce unwanted heat from the sun through windows by up to 60% when installed with a tight fit. They are available in different layering options, including single and double-cell.

Heavy curtains or drapes
Drapes or curtains are another way to insulate your home by adding one extra barrier against the cold winter air. The main difference is that curtains are sized to fit the window, and drapes reach the floor.

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

1311 days ago

Bedside table

Kathryn from Levin

Does anyone have one of these bed side tables for sale?? Thanks!!

Negotiable

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