How the world's most beautiful tassels are made
For 91 years, this family-run company has been creating intricate tie-backs and tassels, with the fourth generation now presiding over a business that strikes a fine balance between tradition and modernity.
The rhythmic clickety-clack of 40 weaving machines swells as the doors open at Les Passementeries de l'île de France. They clatter and clash until the clock strikes 12 when, as if by magic, silence falls as the workers break for lunch. Throughout the day, 2,000 metres of braid and fringe pour from the looms in reams of kaleidoscopic colour, while tassels are twisted, pom-poms are fluffed and flowers are knotted by hand.
The tradition of passementerie in the village of Belloy-en-France, north of Paris, dates back to the nineteenth century, but since the Fifties, in France alone, more than 200 passementiers have closed their doors permanently or relocated to Tunisia and China, where both labour and rental prices are tantalisingly cheap. Les Passementeries de l'île de France is one of the last workshops still operating in the country today.
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Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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32.5% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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67.5% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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