Rural Whanganui, Upokongaro

255 days ago

Needing Gold fish

Marie from Whanganui

We have an outdoor pond working and has a water fall and only 2 fish and would love some more please.. Has anyone got any spare or too many?

Free

J
255 days ago

Heritage Collectors Fair - Monday, 23 October

John from Whanganui

Heritage Collectors Fair - Monday, 23 October - Jubilee Stadium

Negotiable

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256 days ago

Broadband Costs on the Rise?

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 … View more
Have you recently observed your broadband expenses creeping up?

According to our recent Neighbourly poll, a staggering 80% of respondents have remained loyal to the same broadband provider for over 5 years, and within that group, a whopping 80% have been with their provider for more than 10 years!

Staying loyal could be costing you money! By switching providers, you could save over $300 a year.

If you're currently under contract, here's a tip: set a reminder for the 11th month to compare your options. This way, you won't get automatically rolled onto higher pricing. It's your chance to keep more money in your pocket!

Don't let rising costs get the best of you. Explore your options and save big - check out Broadband Compare and Power Compare to compare different plans and providers!
Compare now

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258 days ago

ELECTIONS !!! 2nd - 14th October

Glen from Gonville

1 day to go…..

* The Democrat Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Reagan (1986)

*. I don’t make jokes… I just watch the government and report the … View more
1 day to go…..

* The Democrat Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Reagan (1986)

*. I don’t make jokes… I just watch the government and report the facts. - Will Rogers

* In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. - Voltaire (1764)

* Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you! - Pericles (430 B.C.)

* No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. - Mark Twain (1866 )916. Talk is cheap…except when Congress does it. - Anonymous

* The government is like a baby’s alimentary canal: a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. - Ronald Reagan

* The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill

* The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. - Mark Twain

* There is no distinctly Native American criminal class…save Congress. - Mark Twain

257 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF KIWI RUGBY FEVER COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the… View more
We are Rugby MAD nation! We had an amazing turnout with over 965 entries from rugby fans to back their country for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Sky Sport Now!

Now, the moment of truth – did you emerge as the lucky winner? CLICK below to find out! But hey, if you missed out on the competition, don't worry! We've got a BONUS rugby family GIVEAWAY just for you. Check out our featured post here: www.facebook.com...

And here's the game plan: Stay connected with NZ Compare for the freshest broadband and power deals, along with exciting competitions. We're your money-saving champions! CLICK HERE to discover more: www.nzcompare.com...

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260 days ago

ELECTIONS !!! 2nd - 14th October

Glen from Gonville

3 days to go…..

The Haircut
One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied,
'I cannot accept money from you I'm doing community service this week.'
The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber… View more
3 days to go…..

The Haircut
One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied,
'I cannot accept money from you I'm doing community service this week.'
The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you I'm doing community service this week.'
The cop was happy and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Minister of Parliament came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'
The MP was very happy and left the shop.

The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen MPs lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

*****
AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION . . .
The sport of choice for the urban poor
is SOCCER.

The sport of choice for maintenance level employees
is BASKETBALL.

The sport of choice for front-line workers
is RUGBY.

The sport of choice for supervisors
is CRICKET.

The sport of choice for middle management
is TENNIS.

And the sport of choice for corporate executives and officers
is GOLF.

THE AMAZING CONCLUSION:
The higher you go in the corporate structure, the smaller your balls become.

Therefore, there must be a ton of people in our Parliament playing MARBLES.

258 days ago

Win your own Whitianga holiday home in time for summer!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

The Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 … View moreThe Heart Foundation Lottery No. 144 is now open. For as little as one $15 ticket, you will be in the draw to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home worth just over a million dollars in beautiful Whitianga. There are also other great prizes to be won, including overseas holidays, $10,000 cash and a new Toyota hybrid. Proceeds from all tickets help to fund life-saving heart research. Someone will win this incredible home on 30 November. Now that would make it a summer to remember!

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262 days ago

Poll: What issues influence your vote most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type … View more
October 14th is the last day for voting in the General Election 2023. And while there are some policies that are nice to have, there are other issues that are imperative to us. Where do your priorities lie this election? From the options below, choose what is swaying your vote the most.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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What issues influence your vote most?
  • 3.2% Education
    3.2% Complete
  • 24.2% Health
    24.2% Complete
  • 8.1% Environment
    8.1% Complete
  • 6% Housing
    6% Complete
  • 18.7% Justice/Law
    18.7% Complete
  • 2.2% Infrastructure
    2.2% Complete
  • 0.4% Defence and foreign affairs
    0.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Community & Inclusion
    2.5% Complete
  • 7.5% Income & Employment
    7.5% Complete
  • 22.3% Economy
    22.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Other - I'll share below
    4.9% Complete
1929 votes
260 days ago

Ryman Healthcare & Black Ferns: It takes a village

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of … View more
Ryman Healthcare is proud to champion the women's game like never before. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and celebrate their achievements, showcased through our official partnership with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens.

Our partnership brings a host of benefits that contribute to the growth and development of women's rugby. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of players and foster a vibrant community around the sport. Click here to learn more.
Learn more now

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260 days ago

Poll: What Hits Hardest?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hello Neighbours! We all understand bills are piling up for everyone.
What's been hitting your wallet the hardest lately, making you cringe every time you pay for it?

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What Hits Hardest?
  • 14.5% Power/Gas
    14.5% Complete
  • 60.9% Groceries
    60.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Broadband/Phone
    2.2% Complete
  • 22.5% Insurance
    22.5% Complete
1051 votes
261 days ago

Dementia Thought Leaders Take Centre Stage

Jane Winstone Retirement Village

September was a big month for two Ryman Healthcare dementia advocates, with presentations at two high profile conferences and an interview on TVNZ Breakfast which showcased their research and knowledge.

Dementia Project Specialist Caroline Bartle and Senior Architect Sara McCunnie, who describe … View more
September was a big month for two Ryman Healthcare dementia advocates, with presentations at two high profile conferences and an interview on TVNZ Breakfast which showcased their research and knowledge.

Dementia Project Specialist Caroline Bartle and Senior Architect Sara McCunnie, who describe themselves as ‘dementia nerds’, revealed their shared passion for their subject as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness month.

Caroline was interviewed by Matty McLean on TVNZ Breakfast last week to discuss the myRyman Life dementia care model and ways in which people can take steps to avoid or delay the onset of dementia.

Click to read more.

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262 days ago

Win this brand-new Whitianga home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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264 days ago

ELECTIONS 2nd - 14th October

Glen from Gonville

A week to go, so ……………

While suturing up a cut on the hand of a 75 year old farmer, whose hand had been caught in the gate while working his cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation.

Eventually they got around to politics and how some MPs where so useless.
The old farmer said, … View more
A week to go, so ……………

While suturing up a cut on the hand of a 75 year old farmer, whose hand had been caught in the gate while working his cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation.

Eventually they got around to politics and how some MPs where so useless.
The old farmer said, "Well, ya know, they are just Post Tortoises."

Now not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked, “What's a ‘Post Tortoise’?"
The farmer explained, "When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a Tortoise balanced on top, that's a post Tortoise."

The old farmer saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he elaborated. "You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he sure as hell isn't goin' anywhere, and you just wonder what kind of dumb clodhead put him there in the first place."
[now that's the best definition I've heard in a long while]

*****
"The budget should be balanced,
the Treasury should be refilled,
public debt should be reduced,
the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled,
and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt.
People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."
- Cicero, 55 BC
[sound familiar?]

264 days ago

Master The Gentle Art Of Sleep

Jane Winstone Retirement Village

A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. … View more
A good night's sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these tips to help you achieve the sleep of your dreams.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga on most days of the week. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it may increase alertness.

Setting up a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for achieving restful sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Electronic devices emit blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Not to mention that texting, watching television or scrolling are all stimulating, which can keep your brain on alert. Avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed and turn off the TV.

Click read more for more tips on achieving a good night's sleep.

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265 days ago

Sound Absorption for Comfortable Living

The Team from Curtain Clean - Whanganui

“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”

Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing … View more
“That tiny crack that runs around your door transmits more sound than you would know”

Noise is a daily occurrence that we all endure to a certain degree from noisy kettles, screaming children, loud TVs and the deafening thud of a bass. There’s sometimes little peace in ones day. Ongoing excessive noise is not only aggravating it can actually be harmful to your ears and has a significant impact on the way our spaces work in the home.

When it comes to residential design, the acoustics, (the way in which the structural characteristics of a space relate to how well sound can be heard) although a key design feature, are rarely considered during the building process and sometimes only tackled during a renovation.

Soundwaves seep through doors, windows, ceilings and cracks, so how do you reduce unwanted sound from affecting your day to day activities?

Hard flat surfaces tend to bounce sound waves around, sometimes creating a lasting echo effect if the surfaces are parallel walls. The softer and less uniform the surface, the less opportunity sound has to bounce off. Textiles, including drapery and upholstered furniture and furnishings not only deliver a design aesthetic they also play a significant role in the absorption of sound.

However not all textiles have equal sound absorption qualities however. The level of sound absorption is dependent upon a textile’s weight, composition, and/or construction. Generally (due to the large vertical mass) drapery provides the main textile source of sound absorption however, there are several other ways to achieve this.

To decrease the level of sound in a room you need to dampen the sound waves. This can be achieved by adding surfaces that absorb the sound (or reverberation) so the sound doesn’t bounce from one thing to another.

Here are some sound absorbing ideas that you can implement fairly simply into your home:

- Acoustic panels/tiles: These come in a range of colours and fabric styles and can be designed into your interior decor. The purpose of acoustic panels is to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, resonance within the room.
- Drapery: Fabrics are an effective solution for managing sound. The more drapery folds, the more sound absorption. Hanging a curtain a small distance off the wall increases sound absorption and softening opposing walls reduces sound waves from travelling wall to wall
- Upholstered furniture: The fabrics on your upholstered furniture also help to reduce sound waves. The thicker the fabric and foam the better. Add cushions and other textiles throughout a space for ultimate sound absorption.
- Cork flooring: While it may not be fashionable of late, cork is one of the best materials for sound absorption. Made up of a honeycomb design of air-sealed cells made of the bark of the cork oak. The cells each absorb the vibrations of sound, preventing those sounds from passing through to the other side. Cork reduces sound and noise vibration by trapping it in its cell structure. It reduces the sound transmission of sound through walls and absorbs the impact of feet through the floor to the ceiling below.
- Concrete flooring: Surprisingly, lightweight porous concrete can be effective in absorbing sound (however it essentially transmits the sounds through to the next room too).
- Carpets, rugs and padding: If your floors are timber, tiles or linoleum on subfloor concrete, you may want to try rugs or carpet coupled with a sound-absorbing underlay or foam rubber backing.
- Floating hardwood: This type of flooring installation includes a gap between the subfloor and your actual floors, which effectively dampens sound.
- Fabric pendant lamps/floor lamps: Update your light shades with a textile shade, the thicker the better. Every textile in a space will help.

A combination of the techniques above, depending on your budget and skill level should help in the overall acoustics in your home. Below we have outlined a selection of fabrics from our range that offer great sound absorption qualities due to the high level of either wool content, thickness and/or construction.

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