Rural Whanganui, Upokongaro

Want to sell some items in our Online Winter Garage Sale?

Want to sell some items in our Online Winter Garage Sale?

List your items here now!

682 days ago

Are you happy in your region?

NowNext

What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.

Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View more
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.

Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Take the survey

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684 days ago

Have you got a greener 'shed' than our Houseplant Hero winner?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.

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685 days ago

Celebrate a lifetime of mahi

Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.

The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over… View more
Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.

The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over who continue to inspire, champion causes, and give back, building lasting legacies that make us all proud to call New Zealand home.
Find out more

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687 days ago

Chill Your Bills with NZ Compare!

CEO from NZ Compare

"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!

Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your … View more
"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!

Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your bills instead of your wallet. Think BIG joining credits, cheap broadband, beneficial power plans and more. Limited time only, DEALS END 30th AUGUST 2022! BE QUICK!

It’s easy, just sit down over a hot cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy and take a look here. We’ll do the rest for you!"
Grab a deal

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689 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyers' Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Find out more

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689 days ago

What is Fabric Pilling?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean - Whanganui

Whilst it can be unsightly, pilling is not a fabric defect or flaw.

You’ve no doubt had clothing, furniture or blankets that have developed ‘pills’ over time, or little lint balls, that can make the fabric look worn. This undesired texture is caused by loose or broken fabric fibres that … View more
Whilst it can be unsightly, pilling is not a fabric defect or flaw.

You’ve no doubt had clothing, furniture or blankets that have developed ‘pills’ over time, or little lint balls, that can make the fabric look worn. This undesired texture is caused by loose or broken fabric fibres that rise to the surface and knot together after being rubbed or subjected to any friction. The loose fibres that are bunched into balls also bring in strands that are still secured to the fabric itself, thus the balls stick around on the exterior. Even though people are dismayed to see pilling on their items, understanding fabric pilling helps to prevent and remove these bothersome balls.

Causes of Fabric Pilling
What does it mean when fabric is pilling? Pilling is a result of normal wear and tear that causes friction on the fabric. Simply wearing clothes, using your couch or otherwise rubbing up against the material gives the possibility of pilling. Washing and drying clothes or fabric can also speed up the pilling process as it causes multiple surfaces to rub together fairly quickly and for a long period of time.

Sometimes you can have pilling that differs in colour to the base fabric as multiple coloured fibres have migrated and twisted together. Although not desired, a little decorative perhaps?

Pilling is more noticeable on synthetic fibres. This is mainly because natural fabrics shed loose fibres easily and naturally slip away so they tend to not become matted into balls. However, synthetic fibres are extremely strong, so it will pill and then remain strongly attached to the fabric.

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

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690 days ago

What would you add to this list of budget-boosting crops?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?

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693 days ago

Love your compost? Pimp it up to win great prizes for your garden!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View more
Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).

So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.

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694 days ago

Your whole retirement is our consideration

With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in … View more
With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in apartments and townhouses, assisted living in serviced apartments, resthome care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care.

We offer a higher ratio of care in our villages so that if your needs change, you have priority access to our care centres.
Find out more

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695 days ago

Support our Yuri Bear Project

Jane Winstone Retirement Village

Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no … View more
Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no small ask!

If you can knit, know someone who can or would like to find out how you can help, please click on the link below.

695 days ago

Did you start gardening in school?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

How many of you remember gardening in school? Hopefully, more students and teachers will be inspired by the great work being done at this amazing school.

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697 days ago

For the Love of Velvet

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean - Whanganui

For anyone wanting to add everlasting interest to their home, you can’t look past velvet! This is a fabric that’s as rich in textile history as it is in texture with incredible durability that may surprise you.

Velvet fabric fuses a historical sense of luxury and indulgence with a plush, … View more
For anyone wanting to add everlasting interest to their home, you can’t look past velvet! This is a fabric that’s as rich in textile history as it is in texture with incredible durability that may surprise you.

Velvet fabric fuses a historical sense of luxury and indulgence with a plush, practical comfort that has a timeless style, sure to outlast any momentary design trends. With its silky sheen and rich colours, velvet holds a specific seductive quality that no eye for elegance can resist the allure of.

For a fabric that feels like a soft, buttery hug the unique piles have a hard-wearing quality that will ensure your velvet curtains, cushions or furniture will continue to be loud and daring or subtly sophisticated for years to come.

History of Velvet
The history of velvet is one of luxury and meticulous construction. It is believed the material was first introduced in Baghdad around 750 A.D. The original velvet material was made from silk and therefore naturally reserved for royalty and other notably wealthy classes that could afford the exorbitant cost.

Velvet eventually travelled to Europe on the Silk Road and gained popularity during the Renaissance. At the same time, new loom technology lowered the production costs and therefore widened the availability to fabric lovers of all classes. Fast-forward to the 21st century and velvet fabric can be found in almost every home, transcending and outlasting interior trends to suit any home decor for years on end.

How is Velvet Made?
Velvet is made in a very unique way. It is woven on a double piece loom that makes two pieces of fabric simultaneously with the velvet pile encased in the middle. It is then separated, creating the three-dimensional texture velvet is known for.

While the first velvets were made from silk, more recent adaptations in the production process means velvets can now be made from natural or synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, viscose, or rayon.

Classic plain velvet will then be sheared to ensure the pile is a consistent length and often brushed while moist to achieve a nice uniform grain across the fabric. If the fabric is destined to boast a pattern, at this point in the process it will be crushed, embossed or snipped to different lengths to ensure this pattern is part of the pile’s identity for the life of the fabric.

Velvet is then dyed to produce amazing, rich colours that are accentuated by the three-dimensional texture.

Durability of Velvet
Due to the aura of luxury surrounding velvet and the fact that it was originally made from silk, there’s a preconception that it’s delicate and requires gentle, loving care to stay pristine. We’re here to set the record straight!

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

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697 days ago

Do you have a great asparagus recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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698 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyer's Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Sign up now

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701 days ago

The local elections are coming up!

Orange Guy from Electoral Commission

The countdown is on! Make sure you’re enrolled and your details are up to date by 12 August to make voting in the local elections easy.

Visit vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 to find out more.
Find out more

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