Aro Valley, Wellington

801 days ago

Pams products recalled

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling a selection of its Pams brand sprouts with salmonella being discovered as a result of routine testing.

While New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notification of associated illness, these products have now been removed from shelves at New World, … View more
Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling a selection of its Pams brand sprouts with salmonella being discovered as a result of routine testing.

While New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notification of associated illness, these products have now been removed from shelves at New World, Pak'n Save, and Four Square stores throughout the North Island.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle says "As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will be working with Foodstuffs to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence."

What you need to know:
- The recall includes Pam's 100g punnets of Alfalfa Sprouts, Salad Sprouts, Sandwich Selection Sprouts, and Spicy Sprouts Combo - all with a use-by date of 4 November 2022.
- Affected product should not be eaten, but can be returned to place of purchase for a refund.
- Salmonella poisoning can be serious, especially for people vulnerable to illness, including the very young, the elderly, the pregnant, and those with compromised immune systems.

If you have consumed these products and have health concerns, contact your health professional or call Health Line: 0800 61 11 16.

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801 days ago

Have you met Wendy Zhou? She's helped saved more than 350,000kg of food

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Wendy Zhou is one of the finalists for the 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Read about her (and the other four finalists), and vote for your favourite!

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802 days ago

How to make your food last longer

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

Tips to extend the shelf life of popular staples, such as bread, flour and fruit.

Dealing with a bulging pantry? Here are our tips to get the longest life out of your cupboard staples and fresh produce.

Best-before and use-by dates: know the difference: Best-before dates give you information… View more
Tips to extend the shelf life of popular staples, such as bread, flour and fruit.

Dealing with a bulging pantry? Here are our tips to get the longest life out of your cupboard staples and fresh produce.

Best-before and use-by dates: know the difference: Best-before dates give you information about food quality. Food can be eaten and sold after its best-before date. However, it may have lost some nutritional value and might not taste the best. If a food has a shelf-life of two or more years, it doesn’t need a best-before date.

As soon as you open any food’s packaging, its shelf life becomes the same as if the product was unpackaged. How long it’s safe to eat depends on several factors: its water and protein content, quality when you bought it, and how it’s been stored.

Use-by dates are usually on perishable foods such as poultry and deli foods. A food can’t legally be sold after its use-by date and shouldn’t be eaten because it can make you sick.

Bread: Bread keeps the longest in the freezer (though it’s not as convenient, as you have to wait for it to defrost). If you’re a pantry-only fan, it should be kept in its packaging (paper or plastic if it’s homemade) and stored in a cool dry area– ideally in a bread tin if you have one. A good compromise is the middle shelf of the fridge, but it will still get stale as it dries out.

If your bread’s stale, whiz it in the food processor to make breadcrumbs, which you can then pop into a resealable container for freezing. You can use it to crumb meat and fish or add it to dishes (for example, meatballs or pasta bakes).

Tip: Freeze half your loaf and keep the other half out. The half in the freezer won’t get stale or mouldy.

Eggs: Eggs keep longer in the fridge but they can be stored at room temperature (as long as it’s 15°C or lower). Either way, store your eggs in their original carton: it keeps them safe from cracking, slows moisture loss, stops them absorbing other food smells and you’ll know the best-before date.
Tip: Check eggs are safe to eat with the float test. Place the egg in a bowl or cup of water. If the egg sinks, it’s good to eat. If it floats, throw it away.

Flour and dry ingredients: Store your flour in a large, airtight container that your measuring cup can fit in. A container with a screw-top is best, but any well-sealed lid will be fine. Transfer other dry ingredients (for example, baking powder and baking soda) that don’t come in resealable packets to an airtight container. Or use a resealing bag clip.

This help prevents weevils getting into your baking stash. Some people swear that adding a bay leaf will keep weevils away.

Pantry moths are sometimes lurking in your dry goods – sometimes in new purchases. Freezing the ingredients should kill the moths and any larvae. Wrap the goods in a plastic bag and freeze for two days, before then storing in an airtight container.

Sugar: Sugar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It shouldn’t be kept in the fridge because this exposes it to moisture, which can make it go hard.

Sugar doesn’t have a best-before date because it doesn’t grow mould.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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802 days ago

Have you met Kelly Francis?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

She is one of the five finalists for the 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Read about her (and the other four finalists), and vote for your favourite!

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802 days ago

Poll: Would you ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar?

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

You’re baking your signature banana muffins and you're out of a vital ingredient...

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Would you ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar?
  • 62.3% Absolutely, my neighbour is a good sort.
    62.3% Complete
  • 25.4% No, that would be awkward. Where are my car keys?
    25.4% Complete
  • 9.2% Maybe. If I was feeling confident.
    9.2% Complete
  • 3.1% Who lives next door?
    3.1% Complete
130 votes
802 days ago

Research Participants wanted!

Brooke from Northland

Still looking for participants for interviews!
Please get in touch via email hughesbroo@myvuw.ac.nz if interested.

Ngā mihi,
Brooke

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803 days ago

Wanted: a set of Upwords Game

Julia from Northland

Hi I am looking for a board game called Upwords where you make words like Scrabble, then place letters on already created words in vertical stacks, to make new words. Willing to pay up to $40 for it

Price: $40

803 days ago

Get the day’s top news with Two Minutes of Stuff

Stuff

Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View more
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
Sign Up

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804 days ago

United Nations Day

NumberWorks'nWords Karori

On 24 October each year, the United Nations celebrates its own “birthday”, which took place when the UN Charter was finally officially and fully ratified on 24 October, 1945.
People come together and celebrate the day with pomp and show in various cities in different countries. National … View more
On 24 October each year, the United Nations celebrates its own “birthday”, which took place when the UN Charter was finally officially and fully ratified on 24 October, 1945.
People come together and celebrate the day with pomp and show in various cities in different countries. National costumes, flags, speeches, slogans, and parades are organised to mark the day and promote the idea of diversity and unity.

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804 days ago

Pyjamas Appeal

Tracey from Kelburn

I'm appealing for pajama donations for my non-profit organization, The Raindrop Project. The Raindrop Project is a non-profit initiative that delivers care packages to those in hospital settings who are going through a traumatic time. This November we are delivering packages to those in the … View moreI'm appealing for pajama donations for my non-profit organization, The Raindrop Project. The Raindrop Project is a non-profit initiative that delivers care packages to those in hospital settings who are going through a traumatic time. This November we are delivering packages to those in the Lower North Island's RRAIS unit, the adolescent mental health unit. Many of the children in this unit don't have their own pajamas. Wearing hospital clothes can lead to them feeling more isolated and out of control when they are in an environment with little they can control. A donation of pajamas will help them hugely in getting through a tough time. Your donation could be the light that shows them that people still care and that there's a life waiting for them out there. If you have pajamas that are new/unopened, or if you would be able to go out and buy a pair, that would be hugely appreciated. We are looking for sizes that would fit 12 - 17 year olds. I am happy to come and pick them up, just send me a text at 020 4184 9123 or email me at projecttheraindrop@gmail.com . Alternatively, if you can't find the time to go out and donate through this link: givealittle.co.nz...
A $5 donation buys a pair of pajamas for a kid. Any amount is appreciated though, thank you so much. Your actions will make a huge difference to these kids.

Thanks,
Lucia (Tracey's Daughter)

804 days ago

Free Introductory Cemetery Tours

Julia Kennedy from Friends of Karori Cemetery

Looking for some activities for Labour Day? The Friends' are running short (45 minute) introductory tours of the cemetery, to provide a brief history of this fascinating place, and a taste of what you might expect on one of our full tours.

Tour times are 11:15 and 12:15. No booking … View more
Looking for some activities for Labour Day? The Friends' are running short (45 minute) introductory tours of the cemetery, to provide a brief history of this fascinating place, and a taste of what you might expect on one of our full tours.

Tour times are 11:15 and 12:15. No booking required. Just be at the Shelter in the centre of the cemetery prior to tour start.

The Small Chapel will also be open 11:30-2:30pm which is a wonderful opportunity to pop in and see the stained glass windows.
We hope to see you there 🙂

Full details on our website:
friendsofkaroricemetery.co.nz...

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810 days ago

Garage Urgently Wanted to Rent for an Alfa-Aspirin.

Christopher from Brooklyn

Hi all - I'm looking for a secure garage to rent, preferably in Brooklyn but happy to consider elsewhere, for a pretty 80's Alfa. She's only little but is rain-phobic, and moisture threatens to return her from whence she came. If you have your own things in the same space that's… View moreHi all - I'm looking for a secure garage to rent, preferably in Brooklyn but happy to consider elsewhere, for a pretty 80's Alfa. She's only little but is rain-phobic, and moisture threatens to return her from whence she came. If you have your own things in the same space that's no problem. And I'd be happy to take you for drives!

Be great to hear from you - 021 784557.

Thank you!

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805 days ago

Win a Raglan Getaway

Raglan Food

We live and work right here in Whāingaroa Raglan, a really awesome neighbourhood and part of Aotearoa. Here at Raglan Food Co we’ve been lifting the vibe on plant-based eating, creating delicious dairy-free alternatives for nearly 8 years. Perhaps you’ve tried our tasty coconut yoghurts or … View moreWe live and work right here in Whāingaroa Raglan, a really awesome neighbourhood and part of Aotearoa. Here at Raglan Food Co we’ve been lifting the vibe on plant-based eating, creating delicious dairy-free alternatives for nearly 8 years. Perhaps you’ve tried our tasty coconut yoghurts or gut-loving kefir?

We want to share a slice of our paradise with you, so to win a Raglan getaway for you and three friends or family members simply head over to www.raglanfoodco.com to enter.
Find out more

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805 days ago

Friends of Karori Cemetery: Wellington Heritage Week

Julia Kennedy from Friends of Karori Cemetery

As we are about to embark on Wellington Heritage Week, we thought to fitting to pay tribute to George Wiltshire, designer of the Friends’ H.Q: The Shelter

If you like this story, then you will definitely enjoy our first tour on Monday: “Nation Builders” and on Thursday we have our … View more
As we are about to embark on Wellington Heritage Week, we thought to fitting to pay tribute to George Wiltshire, designer of the Friends’ H.Q: The Shelter

If you like this story, then you will definitely enjoy our first tour on Monday: “Nation Builders” and on Thursday we have our "City Builders" tour. Tickets are still available. Please visit the Events page on our website to book: friendsofkaroricemetery.co.nz...

And now for George. He was born in Surrey in 1846. He attended grammar school and then trained as a Civil Engineer in London. George worked in various places in England between 1865 and 1870 before coming to New Zealand and undertaking survey work in the goldfields. Eventually he settled in Wellington and joined the City Council working under the City Surveyor Mr Marchant at a time when the Wainuiomata Waterworks was being undertaken with a pipeline connection to Wellington. He was then was promoted to Assistant Surveyor. In 1875 he married Caroline Hansen, a Norwegian immigrant. Together they had four children.

In 1888 George was promoted to City Surveyor with a salary of £275. One of his first actions was to set the new city Destructor in operation. The first step was to set up collection of household refuse. Imagine the novelty! Also in 1888, William Ferguson (Harbour Engineer) suggested that the City Destructor be augmented for cremations also. This would avoid the “mass of putridity” which existed at the Bolton Street cemetery. It would be another 17 years until our Crematorium opened at Karori.

In July 1891, George along with William Ferguson decided from the 23 designs for the new public library.

In August the same year, the first burial took place at Karori Cemetery. No further burials would take place for another six months. In the meantime, George designed and tendered a “shelter house” for the Cemetery in anticipation of the mourners yet to come. It was designed in the Gothic revival style, in a Greek Cross plan as an open sided structure. The builder was Samuel Hemingway. In 1892 the walls and door were added to ensure it provided true shelter from the forbidding Wellington weather. Occasionally parts of funeral services were held in the Shelter to limit mourners to exposure to the elements at graveside.
In 1897 the Evening Post reported “an annual growl is made by the City Surveyor (Mr. G. Wiltshire) as to the paucity of funds placed at his disposal for keeping the streets of the city in that state of repair required by citizens” (2 June 1897).

In 1902 George retired from his role at WCC. On his departure, he was presented with a “gold-mounted malacca cane, a pair of field glasses, a case of pipes and a pair of gold sleeve links”. He remarked that the present of a walking stick was a tolerable hint, and that he was sorry he had to take the hint and the stick. He then set up in practice for himself in offices in Brandon Street.

The following year he was elected a City Councillor for the Wellington Ward.

George died suddenly in 1905 whilst transacting some business at the office of Messrs Meek and Von Haast, solicitors. One of his sons was present. A doctor was called but nothing could be done. An inquest determined that he had died of “aortic disease”. At his passing, WCC acknowledges his efforts “his zeal and attention to detail, and his technical knowledge of the work, as well as his extensive experience under the Council, rendered him of great value to the city” (NZ Time 11 August 1908).

George leaves us quite a legacy with his contribution to the formation of our early city, and one that we are proud to celebrate.

#wellingtonheritageweek #WCCArchives #WHW2022

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805 days ago

Can you do simple dress alterations?

Diana from Brooklyn

I have 3 cotton dresses (2 knit) plus a pair of outdoors trou, all need shortening. All different colours. Can you do the job and show a high standard of finish? Pls reply to Diana w a rough cost 021 1744195. Prefer Southern/central Wellington.

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