Northland, Wellington

1551 days ago

Urgent appeal for sightings of missing Wellington man

Reporter Community News

Wellington Police are urgently seeking sightings of Izeah Hall-Taputu, who has been missing since Wednesday morning.

Hall-Taputu, 20, has been reported missing from his home in Cannons Creek, and police have significant concerns for his welfare.

If you have seen him today, or you have information… View more
Wellington Police are urgently seeking sightings of Izeah Hall-Taputu, who has been missing since Wednesday morning.

Hall-Taputu, 20, has been reported missing from his home in Cannons Creek, and police have significant concerns for his welfare.

If you have seen him today, or you have information which might help find him, please call 111 immediately, quoting event number P043519039.

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1550 days ago

It's hard to beat a hand filleted piece of NZ Hoki.

McDonald's NZ

Caught locally in the sparkling waters that surround New Zealand, our Hoki is renowned for its succulent texture, white flesh and great taste.

We use the best ingredients to make all our Macca's® meals. Whether you’re in Whangarei or Queenstown, you’ll always get the great quality and … View more
Caught locally in the sparkling waters that surround New Zealand, our Hoki is renowned for its succulent texture, white flesh and great taste.

We use the best ingredients to make all our Macca's® meals. Whether you’re in Whangarei or Queenstown, you’ll always get the great quality and taste.
Find out more

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1557 days ago

Commuters - Better download that tracer app

Matt Tso Reporter from Community News

From 11.50pm on Thursday, September 3, all bus, train, ferry, ride share vehicles and taxis will display QR codes by government mandate.

Transport users are expected to use the NZ COVID Tracer app to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

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1551 days ago

Natural Textile Fibres

Robert Anderson from

Natural, plant-based textile fibres come from seed hair, such as cotton; from foliage, such as sisal; from the stem, such as linen; and some fibres come from shells, such as coconut.
Among the most widely used in the textile industry, important and recognized, we can list the following fibres:

View more
Natural, plant-based textile fibres come from seed hair, such as cotton; from foliage, such as sisal; from the stem, such as linen; and some fibres come from shells, such as coconut.
Among the most widely used in the textile industry, important and recognized, we can list the following fibres:

Abaca: Also known as Manila Hemp, abaca comes from leave sheaths around the stem of the plant of abaca, a species of banana. It is a leave fibre valued for its resistance to the damaging effects of salt water, its buoyancy and the length of the fibres, which can be more than 3 meters long. Currently, it is being increasingly used in the manufacturing of garments, household textiles and upholstery thanks to innovations in the process of this fibre. It is certainly still being used to manufacture sailing accessories, in the currency paper industry and automotive sector, and even in the food industry.

Cotton: Cotton grows in balls around the plant seeds and it is pure cellulose. Cotton is the natural textile fibre most widely used around the world and it is certainly the main protagonist in the global textile industry. There are two exceptional varieties of the highest quality: Egyptian cotton and Peruvian Pima.

It is widely used in the fashion industry, both in flat fabrics and in woven clothing items and household textile products. Cotton is used in combination with other natural and synthetic fibres, such as rayon, polyester, spandex, etc. Cotton fabrics are comfortable, very soft, have good heat conduction and absorbency; these characteristics make it perfect for garments that are in close contact with the skin, both in spring-summer and fall-winter seasons. Cotton tends to shrink; it is prone to wrinkles and fading.

Organic cotton: The biggest bet of sustainability is the use of certified organic cotton. It offers an efficient and sustainable use of natural resources avoiding synthetic or chemical pesticides and genetically modified seeds.

Coir: Coir is a short, hoarse fibre extracted from coconut husk. There are two types of coir: brown fibre, which comes from mature coconuts, and thin, white fibre, which comes from green, immature coconut husks. The white variety of coir fibre is used to manufacture rope and maritime elements because they are resistant to seawater. Brown fibre is employed to produce household textile items and even for the automotive industry. Additionally, geotextiles produced with coir mesh have special characteristics such as resistance to sunlight, great water absorption and they are 100% biodegradable.

Hemp: Hemp fibre is obtained from the stem of the plant. One of the most relevant features of this plant is that it captures large quantities of carbon. With 70% of cellulose, hemp is an excellent heat conductor, it absorbs dyes adequately, it blocks UV rays, it is very resistant to mildew and has natural antibacterial properties.

Recent developments to “cottonize” hemp fibre could open the doors of high-quality fashion market to this fibre. The longest hemp fibres can be woven and knitted to create curly fabrics, similar to linen, used in the textile industry. The mixture of hemp with cotton, linen, silk, and wool give hemp greater softness, while adding strength and durability to the product.
Hemp fibres are also used to manufacture paper and a wide variety of canvasses for different uses. It is also employed in the automotive and construction industries.

Linen: Linen is one of the strongest plant-based fibres in nature; therefore, it was one of the first to be grown, woven, and knitted to manufacture clothing and accessories. There are different types of linen based on their species. The main types are common flax and perennial flax.
Linen is a fabric with high mechanical resistance and little elasticity; therefore, it wrinkles easily. Its softness increases with washes. As linen quickly absorbs and releases water, and as it is an excellent thermal conductor, the fabric is fresh, highly valued and employed in the production of clothing for warm areas. Linen garments are fresh, comfortable, and they symbolize elegance in summer fashion.
Linen maintains a strong traditional niche among high-quality textiles for household products, beddings, upholstery, and interior design accessories.

Ramie: Ramie fibre is white with gloss similar to silk, and it is one of the strongest natural fibres, close to linen in absorption and density. It has little elasticity and it dyes easily. Ramie fibres have some transverse fissures that make it very fragile, but at the same time promote ventilation. The rugged ramie fibres are used to make ropes and nets. Through threading, they produce thin, very glossy thread that is used for a wide variety of garments.

Fabrics made 100% of ramie are lightweight, silky to the touch but with a linen appearance. Normally, as its elasticity and resistance are quite low, ramie is mixed with other textile fibres or used to improve the characteristics of other textile fibres. For example, ramie is added to wool to reduce shrinking or to cotton to increase strength.

Sisal: Sisal is an excessively hard fibre and inelastic to be used in the fashion industry. It is employed in small proportions and in combination with other fibres for the manufacture of accessories and home decor items. Currently sisal is mainly used in the furniture, automotive and naval industries, always combined with other materials.

Jute: Jute is extracted from the stem of a plant with the same name and it is very easy to grow and harvest. Jute is one of the cheapest fibres to produce. This fibre is also known as “golden fibre” because of its glow. Jute is one of the strongest, plant-based natural fibres, and it is second to cotton in terms of production volume. Jute presents poor absorption, so it deteriorates quickly when exposed to humidity; it has low thermal conduction, but it contains significant insulating and anti-static properties. Jute is used as supplementary material in textile and footwear manufacturing, as well as in household textiles.

Kapoc: It is a white fibre similar to hair that comes from the seeds of a tree called Ceiba Pentandra. Kapok is also known as “silk cotton” because of its gloss that resembles silk. Kapok’s fibre, weak and short, is resistant to moisture and it has a soft, lustrous texture. The largest volume of its production is used for household textiles.

Ramina: Ramina is a ligneous fibre also known as China grass. It is rigid, shiny, and lustrous. Ramina is used for household textiles.

1552 days ago

First home buying stories wanted

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Hi everyone! I'm Kylie, a Homed reporter. We're looking for people who have fairly recent, interesting, unique or off-the-wall stories to tell about how they bought their first homes. Did you move away from your home just to find a more affordable property? Did you scrimp and save for … View moreHi everyone! I'm Kylie, a Homed reporter. We're looking for people who have fairly recent, interesting, unique or off-the-wall stories to tell about how they bought their first homes. Did you move away from your home just to find a more affordable property? Did you scrimp and save for years to get a deposit together? Perhaps your family chipped in to help get you on the ladder? Are you older and buying for the first time? Did you choose to move into a home with a friend or another couple to make it more affordable? Please let us know in the comments below, or drop me a line in the messages. Your comments my be used in a story, but we'd also be interested in chatting to you for an exciting project coming up!

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1551 days ago

Scones for road workers in Lyall Bay

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

Great stories end in scones!

Ned Teepa and the rest of the crew at Fulton Hogan have been doing roading maintenance work for us on Sutherland Ave in Lyall Bay.

The other day a resident was moving house and asked about how she could access her removal truck.

Ned and the team made sure the truck … View more
Great stories end in scones!

Ned Teepa and the rest of the crew at Fulton Hogan have been doing roading maintenance work for us on Sutherland Ave in Lyall Bay.

The other day a resident was moving house and asked about how she could access her removal truck.

Ned and the team made sure the truck and everyone helping out had access, making it a simple move, and the resident was so grateful she brought the crew muffins and scones! Ka pai!

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1552 days ago

Poll: Should Hollywood stars get special treatment?

Reporter Community News

Hollywood heavyweights Kirsten Dunst​ and Jesse Plemons​ applied for an exemption to avoid having to quarantine in an Auckland hotel

Their application came at a time when virtually all foreigners were banned due to Covid-19 border restrictions. The pair applied to spend their time in a … View more
Hollywood heavyweights Kirsten Dunst​ and Jesse Plemons​ applied for an exemption to avoid having to quarantine in an Auckland hotel

Their application came at a time when virtually all foreigners were banned due to Covid-19 border restrictions. The pair applied to spend their time in a secluded Waikato property.

Although the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) refused to confirm whether an exemption was granted, the pair have told Vanity Fair they are staying in a hotel.

Their application for an exemption cited concerns over privacy and a concern they would be followed by photographers.

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Should Hollywood stars get special treatment?
  • 4.8% They deserved to get an exemption.
    4.8% Complete
  • 95.2% They were rightly denied an exemption.
    95.2% Complete
568 votes
1551 days ago

Exhibition - Jasmine Chalmers, photographic artist

Inge Doig from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Marsden's 2020 Artist in Residence, photographic artist Jasmine Chalmers, gave a presentation at our virtual assembly this week. She has been working with our senior students and Year 9s creating and communicating scenes around the comfort of home, encompassing nostalgia and memory. It is … View moreMarsden's 2020 Artist in Residence, photographic artist Jasmine Chalmers, gave a presentation at our virtual assembly this week. She has been working with our senior students and Year 9s creating and communicating scenes around the comfort of home, encompassing nostalgia and memory. It is beautiful and memorable work. We can't wait for Jasmine's exhibition at {Suite} Gallery Cuba Street 11-25 September.

1551 days ago

Experience Marsden primary this Friday 4 Sept

Inge Doig from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Looking for the best start for your daughter? A school where she will be known and extended, enjoy daily Visible Wellbeing practices, form close friendships and where she will learn in modern facilities on a large green campus? Your daughter is invited to spend the day in the Marsden Primary … View moreLooking for the best start for your daughter? A school where she will be known and extended, enjoy daily Visible Wellbeing practices, form close friendships and where she will learn in modern facilities on a large green campus? Your daughter is invited to spend the day in the Marsden Primary School, this Friday 4 September. She will get to know our girls, join in with activities and experience the school. Please register.

1551 days ago

Better balance is easy!

The Team from ACC New Zealand

Maintaining your balance is key to enjoying life and avoiding falls. With the easy-to-use app called Nymbl, you can improve your balance and live falls free. You just need a smartphone or tablet.

With Nymbl you’ll use simple and safe body movements and easy brain challenges like trivia. … View more
Maintaining your balance is key to enjoying life and avoiding falls. With the easy-to-use app called Nymbl, you can improve your balance and live falls free. You just need a smartphone or tablet.

With Nymbl you’ll use simple and safe body movements and easy brain challenges like trivia. It’s a technique called dual-tasking and it’s proven to be effective, it’s also fun. Just 10 minutes a day in the comfort of your own home and you can be Nymbl.

Register now to get Nymbl free. Nymbl is brought to you by Live Stronger For Longer and ACC, MOH and HQSC.
Learn more

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1552 days ago

Gambling Venues Policy

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

We’re proposing three options to renew our Gambling Venues Policy and we want to hear about your preferred option.
Submissions are now open and will close on 1 October 2020 at 5pm.
Have your say on the Gambling Venues Policy at: www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz...
#OurWellington #HaveYourSay

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1552 days ago

MAKE YOUR OLD AND FOREIGN MONEY WORK FOR OUR KIDS

Bulletin Editor from Karori Lions Club

Bring along your pennies, half-crowns, five cent pieces, pound notes and all…
Your euros, USD, AUD, and Ringgits….
(Current NZ money will also be gratefully received 😊 )
Please place them in the newly refurbished “Heads up for Kids” box at the Karori New World exit – to convert … View more
Bring along your pennies, half-crowns, five cent pieces, pound notes and all…
Your euros, USD, AUD, and Ringgits….
(Current NZ money will also be gratefully received 😊 )
Please place them in the newly refurbished “Heads up for Kids” box at the Karori New World exit – to convert old money and foreign money to real NZ$$.
The proceeds from this nation-wide Lions programme are used to provide a helping hand for young people to engage in an experience or activity that will assist their academic, physical, creative, and leadership development to enable them to establish life goals, follow their dreams, and reach their full potential.
Activities like: Outward Bound, Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Spirit of Adventure and various other New Zealand based educational and leadership programmes.
Please have a rummage at home to unearth these silent treasures – you’ll have fun doing it!

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1552 days ago

Mental Health + Well-Being - September 1st to 30th 🧠🌸

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

1 in 4 New Zealand adults will suffer from a mental disorder or distress at some point in their lives. When they do, let’s make sure they don’t have to go it alone. To create safer, more caring communities we need to not only look after ourselves but those around us as well.

For the month of … View more
1 in 4 New Zealand adults will suffer from a mental disorder or distress at some point in their lives. When they do, let’s make sure they don’t have to go it alone. To create safer, more caring communities we need to not only look after ourselves but those around us as well.

For the month of September, we want to use our voice to raise awareness for mental health and well-being. Perhaps consider sharing a cuppa with someone you know who could use the support or challenge your family and friends to unplug from social media for the entire month to improve their well-being. If you or someone you know is going through a rough patch, don’t forget you can call or text 1737 anytime for FREE support from a trained counsellor.

This month also coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) followed by Mental Health Awareness Week (21 - 27 September).

However you choose to take part, make sure to tag us in your posts + use the following hashtag so we can see how you’re cultivating better mental health for yourself or in your community this month:

#NSNZmentalhealth

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1556 days ago

Zero tolerance on speeding drivers all year round as Kiwi cops get tough on motorists

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Do you sometimes drive a few kms over the speed limit? Road police have scrapped their speed buffer on Kiwi roads in favour of a no tolerance approach.

All motorists edging over the limit at any time of the year can now expect to be pulled over and possibly fined, national road … View more
Hi neighbours,

Do you sometimes drive a few kms over the speed limit? Road police have scrapped their speed buffer on Kiwi roads in favour of a no tolerance approach.

All motorists edging over the limit at any time of the year can now expect to be pulled over and possibly fined, national road policing manager Acting Superintendent Gini Welch confirmed on Friday.

It brings an end to a long-standing convention that law enforcement would let minor speeding breaches slide.


“We don’t have a threshold,” Welch told Stuff, “we don’t have anything other than the speed limit.

Previously, besides zero tolerance long weekends, it was understood police could exercise discretion up to 10kmh over the speed limit.

Click here to read more.

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