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1232 days ago

City council reconsidering central library upgrade plans

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington City Council looks to have done a u-turn over the future of the Central Library.
The council agreed in October to support using base isolators to upgrade the library building, and included the $187 million project in its draft 10-year plan that comes into effect from July. It was agreed … View more
Wellington City Council looks to have done a u-turn over the future of the Central Library.
The council agreed in October to support using base isolators to upgrade the library building, and included the $187 million project in its draft 10-year plan that comes into effect from July. It was agreed to following public feedback and a decision to breach its borrowing cap as the council looks to fund several major infrastructure projects.
Just months after settling on a plan to upgrade its stricken central library, Wellington City Council is now considering another way to strengthen the earthquake-prone building – one that could save tens of millions of dollars.
The “viscous damper” technology was not included in five upgrade options released for public feedback in October but is now back on the table after Beca, the engineering company that proposed it, complained. Councillors are set to be given an update on its feasibility next month.
Viscous dampers is a system of hydraulic devices that dissipate energy.

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1232 days ago

How to Get an Extra-Clean House for Allergy Sufferers

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

If you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, … View moreIf you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes, all brought on by the presence of irritants that you can keep at bay with some extra attention.

Here’s how to get on top of some common irritants at your place:

1. Use allergy-friendly products
• Avoid using aerosol sprays as they are a common trigger for asthma sufferers. Even if you’re not standing near anyone, the high-pressure mist that the aerosol omits means the contents can spread a long way.
• Try to use environmentally-friendly products – what’s good for the environment is often better for us too.
• Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde and sodium lauryl sulphate. Hunt out products that are free from these irritants or make your own natural cleaning products.

2. Keep a dust-free bedroom
It’s the dust mite droppings that many people react to (and news that there is dust mite poo in our bedding causes a reaction in the rest of us!). To keep bedding really clean, you will need to wash all bed linen regularly, preferably weekly. A man-made fibre like polyester is less likely to trap dust than natural fibres like cotton or linen.

Use a hypoallergenic mattress topper, duvet inner-cover and pillow protector and wash these at least monthly and replace them annually.

Keep stuffed animals to a minimum and wash those that remain regularly. Pull the bed out and vacuum underneath at least once a week, preferably daily. Don’t forget to dust side tables and vacuum underneath those as well.

3. Vacuum daily
Wooden or tiled floors are much easier to keep dust-free, but if you have carpet, a daily vacuum, especially in bedrooms, is a must. Use a vacuum cleaner made especially for allergy-sufferers – most will be fitted with HEPA filtration and powerhead.

Make sure you vacuum around the skirting boards and in crevices and vacuum around all beds at least twice. Empty canisters or vacuum bags regularly, sealing the bag well before disposal.

4. Use an air purifier
Even if you are taking the precautions outlined above, there will still be plenty of dust in your house – in fact some studies show that air pollution such as allergens and pollutants can be present in higher levels inside the home than outside! Air purifiers work to filter the allergens and pollutants from the air and improve the air quality.

5. Empty bins daily
The rubbish bin can omit toxins without you even realising, and they are a breeding ground for mould and germs. Empty bins every evening and disinfect with a hospital grade solution before lining with a plastic bag.

6. Beat doormats every day
Pollen and dust are tracked into our home constantly. Make sure you have a doormat on the outside and inside at every entry point to your home and shake these out regularly. Vacuum each indoor mat when you do your daily vacuum run. It’s a good idea to place a mat in the doorway of an allergy-sufferers bedroom for extra protection. Better yet, leave shoes outside.

7. Inspect for mould weekly
Mould is a common allergy trigger and its present absolutely everywhere. Don’t give it a chance to breed – wipe away small mould patches as soon as you find them with a paper towel and throw the paper towel in an outside bin. You can use a solution of three cups of water to five drops of Oil of Cloves (find it at your pharmacy) in a spray bottle to kill mould spores and prevent mould from growing. Make sure you test for an allergy to Oil of Cloves first, of course! Tea tree oil is also a good antiseptic against mould – a teaspoon of oil to a cup of water wiped over mould-prone surfaces should do the trick.

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

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1233 days ago

Queen Margaret College Discovery Day

Queen Margaret College

Join us to discover Years 7 and 9 at QMC.

Backed by 100+ years of progressive education we build confident, passionate and adventurous young women ready to make their mark in the world.

Come and experience the advantage of small classes, a unique curriculum, and passionate, experienced … View more
Join us to discover Years 7 and 9 at QMC.

Backed by 100+ years of progressive education we build confident, passionate and adventurous young women ready to make their mark in the world.

Come and experience the advantage of small classes, a unique curriculum, and passionate, experienced teachers in our stunning, heritage location.
Find out more

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1233 days ago

Sustainable Electrical Services

Andrew from Vogeltown

Now operating with a sweet zero emissions vehicle.

Contact me on 0277225062 for a free quote 🤳

Have a great weekend👍
Andy

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1234 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Gabe

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Meet Gabe, who is deaf but sounds like a lot of fun.

"I was transferred from Porirua Animal Control. I am a special dude who has had an unusual start to my rehoming journey. I am completely deaf but that doesn't stop me having a great time! I am a loveable boy who has stolen the hearts … View more
Meet Gabe, who is deaf but sounds like a lot of fun.

"I was transferred from Porirua Animal Control. I am a special dude who has had an unusual start to my rehoming journey. I am completely deaf but that doesn't stop me having a great time! I am a loveable boy who has stolen the hearts of everyone at the centre. I am looking for an experienced owner, who has a suitable property for me to thrive in. I'm always up for a walk or a game to play, and I love to find things to do and keep active. I am looking for a home with teenagers or adults, and a home without cats or small animals. I am happy to play with other active dogs, and love to be social with both people and dogs. If you are interested in me and my goofy personality - chat to the canine team."

1233 days ago

Mount Pleasant Road retaining wall

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

Construction begins on Wednesday 26 May on a new retaining wall to make Mount Pleasant Road safer and more accessible for road users, residents, and pedestrians.

This work is expected to take five months and carried out in two stages between the hours of 7am - 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Mount … View more
Construction begins on Wednesday 26 May on a new retaining wall to make Mount Pleasant Road safer and more accessible for road users, residents, and pedestrians.

This work is expected to take five months and carried out in two stages between the hours of 7am - 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Mount Pleasant Road will be down to one lane for the duration of the works using a manual Stop/Go and traffic lights.

Parking on Mount Pleasant Road will be reallocated a at the base of Mount Pleasant Road and in Raroa Road, by the Mount Pleasant accessway.

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1234 days ago

'Forever Young' concert by Wellington Male Voice Choir

Bob from Vogeltown

A concert of oldies but goodies from the 60's, 70's, 80's and more.
Venue: St. James Church, 71 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt
(That's just by the big roundabout as you enter Lower Hutt from the south)
Date & Time: Sunday 20th June, 2:30pm
Tickets: www.wellingtonmvcnz.org...

Poster 20th June concert v2 modified.docx Download View

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1234 days ago

Message to Mattea Roorda

Vanessa from Thorndon

I tried to reply to your post about bikes but it wouldn’t let me. Can you contact me if you still have them. Thanks

Free

1236 days ago

A big weekend for Wellington sport

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Both the Hurricanes and the Phoenix are playing at home this weekend.
Will you be going and who do you support?

1235 days ago

We’re big believers in small business!

Prospa

NZ small businesses believe in themselves, we believe in them too. That’s why we offer small business loans up to $300K to support cash flow or help them invest in the future.

Business Loan applications take less than 10 minutes online, you’ll get a fast decision and funding is possible in … View more
NZ small businesses believe in themselves, we believe in them too. That’s why we offer small business loans up to $300K to support cash flow or help them invest in the future.

Business Loan applications take less than 10 minutes online, you’ll get a fast decision and funding is possible in 24 hours. Plus, no asset security is required upfront to access funding up to $150K.

Prospa is New Zealand’s small business lending specialist, and we’re here to help you reach your next milestone. Get in touch with our team of friendly business lending specialists today!
Apply Now

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1235 days ago

It's a great day for a haircut!

Aaron Graham from Hataitai Family Barbers

If your feeling a little shaggy pop in and get it sorted this weekend. We are open 10-4pm Saturday and Sunday. 31 Waitoa Rd, Hargitay Village.

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1237 days ago

Wellington Samaritans are looking for helpline volunteers

Samaritans

Hi neighbours,

Wellington Samaritans are looking for locals to join our team of helpline volunteers.

If you’re a good listener and have a genuine desire to improve the mental well-being of others, please contact us about becoming a helpline volunteer.

We provide full training and … View more
Hi neighbours,

Wellington Samaritans are looking for locals to join our team of helpline volunteers.

If you’re a good listener and have a genuine desire to improve the mental well-being of others, please contact us about becoming a helpline volunteer.

We provide full training and ongoing support.

Email wellington@samaritans.org.nz or phone 021 294 0036 or visit www.samaritans.org.nz
Find out more

1239 days ago

Dancing is great for the brain

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Every Friday morning dozens of people who suffer from strokes, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions fill up a Porirua dance hall to dosey doe, salsa, and disco dance.
But they are not just there for fun, but to improve their brains.
Dancing has so many beneficial effects on … View more
Every Friday morning dozens of people who suffer from strokes, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions fill up a Porirua dance hall to dosey doe, salsa, and disco dance.
But they are not just there for fun, but to improve their brains.
Dancing has so many beneficial effects on the brain that it is now being used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, which affects about 1 in 500 Kiwis.
“Motion is lotion, getting people moving is really important,” dance leader and physiotherapist Rachel Horwell​ said.
What do you do to keep fit and stimulate your brain?

1237 days ago

Interior Design Trends 2021

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

It’s been a long year, so we have good reason to rejoice when thinking of the interior design trends we love most for 2021 and onwards.

From the growing importance of sustainable materials to elegant elements and a celebration of individuality and uniqueness, our 2021 trend edit will provide … View more
It’s been a long year, so we have good reason to rejoice when thinking of the interior design trends we love most for 2021 and onwards.

From the growing importance of sustainable materials to elegant elements and a celebration of individuality and uniqueness, our 2021 trend edit will provide you with a curated look that will bring your home into the New Year with sensational style.

With many people’s attitudes on life changing during 2020, and many wishing they could get away this year, we take a look ahead at the interior design trends for 2021.


1. Take a maximalist approach to decorating
For those who love colourful decoration, this maximalist look channels the free-spirited essence of the celebrated Bloomsbury artists and their creative flair. Bravely mix contrast patterns across a scheme, harmonising the eclectic mix with different scales of print, and one or two grounding common tones to pull all the patterns together. The Bloomsbury artists painted not only their walls but their furniture, too. Mix large-scale wall decor with small-scale decorative details to create playful layers.
2. Combine checks and stripes
Everyone’s two favourite patterns combine for this fun new trend that mixes the classic check and stripe with new-season colours.

Mix and match patterns in different scales to create the right 
balance. In this bedroom the delicately patterned cushions and eiderdown soften the effect of the stripes and checks on the wall and bed.

3. Slide into sculptural furniture
Carefully curated displays of shapely figures and organic forms take centre stage creating quiet drama in neutral spaces. As the striking furnishings and lighting in this living room show, sculptural can be beautiful and useful. For those with a love of ceramics, group pieces together behind glass or on a humble window shelf. Curved and shapely furniture and vessels draw the eye, inviting your gaze to dance across the space.

4. Be bold with a primary palette
We love this considered trend which gives interiors an artistic edge by using two primary colours against a muted palette. Here, a statement lamp with big personality is the perfect way to bring colour into an existing neutral space. And such vibrant colour helps a piece to stand out from the crowd.

In larger spaces wooden furniture and natural jute flooring is given a new lease of life with a sprinkling of bright primary colours.


5. Transport yourself to warmer climes with a wall mural
Adorning interiors with maximum escapism, tropical wall-coverings full of lively patterns and dreamy painterly scenes are just what interiors are craving this year. This ‘La Passion De Diego’ mural by Elitis featuring oversized Mexican plant-life and a silhouette of Frida Kahlo has a woven pattern incorporated into the design to add texture and depth to balance the bold colour.'


Full article with pictures: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

1237 days ago

Free events at the National library, Thorndon - May 2021

The Team from Alexander Turnbull Library

Kia ora everyone
Below is our suite of free events for May 2021 at the National Library, Thorndon. For more information visit our website: natlib.govt.nz
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Mīharo Wonder exhibition:
Date: 26 February to 2 October 2021
Cost: Free
Venue: National Library Gallery
What does the word ‘wonder’ … View more
Kia ora everyone
Below is our suite of free events for May 2021 at the National Library, Thorndon. For more information visit our website: natlib.govt.nz
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Mīharo Wonder exhibition:
Date: 26 February to 2 October 2021
Cost: Free
Venue: National Library Gallery
What does the word ‘wonder’ — or ‘mīharo’ — mean to you? It could be something that evokes awe, fascination or curiosity; to make you think, speculate, meditate upon.
The ATL100 exhibition Mīharo Wonder will inspire you to do all of these.
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A Huia calls the Tui singing in a Kowhai tree
Date: 20 May 2021. 12.10pm - 1pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Ground floor National Library
Lilburn Research Awardee Michael Vinten talks on his project of collecting and publishing pre-1950 New Zealand art-song.
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Backspace: Vintage Computers from the National Library
Date: 24 May 2021 to 29 May 2021 9am - 4.30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Ground floor National Library
Revisit some old friends this Techweek’21 at the National Library - cast your eyes over a selection of our rare vintage computers which are still used today for reading and transferring early ‘born digital’ material.
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Building a digitally inclusive world
Date: 24 May 2021. 5.30pm - 7pm
Cost: Free
Venue Auditorium National Library
Come and join a panel of speakers to engage with different aspects of social and digital inclusion, and the kind of work school, public, academic, research and special libraries are doing in this space.
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The Simple Image: Curator talk
Date: 25 May 2021. 12.10pm - 12.30pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Te Puna Foundation Gallery National Library
Come along to hear about the work of Barry Clothier and see The Simple Image through the eyes of its curators.
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Mīharo Wonder: Digital book with Sebastian Blair
Date: 25 May and 27 May 10.30am - 11.30am
Cost: Free
Venue: National Library GAllery (Miharo exhibition)
Join New Media Coordinator, Sebastian Blair, as he walks you through the creation of the digital book experience in the Mīharo Wonder exhibition. Discover the highlights, the challenges, and why it was important for this piece to be part of Mīharo Wonder.
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Algo-Rhythm: A whānau day of technology and music
Date: Saturday 29 May 10am - 1pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Te Ahumairangi ground floor foyer National Library
Discover the future of technology and music at Algo-Rhythm! Join the Wellington City Libraries Makerspace team and learn about the technologies that make modern libraries ‘sizzle,’ from virtual reality, robotics, and more! Watch a visual tribute to classic video games and the artists inspired by them with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision and enjoy musical performances throughout the day!

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