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Wairarapa Olive Oil makers have dominated the annual NZ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards, winning four of five major awards.
Some 128 oils were judged much like wine or beer; poured into glasses – blue, to prevent bias based on colour – sipped, and scored by six judges during lockdown.
Judging … View moreWairarapa Olive Oil makers have dominated the annual NZ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards, winning four of five major awards.
Some 128 oils were judged much like wine or beer; poured into glasses – blue, to prevent bias based on colour – sipped, and scored by six judges during lockdown.
Judging took place remotely due to Covid-19. Judges were sent tiny bottles of each oil, which they warmed on an electric heat pad to 34 degrees Celsius, and then sipped, sucking air through their teeth to enhance the flavour.
Best in Show went to Olive Black Extra Virgin Olive Oil, an intense blend with green grass, pine, and floral notes.
Known to Airways New Zealand staff as “The Grand Old Lady of Wellington”, and to its neighbours as “Arnold”, Wellington's historic traffic control tower is for sale.
Not surprisingly, Tommy’s Real Estate agents Billy Bell and Jess Platt describe it as the most unique property they … View moreKnown to Airways New Zealand staff as “The Grand Old Lady of Wellington”, and to its neighbours as “Arnold”, Wellington's historic traffic control tower is for sale.
Not surprisingly, Tommy’s Real Estate agents Billy Bell and Jess Platt describe it as the most unique property they have listed.
“We’ve had unusual looking houses, but never anything quite like this so it’s exciting to be involved.”
Be warned, however, it needs earthquake strengthening and only has one loo.
It is believed to be the only control tower in the world with a residential address and its own letterbox.
Wouldn't it make a great house?
Hey Neighbourly folk, here is an easy one from our archives.
Who knows the story behind this famous image and the colourful character behind it.
Monthly AEA Worldwide Web events are held on the third Saturday (Greenwich Mean Time) of each month.
For October it is 9.00 am on Sunday 18th(NZ time).
For newcomers interested in receiving a Zoom invitation for the event, please email aeawebevent@gmail.com.
Photographer Simon Woolf got a huge surprise when he was photographing birds on Petone beach over the weekend.
He spotted three birds he had never previously seen and posted on Facebook hoping someone would help identify them.
He was surprised to find that he had seen the Lesser knot (sometimes … View morePhotographer Simon Woolf got a huge surprise when he was photographing birds on Petone beach over the weekend.
He spotted three birds he had never previously seen and posted on Facebook hoping someone would help identify them.
He was surprised to find that he had seen the Lesser knot (sometimes called the Red knot).
According to birdsonline it is a regular visitor from Russia. There are about 120,000 that winter over in Australia or New Zealand but Woolf said he had never seen one before in Wellington.
What is the rarest bird you have spotted?
Hi, I have 28 blank DVDs / CDs if anyone would like them; to burn to, to create a masterpiece, to keep the sparrows out (does that even work?). Pick up biz hours on The Terrace, or Tory St after hours.
Hey neighbours, thanks to everyone who joined us for our live chat with Resene’s colour consultant Brenda Ngatai and tech expert Jay Sharples.
The questions were coming thick and fast, and Jay and Brenda very kindly stayed later than planned to get through as many as they could, but we're … View moreHey neighbours, thanks to everyone who joined us for our live chat with Resene’s colour consultant Brenda Ngatai and tech expert Jay Sharples.
The questions were coming thick and fast, and Jay and Brenda very kindly stayed later than planned to get through as many as they could, but we're sorry if we didn't get to yours. If you submitted a question and missed the chat, checkout the recap, here.
A rotting, near-derelict two-bedroom cottage that can’t be pulled down sells for $700,000.
The price for an entry level house often starts at $1 million, and queues extend down streets for the many young wannabes viewing the few properties on the market.
The Wellington City Council wants a more … View moreA rotting, near-derelict two-bedroom cottage that can’t be pulled down sells for $700,000.
The price for an entry level house often starts at $1 million, and queues extend down streets for the many young wannabes viewing the few properties on the market.
The Wellington City Council wants a more livable city, but many can’t afford to live and work in it, while others think proposed changes will remove what makes it so liveable in the first place.
The Wellington City Council has a Draft Spatial Plan that could radically change the city.
That includes more medium to high-density buildings in the CBD, particularly focused around prominent transport routes and hubs.
Many large character homes could be bulldozed to allow for high density apartments and multi-storey buildings.
Tell us what you think. If you do not want your comments used for publication played puts NFP (Not For Publication).
I’m looking for an experienced part time house cleaner to work approximately 10 hours per week.
Preferably someone with an eye for detail.
Looking after lovely homes and clients in the Wellington area.
Own car essential. Equipment and products provided.
If interested please message me or call … View moreI’m looking for an experienced part time house cleaner to work approximately 10 hours per week.
Preferably someone with an eye for detail.
Looking after lovely homes and clients in the Wellington area.
Own car essential. Equipment and products provided.
If interested please message me or call Jill on 021877018.
In the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Wellington Central MP.
At the October 17 election, New Zealanders will have the … View moreIn the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Wellington Central MP.
At the October 17 election, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to choose their regional spokesperson.
Through the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, those enrolled can vote for the party they want as well as a local representative.
Why does my MP matter?
The person elected will be the voice for your region in Parliament. If you're having trouble getting entitlements or dealing with Government departments, they can help. If your community needs funding for certain projects or activities, or there isn't enough healthcare in the area, the elected MP can step in and help.
So much bread, and none of it doing any good! A reminder yet again that dumping bread gives predators a free meal.
It is happening regularly in the Miramar area and Greater Wellington wants to know who it is doing.
Food left like this helps rats thrive, which undermines all the hard work Predator… View moreSo much bread, and none of it doing any good! A reminder yet again that dumping bread gives predators a free meal.
It is happening regularly in the Miramar area and Greater Wellington wants to know who it is doing.
Food left like this helps rats thrive, which undermines all the hard work Predator Free Wellington and other pest elimination groups around our region are doing.
At Gazley, we're created with the passion of its founders and the high expectations of the world-famous brands we represent, Gazley follow a strong brand ethos that has a customer-centric approach offering a unique experience for each of our clients ensuring that their vehicle needs are met … View moreAt Gazley, we're created with the passion of its founders and the high expectations of the world-famous brands we represent, Gazley follow a strong brand ethos that has a customer-centric approach offering a unique experience for each of our clients ensuring that their vehicle needs are met and their service expectations exceeded.
Let us know what is your favourite car brand down below.
What is your favourite Wellington restaurant?
The finalists have been announced in the Wellington Hospitality Awards and there are 24 categories to vote on. The four regional finalists are
50-50 (Paraparaumu Beach), Long Beach Cafe and Tavern (Waikanae Beach), Seashore Cabaret (Petone) and The … View moreWhat is your favourite Wellington restaurant?
The finalists have been announced in the Wellington Hospitality Awards and there are 24 categories to vote on. The four regional finalists are
50-50 (Paraparaumu Beach), Long Beach Cafe and Tavern (Waikanae Beach), Seashore Cabaret (Petone) and The Botanist Lyall Bay).
Wellingtonians Le Ho and her partner Zin Hoang can't find anywhere to call home.
Ho, 29 and a member of Massey University’s marketing team, and Hoang, 23, a scientist, have pre-approved for a mortgage in the $700,000 to $800,000 range.
So far they have put in ten offers without success.
One … View moreWellingtonians Le Ho and her partner Zin Hoang can't find anywhere to call home.
Ho, 29 and a member of Massey University’s marketing team, and Hoang, 23, a scientist, have pre-approved for a mortgage in the $700,000 to $800,000 range.
So far they have put in ten offers without success.
One property they liked had 32 offers. Ho admits it is getting "disheartening" and they are losing hope.
In recent years, more and more people choose to bring natural fibre rugs into their homes due to their cosy warmth, excellent durability, and their eco-friendly manufacturing process. But you probably know all of this already since you bought one yourself. We’ve put together some helpful tips to … View moreIn recent years, more and more people choose to bring natural fibre rugs into their homes due to their cosy warmth, excellent durability, and their eco-friendly manufacturing process. But you probably know all of this already since you bought one yourself. We’ve put together some helpful tips to keep your rug looking fresh.
1) Clean your rug on a regular basis. This may seem like an obvious thing to state, but you should know that it is much easier for dirt particles to become entangled in natural fibre carpeting than it is with their synthetic counterparts. To this end, make sure to regularly vacuum your rug using the appropriate upholstery attachment. Other methods you can try is shaking the rug to remove debris, or hanging it up outside and dusting it with a tennis racket, big stick, etc.
2) Use a damp towel to remedy curled rug corners. If you have been using your natural carpeting as an area rug, especially in high traffic areas, you will sooner or later notice that its corners have started to curl. To fix this, simply dampen the curled area with an evenly spread damp towel, place some weights on top, and leave it overnight. Keep in mind that you may have to repeat this process a few more times, depending on how long your rug had its corners curled.
3) Cut sprouting fibres using shears. Since most natural fibre rugs are braided and sewn by hand, they are very prone to sprouting. This goes double for jute, which has shorter fibres. To remedy this, simply use shears to clip down the fibres that have already stuck out from the rug surface. The good news is that, with time, the fibres will “settle in” and you will no longer have to use your scissors as much.
4) Always contact a manufacturer for advice on cleaning specific stains. If you cannot identify the stain on your rug, or it needs a more thorough cleaning overall, we highly encourage you to seek out the original manufacturer for specific cleaning recommendations, since most companies treat the fibres of their natural products differently.
5) Maintain consistent humidity within your premises. Sisal and other natural fibre rugs should be kept outside of areas with high humidity, since the extra moisture could stain them or even cause them to shrink. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity in the area where your rug is located.
6) Make sure your rug receives even amounts of sunlight. As mentioned above, sisal and other natural fibres become bleached when exposed to sunlight. So, if your room lets moderate to high amounts of sunlight in, ensure that your rug is either fully exposed to the sunrays or completely hidden in the shadows to maintain a consistent colour. If your rug is half in the sun, rotate it every other week to keep the sun-fade even.
7) Apply a fabric protectant spray. This step is only necessary if your carpet is located in a busy area of the house. Treating the fibres with fabric protectant spray (Scotchgard is pretty cheap at Mitre 10) will ensure that they are well protected against water spills and dirt. Just don’t forget to re-apply the spray regularly as its effect will wear off with time.
We hope you have found something you didn’t know before, please feel free to share with us any tips you have in the comments ?
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