Lake Matahina, Whakatane

1232 days ago

Superhome owners opening their homes to the public this weekend

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Healthy, warm, dry and cheap to run. Owners of Superhome houses in Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson and Otago are hosting open homes from August 14-15 so you can see just how warm and cosy a home can be with the right design approach.

1231 days ago

Explore the Waikato this Winter

Hamilton Waikato Tourism

Think there is NOTHING to do with the family in the Waikato this Winter? You might want to think again!

From free activities and family-friendly days out to underground adventures, animal encounters and indoor fun, there is a great range of things to do here.

Gather the whole family and … View more
Think there is NOTHING to do with the family in the Waikato this Winter? You might want to think again!

From free activities and family-friendly days out to underground adventures, animal encounters and indoor fun, there is a great range of things to do here.

Gather the whole family and come do NOTHING in the Waikato this Winter!
Find out more

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1233 days ago

Building a legacy that inspires

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

This is an opportunity to recognise those Senior New Zealanders who go beyond … View more
Our passions and achievements play a large part in the legacy we leave behind. When we channel those achievements into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.

This is an opportunity to recognise those Senior New Zealanders who go beyond the ordinary when it comes to paying it forward and making a difference. Let’s celebrate the good and help their legacy shine bright. Because these kiwis demonstrate the true meaning of an inspiring legacy. Who will join them?

Nominations close 31 August.

#NZOTY #NZerOfTheYear
Learn more

1233 days ago

Strengthening digital skills for industry

Competenz

Low levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.

Competenz has recently launched a new … View more
Low levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.

Competenz has recently launched a new micro-credential to improve the level of digital literacy in the manufacturing sector.

"With an aging workforce it’s imperative we enable companies to keep their tradesmen and craftsmen,” says Jahn Vannisselroy, Competenz Sector Manager. “This micro-credential, which we can tailor to a specific company, is giving people the confidence to meet technology head-on.”

The qualification is fully funded under the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) for employers who enrol their staff before 31 December 2022.

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1233 days ago

The Green Side of Wool

Robert Anderson from

We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone to the economy for many years.

Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and has played an important role in the economy ever since. For several … View more
We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone to the economy for many years.

Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and has played an important role in the economy ever since. For several decades wool accounted for more than a third of New Zealand’s exports by value with the sheep population peaking at just over 70 million in 1982.

This number is significant when comparing it to New Zealand’s human population. By 2020, sheep numbers dropped to 26 million, following a decline in profitability compared to other types of farming, particularly dairying.

While also farmed for their meat, today’s article focuses on sheep wool and its environmental attributes.

Wool is a natural and renewable resource and as long as our beloved sheep are eating the tasty green pastures from New Zealand farms they will always produce wool. Wool has amazing properties that make it ideal for many applications from home textiles through to incontinence underwear.

At this point in time, cotton and synthetic fibres are the most commonly used and produced fibres globally, however their performance does not come close to wool, in particular the environmental benefits.

From wool to yarn: The wool clip (total yield of wool shorn during one season from the sheep) is sent to the scourers where the wool is cleaned and dried, and from there to a woollen spinner where the fibre is spun into yarn. The yarn is then sent on to the manufacturer of textile products where many different processes are involved.

The yarn is wound onto dye cones and dyed to the required colours. Next the yarn is warped onto beams. These warp beams are then threaded through the looms so that the weft yarn can run across the warp to create a woven fabric.

The fabric is then inspected and then washed and dried. Very few chemicals are used in the processing, typically only water and heat.



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

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1234 days ago

Love your colour with Resene this August!

Resene ColorShop

Is your home starting to look a little dreary and in need of a fresh coat of paint or a pick me up with colour?

Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop between 5-31 August 2021, buy 1 testpot 60-80ml and get 1 FREE! Plus get 25% off Resene premium paint, primers, sealers and stains 10L. … View more
Is your home starting to look a little dreary and in need of a fresh coat of paint or a pick me up with colour?

Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop between 5-31 August 2021, buy 1 testpot 60-80ml and get 1 FREE! Plus get 25% off Resene premium paint, primers, sealers and stains 10L.

Offers available with your Resene DIY Card. If you don’t have a card you can sign up free in store or online
See more details online

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1235 days ago

Pursue higher education with a Masters Degree

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Masters Study

Meet Hinerangi Busby who shares her journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

I am a graduate of the marae-centred programme, Te Pouhono, transforming Māori communities, promoting mātauranga-a-hapū, a-iwi. My participation took me to the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori,… View more
Masters Study

Meet Hinerangi Busby who shares her journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

I am a graduate of the marae-centred programme, Te Pouhono, transforming Māori communities, promoting mātauranga-a-hapū, a-iwi. My participation took me to the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori, and then postgraduate study.

Awanuiārangi centres you. This is the nurturing space of Māori researchers, with the support of academic and professional staff; this all transpires from an authentic indigenous and traditional Māori environment.

My studies have empowered me to play a more pro-active role in whānau and hapū affairs. Instead of being angry at a past that we cannot change, let’s become part of the solution for positive change.
Find out more

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1236 days ago

Foldable climbing frame

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Construct a climbing frame for upwardly mobile crops and add the colour with Resene paint.

Find out how to create your own.

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1236 days ago

Nominate your Nice Neighbour and win!

Neighbourly.co.nz

We've had hundreds of community hero shout outs on our Nice Neighbour page, with some even featuring in Stuff's local community papers. It's easy for you to chime in to those raving reviews, all you've got to do is nominate your community champion and be in with a chance to win … View moreWe've had hundreds of community hero shout outs on our Nice Neighbour page, with some even featuring in Stuff's local community papers. It's easy for you to chime in to those raving reviews, all you've got to do is nominate your community champion and be in with a chance to win a Prezzy® Card. Have a think and get nominating now! Nominate now!

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1237 days ago

Before and after cleaning

Robert Anderson from

These curtains are looking as good as new after being treated for mould removal. If you have orange or black spots on your curtains - that is most likely mould! It loves a combination of dust, damp, and heat. It can smell very musty, especially if left to grow. We are experts in mould removal and … View moreThese curtains are looking as good as new after being treated for mould removal. If you have orange or black spots on your curtains - that is most likely mould! It loves a combination of dust, damp, and heat. It can smell very musty, especially if left to grow. We are experts in mould removal and ensure curtains are treated with no colour loss - if you have any questions feel free to give us a call and we can have a chat. 0800 579 0501

1238 days ago

What is Yarn: What It’s Made From, How You Make It and More

Robert Anderson from

When researching or reading about different fabrics, you are likely to see the word yarn mentioned a lot. ‘Made from spun yarns’ or ‘with synthetic yarns’ are a couple of examples. But what is yarn? What is spun yarn? Are there other types? What does it all mean, and how much relevance does… View moreWhen researching or reading about different fabrics, you are likely to see the word yarn mentioned a lot. ‘Made from spun yarns’ or ‘with synthetic yarns’ are a couple of examples. But what is yarn? What is spun yarn? Are there other types? What does it all mean, and how much relevance does this bear to your final fabric? That’s what we are here to look at in a little more detail.

What is Yarn?
Yarn is a length of fibres. That’s the simplest way to explain it. It is a continuous length of fibres which are interlocked, and it’s used to produce fabrics, as well as in crocheting, knitting, embroidery and ropemaking.

This means that we can split yarn into two different ‘categories’ of sorts. The thread that is used for embroidery or in sewing machines, as well as yarn (commonly known as balls-of-wool) used in crafts such as knitting or crocheting, are long lengths that are bought as yarns.

The alternative would be a yarn which is then knitted or woven into a fabric. The textile is then bought as fabric, in lengths, rather than the yarn itself being purchased separately. This second description is the one that we will explore further in this post.

What is Yarn Made From?
Yarn can be made from such a variety of different fibres. This includes both natural and synthetic fibres. The most common plant fibre is cotton, however, you can also use other natural fibres such as bamboo. Alongside cotton, the synthetic polyester fibre makes up the two most commonly used fibres. Animal fibres are also often used, such as wool, harvested from sheep, as well as cashmere (harvested from goats) Angora (from rabbits) and silk (from insect larvae).

What is the Difference Between Spun and Filament Yarn?
Spun yarn is made by twisting staple fibres together in either an S or Z twist, to make a single thread. The process of twisting the fibres together into yarn is called spinning and it was one of the first processed to be industrialised. Spun yarns can contain a single type of fibre, or you can spin various types of fibre together to give you a blend.

Filament yarn is made up of filament fibres which are either twisted together or simply grouped together. It can either be composed of one filament, which is called a monofilament, or it could be made of more than one, in which case it would be known as a multifilament. This can be as few as two or three filament fibres, or even up to 50, or more.

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

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1239 days ago

Meet our Houseplant Hero 2021!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Please meet Alyce Read of Nelson, who uses her houseplant collection to connect with others and help them overcome mental health challenges. "You wouldn’t take a plant and put it in a dark corner and fail to water it and expect it to thrive. So we should look at ourselves … View more
Dear neighbours,

Please meet Alyce Read of Nelson, who uses her houseplant collection to connect with others and help them overcome mental health challenges. "You wouldn’t take a plant and put it in a dark corner and fail to water it and expect it to thrive. So we should look at ourselves that way," she says. "If we are not thriving in the way that we would wish, it might not be any fault of ours, it might be the conditions that we are under."

1239 days ago

Random Acts of Kindness – August 1st to 31st 💐

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

All it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. From giving flowers to a neighbour ‘just because’ to paying it forward in line at a cafe - this month we’re encouraging our members and supporters to make New Zealand a better place one random act of kindness at a time.

The options … View more
All it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. From giving flowers to a neighbour ‘just because’ to paying it forward in line at a cafe - this month we’re encouraging our members and supporters to make New Zealand a better place one random act of kindness at a time.

The options for doing so are endless! Being kind doesn’t have to cost a thing, after all a smile is free. For those who want to go the extra mile, here’s some other ideas: take a gift over to new neighbours and introduce yourself, build a free community library for your street, buy extra kai at the grocery store to donate to a food bank, bring treats into work for colleagues, send an encouraging text to someone who needs it, let a car into the traffic ahead of you, write positive messages in chalk on sidewalks around your neighbourhood, or surprise loved ones with a visit.

Want to share your thoughts? Let us know how you’re spreading kindness this month by tagging us in your social media posts or emailing us your photos, videos, or experiences to:

info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

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1240 days ago

Looking for an apprentice?

Competenz

Advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz through our online job board, we have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your organisation.
Find your next apprentice with Competenz!

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1241 days ago

Improve your digital literacy today!

The Team from Digital Boost

Are you a small business owner looking to make better use of the online space?

Digital Boost is a free online learning platform packed with 3-5 minute educational videos on topics like:
- Websites
- Digital marketing/social media
- Online tools
- Digital accounting
- Business insights, … View more
Are you a small business owner looking to make better use of the online space?

Digital Boost is a free online learning platform packed with 3-5 minute educational videos on topics like:
- Websites
- Digital marketing/social media
- Online tools
- Digital accounting
- Business insights, feedback and reporting
- Future technologies

Plus, pick up tips and tricks from our interviews with other small business owners across the nation.

The future is digital and we want your business to be part of it.
Sign up today

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