Matahina Forest, Whakatane

691 days ago

Do you have a great asparagus recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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692 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyer's Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Sign up now

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695 days ago

The local elections are coming up!

Orange Guy from Electoral Commission

The countdown is on! Make sure you’re enrolled and your details are up to date by 12 August to make voting in the local elections easy.

Visit vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 to find out more.
Find out more

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696 days ago

Learn Te Reo Māori

Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

Study with us

Meet Denise from Germany who wanted to learn about the language and culture of Aotearoa. “I wanted to engage with Māori and understand and honour the culture”.

I was lucky to get the opportunity to study with Awanuiārangi at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae. It was the best … View more
Study with us

Meet Denise from Germany who wanted to learn about the language and culture of Aotearoa. “I wanted to engage with Māori and understand and honour the culture”.

I was lucky to get the opportunity to study with Awanuiārangi at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae. It was the best thing that could have happened, a game-changer. I had a great teacher. Learning at the marae was very special – it got me into Te Ao Māori quickly applying our learning straight away.

I don’t know where I would be without this te reo journey. It was an incredible experience that has changed my life.
Find out more

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697 days ago

Bring Hope to the table!

Life

It’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner … View moreIt’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner meals over a week.

For just $40 you’re not only providing food essentials and treats but you’re also giving hope to families in need.

To sponsor a box, go to christmasbox.co.nz.
Know more

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697 days ago

Love to Dance - A Ryman Healthcare Grant

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Could your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up… View more
Could your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Receive one of three $5,000 grants to spend on equipment, transport, costumes or anything you need to support your community’s love of dance.

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698 days ago

Check your freezer stash...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).

This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand … View more
George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).

This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Super Thick (700g)

There have been no reports of associated injury but consumers are being advised not to eat these products. If you have concerns about your health after consuming this bread, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to their retailer for a replacement or full refund, and direct any questions to George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd by phone - 0800 449 660.

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701 days ago

Re-energise your morning with the Sunday Star-Times

Mags4gifts

Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52.

Subscribe at mags4gifts.co.nz/antipodes Terms and Conditions apply.
Find out more

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704 days ago

Poll: VOTE for the Resene Upcycling Finalists!

Resene

It’s that time again neighbours - we need your help! Look at all this creativity hiding behind front doors. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite Upcycling Award finalist. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

View more
It’s that time again neighbours - we need your help! Look at all this creativity hiding behind front doors. We now need YOU to vote for your favourite Upcycling Award finalist. The four designs with the most votes will each receive a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!

Find out a little more about each entry here. Voting closes 5pm Thursday 4 August.

Thanks for voting; your clever neighbours thank you!

VOTE for the Resene Upcycling Finalists!
  • 8.4% 1) Storage cabinet (Christine Olson, Carterton District)
    8.4% Complete
  • 19.1% 2) Bench Seat (Mary McRae, Hauraki)
    19.1% Complete
  • 4.4% 3) Modern Tech Desk (Julie Cronin, Havelock North)
    4.4% Complete
  • 9.7% 4) Alice in Wonderland table (Lynda Cree, Halswell)
    9.7% Complete
  • 17.3% 5) Terracotta Steps (Angie Farrow, Hokowhitu)
    17.3% Complete
  • 7.1% 6) Drinks cabinet / piano bar (Maurice van Liempd, Whakatane District)
    7.1% Complete
  • 4.8% 7) Garden feature (Marjanna Jones, Henderson)
    4.8% Complete
  • 2.2% 8) Spacerocket lamp (Jen Asquith, Nelson South)
    2.2% Complete
  • 25.1% 9) Paintbrush art (Bonnie Stretton, Motueka)
    25.1% Complete
  • 2% 10) Writing Desk (Steve Nicholson, Brookfield)
    2% Complete
1951 votes
706 days ago

Time to escape your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View more
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Find out more

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708 days ago

WIN with AO Travel and Stuff newspapers

Stuff

Hey Neighbours!

Australian Open and Stuff newspaper are giving you and a friend the chance to kick off grand slam season in Melbourne next year with an epic prize valued at over $8,000! Simply follow the link below and enter your details to be in to win.

Competition closes on Friday 12 … View more
Hey Neighbours!

Australian Open and Stuff newspaper are giving you and a friend the chance to kick off grand slam season in Melbourne next year with an epic prize valued at over $8,000! Simply follow the link below and enter your details to be in to win.

Competition closes on Friday 12 August 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
Find out more

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708 days ago

Re-energise your morning with the Sunday Star-Times.

Stuff

Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52.

Subscribe at mags4gifts.co.nz antipodes Terms and conditions apply.
Find out more

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738 days ago

Is your broadband bill about to increase? Don't throw money away.

NZ Compare

Spark have recently announced a price increase of $3 - $5 a month for new and existing broadband customers and other providers seem likely to follow suit.

Information collated by our research team has found that tens of thousands of Kiwis are still missing out on hundreds of dollars of savings … View more
Spark have recently announced a price increase of $3 - $5 a month for new and existing broadband customers and other providers seem likely to follow suit.

Information collated by our research team has found that tens of thousands of Kiwis are still missing out on hundreds of dollars of savings each year on their broadband bill, because they are failing to shop around for cheaper broadband plans.

We estimate that over 500,000 households would be able to pay less for their broadband each month but many consumers are unaware of the fact that they could be making these savings and people often don’t know where to start when looking for a change in broadband plan or provider.

This is where NZ Compare can help. Our websites are simple to use and if you need more help, our friendly, Auckland based, customer support centre can advise on the most suitable broadband plan for your needs and help talk you through the switch. With unlimited fibre broadband plans available for less than $60 a month why would you pay more?

Find out more at NZ Compare or call the team on 0508 226672

CORRECTION: This post has been amended to clarify that the price of fibre and copper broadband internet services will increase, and that the increase is between $3 and $5 a month, not only $5 a month on fibre broadband plans as previously posted. (Amended at 10.31am, June 23, 2022)

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709 days ago

Price Drop Alert, This Weekend only!

Beds4U

Are you ready?
𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐄 is on NOW! 72 hours only!
𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟔𝟓% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 on NZ-made Beds with 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 and 24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card

View more
Are you ready?
𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐄 is on NOW! 72 hours only!
𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟔𝟓% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 on NZ-made Beds with 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 and 24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card

Shop online or at your nearest Beds4U store!

✅60 Night's Comfort Guarantee

✅100% NZ Owned and Operated Business

✅19 Bed retail stores across North Island

*Apply Code (FLASH22) to your cart for 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 on online orders above $799 and only valid for shipping rates under $99. While stocks last.

*24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card: Read T's & C's here.
Find out more

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709 days ago

Natures Bounty | Bast is Best

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.

Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are… View more
Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.

Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants. A sustainable choice, bast fibres support regenerative agricultural practices that can help the soil sequester carbon and as a natural resource, are entirely biodegradable. In this article we will investigate four of the most utilised bast fibres: flax, hemp, ramie, and jute.

Between the epidermis (the outermost layer of cells) and the core of the plant’s stems are soft, woody fibre bundles or strands which can be over one metre long. The strands are composed of individual filaments made up of cellulose and hemicellulose cells bonded together by pectin or lignin, a cohesive gum which strengthens the stem of the plant.

During harvest the stems are cut close to the ground and the fibres are separated either through a natural decomposition process called retting (engaging moisture and bacteria to rot away the gummy cellular tissues) or by decortication (peeling the stems manually or mechanically). After retting, the fibres can be mechanically extracted through a process known as scutching.

In contrast to bast fibres, leaf fibres are obtained from the leaves of monocotyledonous plants with parallel-veined leaves, such as grasses, lilies, orchids, and palms. The long, stiff fibres of plants including abaca, cantala, Mauritius hemp, and sisal are generally used to create cordage or ropes, however, due to labour-intensive harvesting processes they are used less frequently than synthetic options.

Flax (Linen): Famously grown across northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland, flax is the most popular and strongest of the bast fibres. Wild flax fibres found in the Upper Palaeolithic layers of a Georgian cave indicate that humans have been crafting cords and weaving flax baskets for over 30,000 years.

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

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