3295 days ago

Meet the Artists of Whangarei Heads Arts Trail - Easter 2017

Whangarei Heads Arts Trail

Sheila Blackburn - I began working with clay many years ago as an Art teacher in England. For me it represents a medium that gives visual and tactile pleasure both in the making and in the appreciation of the finished work. Now I have my own small studio here in Whangarei, New Zealand, and the time and enthusiasm to explore ceramics in a whole variety of ways.  
My work has developed through experimentation and the often painful process of trial and error. I work mostly with paperclay which I make myself. I use this for Raku, pit firing, slip casting and stoneware glazed work. Every new piece is a journey of discovery. My work has a wide variety of surface finishes including burnishing or terra sigillata, glaze and occasionally paint.
In producing Raku and pit fired ware I try to embrace the philosophy of Wabi - Sabi. which tells us to embrace imperfection, and seek beauty in the marks that show the journey of the works through fire and life. Often work does not come out as expected and it is important to accept the finish for what it is and not to condemn it for not being as 'expected'.
See my work on: www.nookpottery.co.nz...
Also check out the WHAT website at www.whangareiheadsartstrail.org.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
8 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.

Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.

For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.

Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?

We hope this brings a smile!

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4 days ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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1 day ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?

What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?

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If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 36.5% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    36.5% Complete
  • 63.5% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
    63.5% Complete
362 votes