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1119 days ago

Lead contamination forces recall of sugar products

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Six sugar products have been recalled by major manufacturers due to lead contamination.

Raw and brown sugar products by Chelsea, Pams and Woolworths are affected, and have been sold at retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand through October to November 4 2021.

In a statement, MPI said that that the food safety risk from these products is low, and informed customers who have bought these products to not consume them.

Here's what you need to know:

NAME OF PRODUCT
- Chelsea brand Raw Sugar (500g, 1.2kg, and 4kg)
- Chelsea brand Soft Brown Sugar (500g and 1kg)
- Pams brand Raw Sugar (1kg)
- Pams brand Soft Brown Sugar (1kg)
- Woolworths brand Raw Sugar (500g and 1kg)
- Woolworths brand Brown Sugar (500g and 1kg)

BATCH MARKING
- Chelsea brand Raw Sugar (500g, 1.2kg, and 4kg): Lot 21271 through to Lot 21303
- Chelsea brand Soft Brown Sugar (500g and 1kg): Lot 21280 through to Lot 21293
- Pams brand Raw Sugar (1kg): Lot 21270 through to Lot 21302
- Pams brand Soft Brown Sugar (1kg): Lot 21272 through to Lot 21303
- Woolworths brand Raw Sugar (500g, and 1kg): Lot 21274 through to Lot 21281
- Woolworths brand Brown Sugar (500g, and 1kg): Lot 21278 through to Lot 21303

The recall does not affect any other Chelsea brands of sugar or any other products manufactured by these companies.

Customers are encouraged to get in touch with their retailer to get a full refund.

To find out more about this recall, please visit the New Zealand Food Safety Website.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15% No
    15% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
2287 votes
1 hour ago

The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.

However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.

Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.

Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.

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The Test of Devotion

As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).

The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.

Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.

To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”

Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”

At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.

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Moral of the Story

This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.

15 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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