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This year Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week, is being held from September 16 to 23. It’s an important week encouraging all of Aotearoa to use te reo Māori in everyday life. Similarly, Mahuru Māori promotes speaking and celebrating te reo throughout the month of September.
Over … View moreThis year Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week, is being held from September 16 to 23. It’s an important week encouraging all of Aotearoa to use te reo Māori in everyday life. Similarly, Mahuru Māori promotes speaking and celebrating te reo throughout the month of September.
Over the last couple of years, Gerda, a resident at Diana Isaac Village in Christchurch, has grown her Māori vocabulary by attending the virtual monthly te reo Māori classes offered to Ryman residents. This group learning environment is run by Anita Gill from Te Puna Reo Māori, a Māori online learning provider.
Click read more for the full story.
Luckily self-checkout is pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?
What are your thoughts? Is that rude?
Share in the comments … View moreLuckily self-checkout is pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?
What are your thoughts? Is that rude?
Share in the comments below if this has ever happened to you.
Police are aware of a recent overseas rise in scams which involve an unexpected package being sent to addresses with a gift and a QR code inside. Police believe this scamming method could find its way to New Zealand and we are urging people to be vigilant.
The gift will have the recipients … View morePolice are aware of a recent overseas rise in scams which involve an unexpected package being sent to addresses with a gift and a QR code inside. Police believe this scamming method could find its way to New Zealand and we are urging people to be vigilant.
The gift will have the recipients address, but not include the sender's information or be from a known retailer. When the recipient opens the package to see what it is and possibly who sent it, there is a QR code to scan to find out who sent the gift.
The QR code allows the offenders to then access any and all data on your phone or device you used to scan the code, including financial information such as your bank account login details, and personal data.
Police are urging anyone who receives one of these gifts not to scan the QR code, the gift can either be kept or discarded, but do not scan the QR code.
Please report information to Police online at www.police.govt.nz... or call Police on 105.
The Hill is a new community nestled between Remuera and Ellerslie. Where local village life combines with vibrant urban living. A private haven and a connected location. The best of both worlds.
Rising from its elevated position, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Auckland isthmus, Belvedere … View moreThe Hill is a new community nestled between Remuera and Ellerslie. Where local village life combines with vibrant urban living. A private haven and a connected location. The best of both worlds.
Rising from its elevated position, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Auckland isthmus, Belvedere at The Hill offers the first opportunity to be part of it.
Elegant architecture with well-appointed spaces by Warren and Mahoney, Belvedere apartments are designed as paragons of high-end living. Generous one, two and three bedroom apartments are selling now.
Visit our Experience Centre
Open 10am - 4pm
7 days a week
99 Ladies Mile, Remuera
See detail of modern R-OIL illustration . Enlarge for detail.
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural … View moreLonger days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen worth over $60.
Don't miss out on this unbeatable offer—subscribe today! *Print T&Cs apply.
You can't beat fresh veggies straight out of your own garden. So if you would like to know how best to create an effective Kitchen Garden, this is a "must attend" workshop.
This 2 hour interactive event will give you all the basic information you will need to get you started.
… View moreYou can't beat fresh veggies straight out of your own garden. So if you would like to know how best to create an effective Kitchen Garden, this is a "must attend" workshop.
This 2 hour interactive event will give you all the basic information you will need to get you started.
Please see the attached pdf for details.
Hi Neighbours,
Brace yourself! The days of stable electricity prices might be behind us as we transition to greener energy sources. But don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep your costs under control.
Why the Change?
As part of our commitment to the Paris Agreement, New … View moreHi Neighbours,
Brace yourself! The days of stable electricity prices might be behind us as we transition to greener energy sources. But don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep your costs under control.
Why the Change?
As part of our commitment to the Paris Agreement, New Zealand aims to cut emissions to 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Our power grid is increasingly powered by renewable sources like hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar, moving away from coal and natural gas.
The Challenge
This transition is great for the environment but can make our energy prices more volatile. With the power grid dependent on weather conditions, fluctuations in rain, wind, or sunlight can lead to higher reliance on fossil fuels, driving up electricity prices. Recently, wholesale electricity prices have surged to $850 per megawatt-hour, far above the average $150. While retailers have been shielding us from these spikes, this buffer may not last.
So, while we don’t have all the answers, we want to help you prepare for potential energy cost increases. Here are 19 cost-saving tips to keep you well-equipped before any energy crisis.
1. Review Your Power Plan Annually
Electricity plans and rates can change, so it’s best to review your plan at least once a year. Visit powerswitch.org.nz to compare different plans and ensure you’re on the most cost-effective option. Finding the right plan can lead to significant savings on your power bills.
2. Switch Off When Not in Use
Turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when they’re not in use is a straightforward way to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. This small habit can add up to substantial savings over time.
3. Optimize Hot Water Temperature
Set your hot water heater to 60°C. This temperature is sufficient for safety and comfort while avoiding the extra energy required to heat water to higher temperatures. Hot water accounts for 30% of your annual electricity costs.
4. Adjust Fridge and Freezer Settings
Ensure your fridge is set to 4-5°C and your freezer to -15 to -18°C. Regularly check that the door seals are tight to prevent cold air from escaping. Efficiently managed appliances use less energy.
5. Thaw Frozen Food Efficiently
Instead of using the microwave to thaw your food from frozen, thaw frozen food in the fridge for a day.
6. Embrace the Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are an energy-efficient cooking option. Running a slow cooker for 8 hours might cost as little as $0.20 in electricity. Using a slow cooker instead of an oven can help you save on your power costs.
7. Use a Mini Oven for Small Meals
For smaller cooking tasks, a mini oven is a more energy-efficient choice compared to a full-sized oven. It heats up faster and uses less power, which helps in reducing your overall electricity consumption.
8. Opt for Cold Water Washing
Using cold water in your washing machine saves energy. Heating water accounts for a significant portion of a washing machine’s energy use, so this switch can lead to lower electricity bills.
9. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Vacuuming the coils of your refrigerator helps it operate more efficiently by improving heat release. This maintenance task can contribute to lower electricity usage.
10. Maintain Dryer Filters
Regularly cleaning your dryer filters ensures the machine runs efficiently and doesn’t consume more energy than necessary.
11. Air Dry Laundry
Whenever possible, air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. Air drying is a cost-effective way to reduce your electricity usage.
12. Maximise Natural Light and Heat
Open your curtains during the day to let in natural warmth and close them in the evening to trap heat. Up to 40% of your home’s heat can escape through windows, so managing this can help reduce heating costs.
13. Install a Water-Saving Shower Head
A low-flow shower head reduces water usage and the energy required to heat it. If your shower fills a 10-litre bucket in under a minute, upgrading to a more efficient model can save both water and energy, reducing your overall costs.
14. Boil Only What You Need
Fill your kettle only with the amount of water you need to boil. This avoids unnecessary energy consumption.
15. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choose appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they use less power, leading to long-term savings on your electricity bills.
16. Insulate Where Possible
Install insulation under your floor and in your ceiling to lower heating and cooling costs.
17. LED lighting
Swap to energy efficient lighting like LED down lights or light bulbs to dramatically increase savings.
18. Optimise Your Heated Towel Rail
Putting your heated towel rail on a timer rather than running it 24/7 can reduce your electricity consumption, while ensuring you always have a warm and dry towel.
19. Get the Right Size Heater
Ensure your heater is the appropriate size for your space. Use the Consumer NZ heater calculator to find the best option for your needs. An appropriately sized heater operates more efficiently and can help reduce your heating costs.
While these tips won’t take your power bill to $0, we’ve found the little things do add up.
Got your own power-saving hacks? Share them in the comments!
Cheers,
Josh from Anytime Electrics
Make stunning sets of trinket trays with a nod to the traditional craft of basket-making simply using clay and Resene shades of green.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Rejuvenate old dinosaur toys that have faded with Resene testpots to help them keep looking good in the harsh sunlight.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
For more info call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869.
Email: steveproc777@gmail.com
I used to own one of Auckland's well known driving schools, now semi-retired. I can offer people my experience for free with all the tips and tricks on how to pass a driving test. Most parents do a great job… View moreFor more info call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869.
Email: steveproc777@gmail.com
I used to own one of Auckland's well known driving schools, now semi-retired. I can offer people my experience for free with all the tips and tricks on how to pass a driving test. Most parents do a great job of coaching their children but don't have the tools to get up to test standard. Tips like how to navigate roundabouts and do observation points, lane changing procedures, flush medians, merging, speed zones, how and when to do the MIB - men in black procedures etc and the list goes on. For more info on how to apply all this, call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
… View more"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
The programme features a blend of classical compositions that will transport you through time and across cultures. From the intricate harmonies of Bach’s Baroque masterpiece to Schubert’s Romantic lyricism, and the jazzy rhythms of Gershwin’s iconic ‘An American in Paris’. Calefax, hailing from the Netherlands, are thrilled to be performing the world premiere of a newly CMNZ-commissioned work from award-winning New Zealand composer Rosie Langabeer.
Don't miss Calefax in Auckland: Tuesday 17 September - 7.30pm
.........Photography: Merlijn Doomernik
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
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