Waikato Hospital, Hamilton

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Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Ask a Crewcut Lawn & Garden expert (and an ex-Black Caps coach!) now. Head here.

1290 days ago

Free Garden Waste Removal

Leanne from Dinsdale

Hi Im looking for a cheap garden waste removal could be used for composting just wanting to clean up the yard i would have 2 x 240 litres bag worth to be removed. Would appreciate any advice or feedback.

1290 days ago

Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Friends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.

My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture… View more
Friends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.

My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture store version I adore. And it means I’ll often wake up to messages from friends with photos of dilapidated, discarded furniture on the street that say, “This made me think of you.”

As a result, my home is filled with inexpensive pieces that have been gathered in unconventional ways or made by yours truly. In fact, the other day while I was tidying up, I realised that every item – with the exception of my mattress – cost less than $500.

I’ve been very deliberate in my selections, and it’s taken me years to build an arsenal of couches, tables, rugs and art that I’m happy with. At times it was difficult not to rush to a department store and settle for a set of just-okay dining chairs to avoid another night of standing around the dinner table eating dinner.

I realise not everybody has as much patience to devote to decorating and furnishing their home. And I’m not proposing you spend your weekends scrounging around in rubbish heaps for unique home accents. (Please, that would mean fewer treasures for me.)

But there are a few tricks and shortcuts I’ve learned along the way that make it easy to save a buck or $200. And not a single one requires a tetanus shot.

Don’t be afraid of prints: If you want to make an otherwise bland room come to life, just add prints. The bright green floral couch in my living room (which I affectionately refer to as “nana chic“) serves as the anchor for the space, and the wallpaper in my dressing room turns a drab wall into a happy garden. Plus, the pattern is so bold that I needed to cover only one wall, thus saving money. Just be sure to go easy on other patterns so as not to overwhelm the eye.

Think big: If you have a large, blank wall to fill, don’t immediately think gallery wall, which is a strategically arranged collection of art pieces that can cost a fortune to frame. Instead opt for a large anchor piece, such as a giant map or a handmade installation. For my living room, I searched “DIY backdrop” for inspiration and found instructions on how to make a huge tassel hanging.


Know what to buy vs DIY: Whenever I see an item described as “industrial” or as made with “reclaimed” materials, my DIY senses tingle. Additionally, the plumbing section at your local hardware store is brimming with potential storage solutions. I built the clothing racks in my dressing room using copper piping and concrete, and I’ve made a simple, versatile blanket ladder using dowel and copper fittings. And if you find an affordable set of drawers but hate the knobs, you’re just a few twists away from a sleek piece if you update the hardware.


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

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1291 days ago

Birds for sale

Carlton from Melville

Three healthy budgies for sale. Cage and accessories not included.

Price: $100

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1293 days ago

Gardener wanted, specifically to cut back overgrown shrubs/climbing plant

Dianne from Hamilton East

Person required as soon as possible to prune and cut back shrubs that are overgrown. There is also an overgrown climber that needs cutting.
This is for my sister who cannot post on Neighbourly herself.
Only genuine people who will actually undertake the job, please.

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1292 days ago

Free jam session at museum next Sat May 22, 2pm

Carolyn from Dinsdale

PAUL TRENWITH, banjo player from HAMILTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS BAND, Is going to be at Waikato Museum next Saturday 2pm . Anyone with guitar, banjo, fiddle etc invited to jam with him - free entry - to mark the current exhibition re the history of the band!!! Should be a great session. COME!!!!

1291 days ago

Hilarious comedy on now - limited season

The Team from Riverlea Theatre and Arts Centre

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is described as Broadway's funniest musical farce. Opening night audiences were in fits of laughter. Don't miss out - after 2020 you deserve this!

1293 days ago

Warm welcome to Competenz!

Competenz

We're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.

We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New … View more
We're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.

We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New Zealand businesses.

Please join us in welcoming Competenz and stay tuned for job listings and other exciting content!
Find out more

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1293 days ago

help

Peter from Frankton

Looking for a clutch master cylinder for a EH Holden for a pensioner who is restoring one, new or used so long as in working order

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1293 days ago

Looking for a Qualified Electrian

Diane from Frankton

Allpower Electrical Services Ltd

We are on the hunt for a qualified Electrician to join us and be part of an awesome young team.

Someone who is forward thinking to carry out the tasks given. We cover a variety of jobs from commercial, schools, supermarket and light residential and also … View more
Allpower Electrical Services Ltd

We are on the hunt for a qualified Electrician to join us and be part of an awesome young team.

Someone who is forward thinking to carry out the tasks given. We cover a variety of jobs from commercial, schools, supermarket and light residential and also maintenance work so never a dull moment.

You will also be given a work van and cellphone to get you from A to B.

We will put you on a course to be trained on a EWP.

All we ask from you is to have a full drivers license and be NZ registered electrician.

Contact Phil - 027 5429192

1293 days ago

Guide for Carers

Office for Seniors

The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.

It covers a range of topics such as financial help, … View more
The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.

It covers a range of topics such as financial help, assessing needs, getting help at home and being able to take a break from caring.

The Guide for Carers is available online now: bit.ly...

For more information about resources like this and other advice, read our SuperSeniors newsletter: bit.ly...

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1295 days ago

We Say/You Say: MMP

Reporter Hamilton Press

Hi Hamilton,

Would you support the introduction of MMP to local body elections?

A former Labour minister has called on the government to implement MMP as the voting system for local body elections in a bid to 'fix' local government.

Peter Neilson, an economist, is a former Labour… View more
Hi Hamilton,

Would you support the introduction of MMP to local body elections?

A former Labour minister has called on the government to implement MMP as the voting system for local body elections in a bid to 'fix' local government.

Peter Neilson, an economist, is a former Labour MP for Miramar, a Minister of Revenue, Works and Associate Minister of Finance. Neilson explains how MMP could have a positive impact on civic participation after data from Internal Affairs showed a decline in voter turnout.

Around four out of 10 New Zealanders on the electoral role turned out to vote in the last set of local elections. In comparison, around seven or eight out 10 voted in the general election last year.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Hamilton Press.

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1294 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read more

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1294 days ago

Paint Like a Famous Artist

Arts for Health Community Trust

How would you like to Paint like a Famous Artist? If so why not come along to our Friday night classes starting 28th May at our studio at 2 Seddon Road, plenty of parking available right outside the door. The cost is $180 for 5 weeks. Please contact office@artsforhealth.co.nz for further details.

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1294 days ago

How to Stop Your Pet from Destroying Your Blinds

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

From a dog’s point of view, blinds are just an obstacle keeping them from the window. When there’s a something outside, the blinds just become a casualty of the resulting frenzy to get out there. Keep blinds raised part-way to allow your pup to see out and avoid wreckage. Avoid this issue by … View moreFrom a dog’s point of view, blinds are just an obstacle keeping them from the window. When there’s a something outside, the blinds just become a casualty of the resulting frenzy to get out there. Keep blinds raised part-way to allow your pup to see out and avoid wreckage. Avoid this issue by teaching your dog to stay calm in exciting situations.

Many dogs, especially as puppies, will chew on anything in sight. If your blinds have become your pets teething stick, it’s because he doesn’t have anything else to chew on. Deter dogs from gnawing on blinds by spraying slats with sour apple spray (available at pet stores). It smells and tastes terrible to dogs but is neutral to humans.

When you’re away from home, keep your dog in a safe room and give them special toys that are otherwise hidden away. Treat-filled toys and meat flavoured bones are especially appealing. With these toys to keep them preoccupied, they won’t think twice about the blinds.


Dogs can be like children, they have a lot of energy and it will find a way out whether you provide it or not. With this in mind, give your dog an opportunity to tire themselves out and your home might not become a race track.


What are the pet-friendliest window dressings?


Try vertical blinds. Furry friends can nudge slats out of the way to see out the window and they’ll fall back into place afterwards. If pets chew on blind slats, you can order individual replacements instead of getting a whole new set. If pet hair and grime are a problem, just wipe them clean with soap and water.


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

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1295 days ago

A new way to live

It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.

Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey … View more
It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.

Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey where his passion quickly evolved from making music, to crafting guitars. It all started when Ross and some mates joined a music group where the camaraderie and togetherness were just as important as the music.

Living in a Ryman village, Ross can continue living life to the full in his retirement because they are places where you don’t retire from life, you find a new way to live .
Learn more

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