Avalon, Lower Hutt

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1464 days ago

Luxurious Lotus Silk

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Lotus fibre or lotus silk is a rather rare and exclusive fibre. The silk comes from the stem of the lotus flower which is made up of microfibres.


The stems are snapped off, the fibres are teased out before being rolled into thread. Once the threads are dry, they are weighed down and carefully… View more
Lotus fibre or lotus silk is a rather rare and exclusive fibre. The silk comes from the stem of the lotus flower which is made up of microfibres.


The stems are snapped off, the fibres are teased out before being rolled into thread. Once the threads are dry, they are weighed down and carefully wound by hand. Then they’re put onto the loom. These fibres are fragile, but once woven, can be as durable as traditional silk.


The entire process of fibre extraction, weaving the fibre, and making the fabric is completely handmade, making the process time-consuming. This also limits the quantity of the fabric produced. A large scarf requires the thread of around 9,200 stems and would take one worker around two months to complete. This is why it is considered luxurious and items made from lotus silk do not go cheap.

The resulting material resembles raw silk or an aged linen, naturally beige in colour and possesses unique qualities. It is waterproof, practically wrinkle proof, washable, lightweight, sweatproof and is soft to the touch.

Most importantly, its key quality is that it is one of the most eco-friendly materials on the planet. The lotus is a water plant. It preserves the eco-system in which it grows including the water as much as the surrounding wildlife.

Not only is it created from waste (lotus stems), but it also leaves little waste behind. In fact, lotus silk been identified as potentially the most ecological fabric in the world, and it is the first natural microfibre in the world. Being a natural fibre, it is biodegradable after its useful life.

1464 days ago

Join the Great Kiwi Summer

Matahiwi Estate

Our Great Kiwi Summer campaign is all about coming together and enjoying the wonderful things New Zealand has to offer.

Take part in the Summer Survey and be in to win one of 10 Matahiwi prize packs (RRP$300).

And the ME Time Summer Scrapbook has some of our favourite recipes, cocktails and … View more
Our Great Kiwi Summer campaign is all about coming together and enjoying the wonderful things New Zealand has to offer.

Take part in the Summer Survey and be in to win one of 10 Matahiwi prize packs (RRP$300).

And the ME Time Summer Scrapbook has some of our favourite recipes, cocktails and activities – have a browse or take part by sharing one of your summer treats.
Read more

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1464 days ago

Changes to Rubbish and Recycling

Hutt City Council

If you live in Lower Hutt, be sure to check your November Hutt City Council rates bill to find out how to choose your bins ahead of next year’s upgrade to rubbish and recycling. Find out more

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1465 days ago

Zumba classes at Dyer Street School and Avalon Public Hall

Andy from State of Motion - Zumba Fitness

Zumba classes are on tonight at Dyer Street School at 6:30 pm and tomorrow at Avalon Public Hall at 6 pm. We also run a popular Saturday morning class, it's a great way to start the weekend. Your first class is always free so just come and try it out for yourself, we're sure you'll … View moreZumba classes are on tonight at Dyer Street School at 6:30 pm and tomorrow at Avalon Public Hall at 6 pm. We also run a popular Saturday morning class, it's a great way to start the weekend. Your first class is always free so just come and try it out for yourself, we're sure you'll love it. It's a fun way to stay fit and healthy. Full details of our classes are available at www.stateofmotion.co.nz...

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1465 days ago

Help for story on interesting plaques

Reporter Community News

Journalist Mandy Te is working on a series looking at the story behind plaques. If you have an example (especially if you know the story behind it) please contact Mandy, with the details and address.
Her contact details are mandy.te@stuff.co.nz
If you can send a photo with your email that would … View more
Journalist Mandy Te is working on a series looking at the story behind plaques. If you have an example (especially if you know the story behind it) please contact Mandy, with the details and address.
Her contact details are mandy.te@stuff.co.nz
If you can send a photo with your email that would be great.

1465 days ago

Watering Restrictions

The Team from Wellington Water

We are still in watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering.
There is enough water available for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after our precious wai so we have enough to last all summer.
Hot, dry weather + increased demand = levels changing quickly. … View more
We are still in watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering.
There is enough water available for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after our precious wai so we have enough to last all summer.
Hot, dry weather + increased demand = levels changing quickly.

Remember to:
- add mulch to the garden ✅
- water on the odd/even days within the specified times 💧

Know the garden watering restrictions in your area 🌺🌻

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1468 days ago

Summerset gets approval for Boulcott village

Reporter Community News

Summerset is set to begin construction of a $150 million village in Lower Hutt after receiving the green light from the Environment Court.
The design includes one four-level apartment building and one with five levels,with the rest one to three levels, which will house about 300 residents.
The … View more
Summerset is set to begin construction of a $150 million village in Lower Hutt after receiving the green light from the Environment Court.
The design includes one four-level apartment building and one with five levels,with the rest one to three levels, which will house about 300 residents.
The development has proved controversial. The council initially encouraged Summerset to come to Lower Hutt but later was less enthusiastic as teh scale of the development became clear.
What do you think?
Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used.

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1465 days ago

NumberWorks'nWords question time.

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

If you could ask any historical figure one question, who would it be and what would you ask?

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1465 days ago

Our Strategy Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034

Office for Seniors

Last November, we launched our new strategy, Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034. This strategy will help ensure we create opportunities for all of us to participate, contribute and be valued as we age. Many of the key areas for action in the strategy have become even more … View moreLast November, we launched our new strategy, Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034. This strategy will help ensure we create opportunities for all of us to participate, contribute and be valued as we age. Many of the key areas for action in the strategy have become even more relevant in the wake of COVID-19.

Click here to read our strategy and find out more about what we want to achieve and what needs to happen bit.ly...

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1465 days ago

Eastern Hutt Inner Wheel Club supports Taita foodbank

Reporter Community News

The Eastern Hutt Inner Wheel Club had planned to celebrate its 40 years but was unbale to do so due to Covid.
When the club reconvened a decision was made to support the Taita Foodbank in lieu of a 40th celebration. This included a generous monetary donation from our fund raising
One of the largest… View more
The Eastern Hutt Inner Wheel Club had planned to celebrate its 40 years but was unbale to do so due to Covid.
When the club reconvened a decision was made to support the Taita Foodbank in lieu of a 40th celebration. This included a generous monetary donation from our fund raising
One of the largest women's voluntary organisations in the world, its
objectives are friendship, service to the community and international understanding.
The Foodbank operates from St Matthews Church Hall, Cnr Reynolds and Taine Streets, Taita under the management of Rev Robyn McLay. Each Friday food parcels are distributed to regular clientèle (families and individuals) who live in Taita, Pomare, Avalon and Naenae. The need for assistance in the area has increased in recent months.

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1465 days ago

Get the inside scoop on Stuff's great travel finds

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

Here at Stuff Travel, our team of journalists have been furiously ferreting out Aotearoa’s best hidden gems. We've come across so many activities and places we never knew existed.

Typically, as soon as we report a great place on Stuff, the floodgates open. But … View more
Hey neighbours,

Here at Stuff Travel, our team of journalists have been furiously ferreting out Aotearoa’s best hidden gems. We've come across so many activities and places we never knew existed.

Typically, as soon as we report a great place on Stuff, the floodgates open. But subscribe to our newsletter here for a free ticket to ride with our travel team each week as we explore the best of New Zealand.

We’ll tell you about our great finds, before we tell anyone else. And we’ll throw in some great deals, giveaways and advice each week too.

Bon voyage!

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1465 days ago

Louie the Lion visits Hutt Hospital

Reporter Community News

Louie the Lion put smiles on many faces during a recent visit to Hutt Hospital as part of a Queensgate Shopping Centre initiative to provide some pre-Christmas cheer to children.
Louie handed out soft toys, puzzles and his new story book called Louie’s Big Adventure, which chronicles his travels … View more
Louie the Lion put smiles on many faces during a recent visit to Hutt Hospital as part of a Queensgate Shopping Centre initiative to provide some pre-Christmas cheer to children.
Louie handed out soft toys, puzzles and his new story book called Louie’s Big Adventure, which chronicles his travels throughout the region.
Queensgate engaged with the local community who voted on which locations Louie should visit while on his big adventure.
One of the lucky patients to get a book was nine-year-old Corbin Kelly.

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1465 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Neroli Knight

Reporter Community News

Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against… View more
Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against the Netherlands at the RugbyFest in Christchurch.
Neroli attended the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff in 1991, appearing the play-off for third against France. She next played for New Zealand in 1999, playing a test against against Canada in Palmerston North. She played her last test in 2001 but continued playing club rugby with success and for Wellington at rep level.
Clubs she was associated with include Stokes Valley, Petone and Hutt Old Boys Marist. It was not only her youthful international debut that makes Neroli unique.
She began playing in a boys team in Blenheim in 1982 when she was eight years old. She continued playing in boys teams and did so again at Hutt Valley High School.
In 2009, she married Waihi church pastor Benhur Matautia.
And how did she get that nickname? She made her international debut in 1990, the same year that Bart Simpson first appeared and with her spiky hair, she had a passing resemblance to the famous cartoon character.

1465 days ago

Neighbourly Good Sort: Nicholas Sandle

Reporter Community News

Nicholas Sandle has achieve a remarkable milestone with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The principal double bassist celebrated 50 years with the orchestra earlier this year and on Saturday night he retired.
Since starting as a trainee with the orchestra in February 1970, Sandle has played in … View more
Nicholas Sandle has achieve a remarkable milestone with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The principal double bassist celebrated 50 years with the orchestra earlier this year and on Saturday night he retired.
Since starting as a trainee with the orchestra in February 1970, Sandle has played in just about every corner of the country, recorded with Split Enz and given more than 2500 performances.
He is retiring to tend his Stokes Valley garden and to spend more time with his wife, and fellow musician, June Byng.

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1470 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, where is this photo and what year do you think it could be?

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