Avalon, Lower Hutt

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1520 days ago

Abaca: The Queen of Natural Fibres

Robert Anderson from

Abaca is a natural leaf fibre that comes from a relative of the banana tree family native to the Philippines that grows throughout tropical regions. It is also called Manilla hemp, though it is not related to actual hemp.

Abaca has great economic importance and is harvested for its strong, … View more
Abaca is a natural leaf fibre that comes from a relative of the banana tree family native to the Philippines that grows throughout tropical regions. It is also called Manilla hemp, though it is not related to actual hemp.

Abaca has great economic importance and is harvested for its strong, versatile fibre. Being regarded as the strongest natural fibres in the world, abaca can be put into various modern sophisticated technologies like the automobile industry and as a raw material for other important industries such as textiles, fashion, and the décor/furnishing industry.

Abaca is commonly used by the paper industry for such specialty uses such as tea bags, banknotes, filter papers and in medical filter sheets. While it is currently used mostly in paper products, abaca has a long history in textiles. Abaca fabric has a stiff quality and holds its structure (it is considered a hard fibre and is comparable in texture to sisal and coir). It has a very long fibre length and is one of the strongest fibres - flexible, durable, and highly resistant to saltwater damage. For these reasons it has been used over time for rope and cording. It can also be woven into home and fashion accessories including wall coverings, rugs, tapestries, and bags. It can be used to make handcrafts such as hats, bags, carpets, clothing, and furniture.

Abaca is generally considered to be a sustainable, environmentally friendly fibre that can empower communities. It has been identified by the United Nations as a “Future Fibre”. That said, not many standards and certifications are used for abaca, so transparency and doing your own due diligence around environmental and social impact are very important when sourcing. The Rainforest Alliance currently certifies some abaca farms.

The harvesting and extraction of fibre from abaca is painstaking process which involves many processes. Stripping and drying of fibres is either done manually or mechanically. After extraction, different grades of fibres are obtained which are then accordingly used for different set of industrial activities.

The world's leading abaca producer is the Philippines. While the crop is also cultivated in other Southeast Asian countries, the second largest producing country is Ecuador, where abaca is grown on large estates and production is increasingly mechanized. Almost all abaca produced is exported, mainly to Europe, Japan, and the USA. Exports from the Philippines are increasingly in the form of pulp rather than raw fibre.

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

1520 days ago

Labour wants some civil servants to shift to Lower Hutt

Reporter Community News

Remutaka MP and State Services Minister Chris Hipkins would like to see some civil servants move to Lower Hutt.

Hipkins says hubs outside Wellington would take pressure off existing offices in Wellington. Wellington’s public sector employs about 27,000, while there are about 37,000 in the … View more
Remutaka MP and State Services Minister Chris Hipkins would like to see some civil servants move to Lower Hutt.

Hipkins says hubs outside Wellington would take pressure off existing offices in Wellington. Wellington’s public sector employs about 27,000, while there are about 37,000 in the private sector. A Cabinet paper tabled last year revealed the State Services Commission wanted to “reduce the footprint” of government workers in the Wellington and Auckland regions, and move agencies elsewhere when possible.

What do you think of moving some state servants to Lower Hutt?

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1520 days ago

Free cervical screening clinic

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

Regional Screening Services are running a free cervical screening clinic on Saturday 10 October.

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1522 days ago

Paint bubbles repair...

Mac from Stokes Valley

Can anyone tell me the best way to repair paint bubbles on exterior house paint please?

1521 days ago

If your garden can grow weeds it can grow anything !

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Lower Hutt

Nature's Choice
Gardening services
in the Wellington region
Call Now! 0272430951

If your garden can grow weeds, it can grow anything

Does your garden resemble the Amazon jungle? Are you looking to clear it out? Then you have come to the right place! Nature's Choice has been … View more
Nature's Choice
Gardening services
in the Wellington region
Call Now! 0272430951

If your garden can grow weeds, it can grow anything

Does your garden resemble the Amazon jungle? Are you looking to clear it out? Then you have come to the right place! Nature's Choice has been turning jungles into respectable gardens for 20 years. We are the local horticulture landscaping experts in the Wellington region. From one-off section clean ups to regular maintenance, we can do it all.

1521 days ago

Election 2020: Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidates for local MP

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

In the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Ikaroa-Rāwhiti's MP.

At the October 17 election, New Zealanders … View more
Hey neighbours,

In the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Ikaroa-Rāwhiti's MP.

At the October 17 election, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to choose their regional spokesperson.

Through the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, those enrolled can vote for the party they want as well as a local representative.

Why does my MP matter?

The person elected will be the voice for your region in Parliament. If you’re having trouble getting entitlements or dealing with Government departments, they can help. If your community needs funding for certain projects or activities, or there isn’t enough healthcare in the area, the elected MP can step in and help.  

To read more, click here.

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1523 days ago

Don't forget to change your clocks

Reporter Community News

New Zealand springs forward this weekend as Daylight Saving time begins.
Clocks will go forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday 27 September. Daylight saving time will continue until Sunday 4 April 2020, when clocks will go back by one hour to NZ Standard Time.

Most New Zealanders should experience a… View more
New Zealand springs forward this weekend as Daylight Saving time begins.
Clocks will go forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday 27 September. Daylight saving time will continue until Sunday 4 April 2020, when clocks will go back by one hour to NZ Standard Time.

Most New Zealanders should experience a seamless transition, with modern electronic devices adjusting automatically. However, older devices may need to be adjusted manually.
Do not forget it is also a good time to check emergency plans, survival kits and smoke alarms.

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1521 days ago

Holidays are here!

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

We know that our team here at NumberWorks'nWords are looking forward to recharging the batteries over the holidays while preparing for more fun with maths and English in Term 4.
We hope you all have a great break, and have the chance to relax and have some fun with your families!

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1521 days ago

Community Based Testing centres

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

If you, or a family member has COVID-like symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. You may be referred to a community based testing centre (CBAC), or your GP for a test.
Testing is free and locations can be found here: bit.ly...

Please note that the Wellington Hospital CBAC is now at … View more
If you, or a family member has COVID-like symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. You may be referred to a community based testing centre (CBAC), or your GP for a test.
Testing is free and locations can be found here: bit.ly...

Please note that the Wellington Hospital CBAC is now at 196-200 Taranaki Street.

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J
1522 days ago

Free long base and mattress

Jaimy from Naenae

Free long Base and mattress!

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1522 days ago

More free stuff

Alena from Taita

hi again everyone
We have a water blaster (TAKEN) and a cross trainer exercise machine for anyone who would like it.

Free

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1522 days ago

Walk around the Wainuiomata Coast line

Louise from Woburn

A couple of weeks back my husband and I decided to take on a trek around a bit of Fitzroy Bay and out to the seal colony at Turakirae Heads. It blows like the clappers around there, but if you can catch it on a good day the tracks are well formed and flat. Ironically, we saw more seals behind … View moreA couple of weeks back my husband and I decided to take on a trek around a bit of Fitzroy Bay and out to the seal colony at Turakirae Heads. It blows like the clappers around there, but if you can catch it on a good day the tracks are well formed and flat. Ironically, we saw more seals behind various rocks near the car park on Coast Road than out at the seal colony where they are quite spread out and not so easily viewed (you'll see what I mean when you get there). From a naturalist's point of view the coast is very rewarding. I observed my first New Zealand pipit and managed to get a couple of pics. I haven't logged it yet on iNaturalist, but it will be the first recording of one for Lower Hutt.

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1528 days ago

"Woburn" falcon

Louise from Woburn

Did you guys know there is a super cool New Zealand falcon, aka kārearea, that hangs around Woburn? I quite often see him flying down Woburn Road and snacking on little birds in Ludlam Park or the Hutt Rec. I'm so glad this rare endemic species is officially listed as "recovering", … View moreDid you guys know there is a super cool New Zealand falcon, aka kārearea, that hangs around Woburn? I quite often see him flying down Woburn Road and snacking on little birds in Ludlam Park or the Hutt Rec. I'm so glad this rare endemic species is officially listed as "recovering", we are very lucky that some live in the Hutt. A magnificent bird.

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1522 days ago

Toys

Jane from Naenae

Hi neighbours,Do you have any new or used toys the kids no longer play with.On 28th Nov,I am Hosting a Fun Day at Avalon Park for Chidren 5- 11yrs an need toys or what ever u think we can give to brighten their Day.Watch this space for our Poster.Collecting from Tomorrow till 31st Oct Nga mihi

1523 days ago

Do you need Regular Gardening Maintenance or Landscaping?

Joshua from Kelburn Price Smart Landscaping and Gardeners

It can be surprisingly easy to let our gardens get away from us. Whether you have a busy schedule or other hobbies that take priority, gardens are known to grow out of control very quickly. We work within your budget to ensure your weeds stay under control, your plants grow only where they’re … View moreIt can be surprisingly easy to let our gardens get away from us. Whether you have a busy schedule or other hobbies that take priority, gardens are known to grow out of control very quickly. We work within your budget to ensure your weeds stay under control, your plants grow only where they’re allowed to, while also covering general garden maintenance.

For a reasonable estimate, give us a call at 027 548 9818 Or visit www.pricesmart.co.nz...

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