Avalon, Lower Hutt

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

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

1526 days ago

Starlings

Louise from Woburn

Starlings are quite beautiful when you look at them closely, especially when the light catches their dark iridescent plumage and white "stars". They have a murmuration most evenings somewhere along the river, often up by the Ewen Bridge. Although common in New Zealand, their numbers have … View moreStarlings are quite beautiful when you look at them closely, especially when the light catches their dark iridescent plumage and white "stars". They have a murmuration most evenings somewhere along the river, often up by the Ewen Bridge. Although common in New Zealand, their numbers have sadly halved in the last thirty years in their native Europe where they form an important part of the ecosystem, such as controlling insects like grass grub. I snapped this guy last Friday when the weather was not so good, but he still caught a few rays of light in the top of a pōhutukawa. The other picture is from earlier in the year when a group of young starlings (you can tell they are young by the brown heads) were wheeling around over the Hikoikoi Reserve.

1523 days ago

Are you struggling with an old unresolved pain/ache?

Sheelagh Prosser from ConTact C.A.R.E Hutt Valley/Wellington

ConTact C.A.R.E is a martial arts-based discipline that is used to locate and release trapped bone pressure - triggered and held by surprise impact.

The clinical experience is non-intrusive and gentle, the techniques are safe and effective. Consultations are carried out with the client … View more
ConTact C.A.R.E is a martial arts-based discipline that is used to locate and release trapped bone pressure - triggered and held by surprise impact.

The clinical experience is non-intrusive and gentle, the techniques are safe and effective. Consultations are carried out with the client fully-clothed. We ask you to wear loose clothing for comfort. Sessions can last 30-60 minutes with a return visit according to your needs.

What ConTact C.A.R.E may work effectively with:
*Headaches/Migraines * Equine & Pet Injuries * Breathing Disorders * Old Unresolved Injuries * Sports Injuries * Co-ordination Problems * Carpal Tunnel * Post-op Rehabilitation * Mental/Emotional Shock * Cranial tension * Depression - caused by chest cavity impacts.

In general, any condition involving musculoskeletal discomfort, tension, stress, or pain can be effectively worked.


ConTact C.A.R.E is a simple, sensible, self-evident, and safe modality that releases surprise impact pressure from the bone using the Flinchlock Release formula


Please call 021 025 23222 to arrange an appointment.

1525 days ago

Why 2021 will be the year of the long weekend

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,

Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.

Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.

In fact, once … View more
Hey neighbours,

Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.

Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.

In fact, once you’ve tacked on the weekends, you’ll end up getting a whopping 25 days off out of those 10 stat days, plus your region’s anniversary day.

To find out how to get the most out of your annual leave next year, click here.

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1527 days ago

Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

If you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...

They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.

Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like… View more
If you’re not on the Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara mailing list, check out their latest newsletter update here: bit.ly...

They recently wrapped up a survey on water quality, and now they’re looking for your input on water security and allocation.

Please email whaitua@gw.govt.nz if you’d like to be kept up to date on the latest news coming from the committee.

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1524 days ago

A garage can become a home

Reporter Community News

Could you live in a double garage? An innovative Petone project shows that converting garages might be he way to deal the housing shortage in Lower Hutt.

Architect Ben Jagersma of First Light Studio has turned a a double garage in to a 48 square-metre house. architect Jagersma believes that it … View more
Could you live in a double garage? An innovative Petone project shows that converting garages might be he way to deal the housing shortage in Lower Hutt.

Architect Ben Jagersma of First Light Studio has turned a a double garage in to a 48 square-metre house. architect Jagersma believes that it could be a proto-type for converting homes into garages throughout Lower Hutt.

What do you think of the idea of converting garages into homes?

1526 days ago

What do you think of Facebook?

Reporter Community News

Porirua mayor Anita Baker has decided to no longer use Facebook.
She says the level of abuse has given her no other choice.
What is your experience of Facebook?

If you do not want your comments used in a story, please put NFP (Not for Publication).

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1524 days ago

Do you get our free gardening ezine?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.

We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a … View more
In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.

We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a year-round food supply. Plus go in the draw for fertiliser and soil enhancer from Fodda and there’s another chance to win Mr Fothergill’s ultimate garden pack.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1524 days ago

Textile Testing - Seam Slippage

Robert Anderson from

Seam Slippage is one of four key topics (others include Abrasion Resistance, Pilling, and Colourfastness) that we are covering to provide some background as to how we test and why.

Test results provide us with critical information about textile’s durability and suitability for certain … View more
Seam Slippage is one of four key topics (others include Abrasion Resistance, Pilling, and Colourfastness) that we are covering to provide some background as to how we test and why.

Test results provide us with critical information about textile’s durability and suitability for certain applications. We externally test all James Dunlop and Mokum textiles in Melbourne at a highly reputable laboratory who are amongst the most conservative and stringent in the world, due to the extremely harsh environmental conditions we face here in Australia and New Zealand.

We have gathered a number of frequently asked questions relating to seam slippage, so we asked our Mokum Studio designers Stephanie Moffitt and Annie Moir to share their expert knowledge.

Seam slippage is another equally important upholstery test, can you explain what seam slippage actually means?
Seam slippage is the separation or pulling apart of yarns in a fabric usually along a sewn seam or join. More often than not, the yarns don’t actually break they just separate and leave an unsightly gap along the fabric join.

What are the most common causes for seam slippage?
Seam slippage may be the result of a poorly constructed textile and /or the use of defective yarns in the fabric. But more commonly it is due to an inadequate standard of upholstery manufacturing i.e. a display of insufficient seam allowance, a deficient number of stitches in the seam or failure to overlock raw edges during the upholstery process – or a combination of all three factors.
Seam slippage usually occurs on joins that are subjected to heavy load and pressure such as seat cushions and arm rests. Certain furniture styles put more stress on fabric seams such as tub chairs and furniture with a fixed back or seat cushions.

Can composition play a part in seam slippage?
Yes, it can, Linen for example is loved for being a smooth lustrous fibre, but this can make it more susceptible to seam slippage with heavy load. For some linen textiles we would recommend discussing the need for reinforcing upholstery seams with your upholstery manufacturer.

The note “reinforce upholstery seams” is sometimes listed on our sampling specifications – what does it actually mean? Should we assume the fabric is inferior quality?
Firstly, no it doesn’t infer inferior quality. If we’ve specified it as being suitable for upholstery then it is fit for purpose, but we recommend additional seam support for that particular textile.
“Reinforce upholstery seams” simply means using an additional safeguard by stitching a tape along the seam to prevent fraying in high load areas, such as the corner back cushions. Overlocking should be used for loose woven fabric and seated cushion seams.

What’s the remedy for seam slippage? Can you fix it once it starts?
It is difficult to repair seam slippage once it starts. In almost all instances of seam slippage, it will require the furniture to be recovered, or re upholstered. It’s important to ascertain the cause of the seam slippage. If the seam slippage can be identified as being a result of inadequate manufacturing, you’ll need to work with the upholsterer to ensure appropriate manufacturing techniques are being used, including reinforcing seams if required. If the seam slippage is clearly related to the fabric, the furniture would need to be recovered, either from a different batch (if it’s an isolated batch issue) or selecting an alternative fabric which is more suitable for that particular frame.

Can you explain how the seam slippage test is performed?

The test measures how resistant a fabric is to yarns opening/ slipping under pressure along a seam line. Two fabric swatches are sewn together with a standardised seam. The swatches are pulled apart with an equal and opposite force. The test is performed in both warp and weft directions. Any seam opening is then measured while the fabric swatches are being pulled apart. According to the Australian standard, a seam opening should be less than 6mm at maximum force. A lower result indicates a smaller opening and thus a better resistance against seam slippage.


Written by: jamesdunloptextiles.com...

1524 days ago

Shags - little, little black, pied, and black

Louise from Woburn

Did you know we have four species of shags regularly in Lower Hutt. The little shags are the most common, but every now and then I see the little black, larger pied shag or the black shag. The little shags are nesting at the moment around in Days Bay. You can see little shag babies poking their … View moreDid you know we have four species of shags regularly in Lower Hutt. The little shags are the most common, but every now and then I see the little black, larger pied shag or the black shag. The little shags are nesting at the moment around in Days Bay. You can see little shag babies poking their heads out of the nests built in trees overhanging the pond at the Pavilion. So lovely, but if you do go around the back of the pond to get a closer look watch out for falling bird poop - because when they go, they really go. I'm sure some of the shag parents were trying to hit me deliberately when I was there last weekend. This is a photo of a large black shag at the Hutt Estuary/river mouth.

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1524 days ago

Linden pop-up hub

Corinne Morris from

Join us for this free event where there will be a light lunch, a cuppa and some friendly chats at the monthly hub.

When: 6th October at 1pm - 2.30pm
Where: Linden Community Centre, 10 Linden Ave, Tawa

Call 04 499 6648 for more information.

1524 days ago

Tātou Rohe Our Region September 25

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Another edition of our community newsletter, Tātou Rohe, is hot off the press! Read it here: bit.ly...

Sign-up to receive this bi-weekly update direct to your inbox at gw.govt.nz/tatou-rohe

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1524 days ago

Finally, some rugby!

Reporter Community News

We are finally going to get some rugby to watch. It’s all on Sky Stadium this evening with two epic games of footy. The Wellington Pride kick things off with a clash against Manawatu Cyclones women's at 4:35pm.
Then, the Lions go head-to-head with Bay of Plenty Rugby at 7:35pm. Tickets … View more
We are finally going to get some rugby to watch. It’s all on Sky Stadium this evening with two epic games of footy. The Wellington Pride kick things off with a clash against Manawatu Cyclones women's at 4:35pm.
Then, the Lions go head-to-head with Bay of Plenty Rugby at 7:35pm. Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

1524 days ago

What is double glazing?

RetroFit Double Glazing - Wellington

What is double glazing? We’ve put together some information that might help you with your research if you're considering getting retrofit double glazing click here to read. If you’re interested, we offer a free no obligation quote click here or call us on 0800 658 658.

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1525 days ago

Paint a hat box

The Team from Resene ColorShop Naenae

Turn a cardboard lidded hat box into a stylish piece of home décor using Resene testpots, with a tribal twist.

When painting with a tribal theme, throw perfection out the window and embrace crooked lines, texture, and less than perfect paint techniques to get a more organic result.

Make the most… View more
Turn a cardboard lidded hat box into a stylish piece of home décor using Resene testpots, with a tribal twist.

When painting with a tribal theme, throw perfection out the window and embrace crooked lines, texture, and less than perfect paint techniques to get a more organic result.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own

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1525 days ago

Wellington Home and Garden Show

Jade Promotions (Home & Garden)

It’s all about ideas, inspiration, and exclusive show specials at the Wellington Home and Garden Show on from the 2 – 4 October at Sky Stadium. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer

There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of Home and Garden … View more
It’s all about ideas, inspiration, and exclusive show specials at the Wellington Home and Garden Show on from the 2 – 4 October at Sky Stadium. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer

There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of Home and Garden Exhibitors, featuring everything from featuring Kitchens, Builders, Landscaping & Plants, Home Maintenance, Homewares, Art, and more! Be sure to check out the ‘Set the Mood’ Interior Design challenge and the Springfree Family Zone.

Save the date in your diaries and connect with local businesses from the 2 – 4 October 2020 at the Wellington Home & Garden Show

Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Adults $8
Gold Card Friday $4
Under 16 free
Find out more

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