Tirohanga, Lower Hutt

Want to get to know your neighbours?

Want to get to know your neighbours?

Check out our Know Thy Neighbour page here.

485 days ago

The most beautiful spot in every region of NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View more
Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.

482 days ago

Poll: Is the letterbox obsolete?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With online being the main mode of communication these days, it's no wonder that there has been a worldwide mail decline and here in Aotearoa, NZ Post has needed to lay off 750 full-time staff. Do you think it's time to say goodbye to the trusty letterbox?

Image
Is the letterbox obsolete?
  • 5.3% Yes, it can go!
    5.3% Complete
  • 34.1% Not just yet, I still use it
    34.1% Complete
  • 60.6% Never, there'll always be a need for it
    60.6% Complete
3118 votes
480 days ago

Cleaning Tips to Give Your Second-Hand Furniture New Life

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Whether it’s wood, cane, fabric or leather, give your second-hand finds a sparkling new lease of life with these cleaning tips and tricks.

Vintage furniture can sometimes need a little TLC before it’s displayed in your home, and pieces you’ve had for a while may also be ready for a spring … View more
Whether it’s wood, cane, fabric or leather, give your second-hand finds a sparkling new lease of life with these cleaning tips and tricks.

Vintage furniture can sometimes need a little TLC before it’s displayed in your home, and pieces you’ve had for a while may also be ready for a spring clean. A quick wipe-down or wash will suffice for some things, but how do you tackle those harder-to-clean items?

Cane:
Cane chairs, tables, shelves and bedheads, with their small crevices, can be dust magnets. Fortunately, you can remove dust with a feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, and use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. To get rid of dirt, most items can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and stains tackled with a soft-bristled brush dipped in a mix of gentle dishwashing liquid and warm water. Make sure not to leave your cane furniture wet after cleaning as mould can grow. Dry it with a fan or leave outside in the sun.

Wood:
Dust wooden furniture gently with a soft cloth, or damp cloth if needed. According to the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, wooden furniture should be cleaned only when there is a build-up of wax or dirt, and only unfinished wood, painted wood, or wood with a sturdy finish should be cleaned. Oily dirt or waxy residue can be removed with diluted mineral turpentine or a mix of mild detergent and water but take care this doesn’t affect the wood or finish (do a spot test somewhere unobtrusive first).

The Smithsonian recommends avoiding polishes, oils and beeswax, and to instead buff with a stable, hard furniture polish, no more than twice a year for areas of heavy wear, and once every three or four years for other areas. Most other products will do more harm than good as they cause a build-up over time which can be hard to remove.

Fabric and leather:
You can dust fabric or suede surfaces using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner (on low suction), and wipe leather with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t forget to clean in between the folds and creases of couches and chairs.

From dishwashing liquid to vinegar and baking soda, there are a number of household products you can use to attempt to get out a stain, but it is best to research the correct method for each specific item and type of stain and do a test first to ensure the product you’re using won’t damage the fabric.

Always dab rather than rub at the fabric to ensure you don’t weaken it. You may need to repeat the process a number of times to fully remove a stain, and stubborn stains may need to be seen to by a professional.

Image
481 days ago

Could you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Heart Foundation NZ

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.

Image
481 days ago

Messy Gardens

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Lower Hutt

?? Need help with your garden? Our gardening services have got you covered! From lawn mowing and weeding to planting and landscaping, we'll transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking oasis. Contact us now for a free consultation
0272430951

482 days ago

Waxeye on my red hot poker.

Sandra from Normandale

About 5 Waxeye on the red hot poker, this is the only one who stayed for the photo.

Image
B
482 days ago

Last Push for Heart Kids Raffle - Dragon Sculpture

Byron from Naenae

Get Into it folks - only about 50 tickets to sell before we can draw the winner and get Wgtn Heart Kids Charity some good $$ :) follow the directions on the poster to get tickets - and can even deliver to a local winner - support Heart Kids Wgtn :)

485 days ago

Colour your summer

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lower Hutt

Get creative with colour with these art projects using Resene paints.

Find out how to get creative with these easy ideas.

Image
486 days ago

Kindling wood.

Trish from Naenae

Free kindling Gibson Crescent Naenae
On berm.

Free

490 days ago

Hutt Heritage

Sandra from Normandale

Hutt Valley Harriers c 1920?

Image
489 days ago

Poll: Should we pay people for giving blood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these … View moreThe Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these donations?

Image
Should we pay people for giving blood?
  • 31.8% Yes, it makes sense
    31.8% Complete
  • 50.7% No, that's too risky
    50.7% Complete
  • 17.6% I'd need more information
    17.6% Complete
2141 votes
K
488 days ago

Looking for private tutors for English, History and Maths - NCEA Level 2 and 3

Kiran from Woburn

Hi, Anyone can refer me if there are any tutors for my son that he could get in touch for English, History and Maths - NCEA Level 2 and 3. Thanks.

T
488 days ago

Large plant pots

Toni from Maungaraki

Hello I have these 2 pots for sale . Both for $60

Price: $60

492 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

Simon Woolf recently made a trip to the Chathams.

"One of the locals. A Chatham Island Oyster Islander."

Image
491 days ago

Apples

Jane from Naenae

Good morning Neighbours.I still have boxes of Apples if any one would care to call in an take some.These are yum an make a delicous pie.Only opened for Apples.Thanku

Top