Opotiki District, Opotiki

2437 days ago

Have your say on the future of tax

Tax Working Group

Could a capital gains tax (not on the family home), taking GST off healthy food, or taxing activity that damages the environment, make NZ an even better place to live and work?

These are just three of the areas the Tax Working Group want to hear your thoughts on. Head over to the Tax Working … View more
Could a capital gains tax (not on the family home), taking GST off healthy food, or taxing activity that damages the environment, make NZ an even better place to live and work?

These are just three of the areas the Tax Working Group want to hear your thoughts on. Head over to the Tax Working Group’s website today to watch a series of five short videos explaining the issues, and let them know your thoughts in the comment section.

Have your say on the future of tax at: taxworkinggroup.govt.nz/have-your-say-future-tax
Find out more

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2438 days ago

Recap: Your decorating dilemmas answered

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

A talented duo of colour and painting experts from Resene joined us for a chat on Homed tonight to answer all your colour conundrums and share their top tips for perfecting your paint jobs.

If you missed it, you can still check out what they had to say and pick up some new ideas, here.

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2439 days ago

A beginner's guide to upcycling

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Whether you're motivated by a tight budget or a desire for one-off pieces, if you like the idea of upcycling check out our beginner's guide for some top tips to get started.

We asked some upcycling experts to share their secrets on what works and what doesn't to breathe new life … View more
Whether you're motivated by a tight budget or a desire for one-off pieces, if you like the idea of upcycling check out our beginner's guide for some top tips to get started.

We asked some upcycling experts to share their secrets on what works and what doesn't to breathe new life into pre-loved treasures. We'd love to see the results of your own upcycling projects - you can share your before and after pics here. And don't forget you can enter them in Neighbourly's Upcycling awards too!

2439 days ago

Poll: Do you have a written employment agreement?

Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand

Having a written employment agreement is the law. Even if you don’t have one, there are some minimum employment rights that everyone is entitled to. We’re here to help you know what your rights are and what to do if they aren’t being met. Call 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB) for help or visit our… View moreHaving a written employment agreement is the law. Even if you don’t have one, there are some minimum employment rights that everyone is entitled to. We’re here to help you know what your rights are and what to do if they aren’t being met. Call 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB) for help or visit our website www.cab.org.nz... for details about CAB services in your neighbourhood.

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Do you have a written employment agreement?
  • 70.6% Yes, I have a written employment agreement
    70.6% Complete
  • 9.1% No, I do not have a written employment agreement
    9.1% Complete
  • 11.3% No, I am not in paid work
    11.3% Complete
  • 6.8% No, I am an independent contractor
    6.8% Complete
  • 2.2% Other
    2.2% Complete
857 votes
2439 days ago

The best renovations to boost property values

Lodge Real Estate - City

If you’re looking to sell your house, but it needs a do-up to increase your property value and get people through the door. Even if you’ve mapped out a budget, it can be tricky to know where to start. Which renovations add the most value?

These are the home improvements known to bring the … View more
If you’re looking to sell your house, but it needs a do-up to increase your property value and get people through the door. Even if you’ve mapped out a budget, it can be tricky to know where to start. Which renovations add the most value?

These are the home improvements known to bring the best return and boost your property price:

INSULATION
If you’ve ever lived in a freezing house in the middle of winter, you’ll understand why insulation is such a big draw card. Which would you rather: sitting on the sofa in jeans and a sweater, or turning into a living michelin man/woman with five layers, gloves, beanie and two pairs of woolly socks (and still being cold)?

Insulation makes a home both comfortable and livable, so much so that from 1 July 2019 it will be compulsory in all rental homes. A well-insulated home also makes for an energy efficient home too. With less heat escaping, the less need you’ll have for heaters or a heat pump, which means lower power bills. It could be partly why midrange attic insulation in the US generates the best return on investment (107 per cent).

KITCHEN
A kitchen is more than a cooking space, it is a gathering point in many a home—especially for families and people who like to entertain. While we have no figures specific to New Zealand, in Australia a kitchen remodel can increase a property’s value as much as AUD $50,000 to $60,000.

The bad news is kitchens can be expensive. In New Zealand, a basic kitchen remodel can range from $10,000 to $30,000, so research the current value of your home and how much you it can sell it for with a redone kitchen. It may turn out to be more cost effective to do minor work such as repainting, changing the cupboard doors and handles, and installing new work surfaces, rather than a full gut and refresh.

BATHROOM
After the kitchen, a bathroom can be the second most cash-draining renovation you can make, but it can make a difference—not just on the resale value of a house, but also because it attracts more buyers.

Modernising a bathroom and ridding it of scunge, grime and mould can instantly draw a greater crowd of buyers. What’s more, they’ll be willing to pay top dollar for the convenience of moving into home that doesn’t need any work. If the budget is tight, replace the tapware, toilet and sink—in that order.

ADD A DECK
An outside deck can expand your home’s usable space and increase your home’s value by up to 30 per cent. Price will depend on the size and material you use. As a guide, a 20m2 deck can range from $3,400 to $12,100. Just keep in mind that if it is going to be over 1.5m high, you’ll need to get building consent before you start.

KERB APPEAL
First impressions count. That’s why kerb appeal - how your house looks from the street - continues to play a large role in generating strong returns. This includes replacing and/or changing garage doors, main entry doors, fences, windows, cladding, and sliding doors.
Get your FREE guide to learn more

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2445 days ago

'Spice of Life' Art Exhibition.

Jo from Opotiki District

The Opotiki Arts Society will be presenting the exhibition: 'Spice of Life'. Please view the poster.

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2440 days ago

*New Competition* Ready, steady... UPCYCLE!

Resene

Calling all creative cookies and DIY devotees! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we wanna see your creations!
View more
Calling all creative cookies and DIY devotees! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we wanna see your creations!

Submit your entry in the very first Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your upcycled masterpiece with your neighbours. Of course, there are goodies to be won including four prizes up for grabs worth $500 (plus spot prizes). Multiple entries are welcome - don't forget to include your before and after pics and mention any Resene products you've used!
Submit a masterpiece

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2441 days ago

Knitting for Charity

Mara from Whakatane District

Whakatane's Knitting Nannas are due to have their next Knit and Natter Meeting on Thursday 12th April at 1.30pm. Anyone interested in dropping by to see what we do or would like to take part would be most welcome to do so. Venue is the Lounge of the Church of St George & St John, Domain … View moreWhakatane's Knitting Nannas are due to have their next Knit and Natter Meeting on Thursday 12th April at 1.30pm. Anyone interested in dropping by to see what we do or would like to take part would be most welcome to do so. Venue is the Lounge of the Church of St George & St John, Domain Road, Whakatane. Some donated yarn is still available. At present we support the Foster Care Association Support Group and our local Plunket Association.

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2442 days ago

Do you have a caring heart and room in your home?

Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki

We are looking for people from all walks of life: couples, singles, families, city and rural dwellers who can provide care for children aged 8 to 18 years who have experienced loss and trauma in their lives. Providing connections to culture is vital so we are looking for caregivers in the Waikato … View moreWe are looking for people from all walks of life: couples, singles, families, city and rural dwellers who can provide care for children aged 8 to 18 years who have experienced loss and trauma in their lives. Providing connections to culture is vital so we are looking for caregivers in the Waikato from a range of cultural backgrounds. We are looking for caregivers who can provide day time, home for life, respite care, long term, short term and emergency overnight care.

If you are interested in becoming a caregiver please contact:

Joel Hastings 0508 (FAMILY) or 029 341 3765 or email Joel.Hastings@mvcot.govt.nz

Rhonda Mitchell 0508 (FAMILY) or 029 472 7371 or email Rhonda.Mitchell@mvcot.govt.nz
Watch the video

2442 days ago

How to get a good night's sleep?

Patney

Happy World Sleep Day neighbours! Or is it? At Patney we believe a good night’s sleep is key to finding the energy to live your life to the fullest, so on World Sleep Day we're here to talk about snoring!

Anyone can be affected by snoring, at any time in their lives. Patney’s founder … View more
Happy World Sleep Day neighbours! Or is it? At Patney we believe a good night’s sleep is key to finding the energy to live your life to the fullest, so on World Sleep Day we're here to talk about snoring!

Anyone can be affected by snoring, at any time in their lives. Patney’s founder Frances Anderson has experienced first-hand the impact snoring can have on your energy levels, confidence and happiness.

Frances spent years searching for an effective way to control her snoring, to no avail. Fed up and exhausted, Frances set out on a journey to create her own solution. The Patney sleep positioner is the result of an intensive research, development and testing process.

Frances sought independent validation of the Patney sleep positioner through the University of Otago. The independent study proved the Patney sleep positioner is an effective way to control snoring.

No one should have to put up with snoring. Take a look at Patney and experience the benefits a good night’s sleep can bring. We offer a 30-day money back guarantee, so on World Sleep Day you can celebrate having had a great night's sleep!
Find out more

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2443 days ago

Food bank

Pascale from Gisborne District

Do we have a food bank in Gizzy?
An organisation, a place, where food businesses can bring their edible leftovers to be given away?
Or better these to come and pick them up from businesses?
A Love Food Hate Waste type of initiative?

2444 days ago

Neighbours Day is next week!

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

NEXT WEEK communities across the country will be taking time out to get to know their neighbours as part of the ninth Neighbours Day Aotearoa. What are your plans for the weekend? Have you planned your own event? Make sure you register your event at neighboursdayaotearoa.org

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2444 days ago

What are your rights at work?

Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand

Not sure? Ask us. Kāore i te mārama? Pātai mai. Next week (19 - 25 March) CABs around the country will be raising awareness about employment rights and responsibilities. There’s lots of great information to help you know your employment rights on our website, www.cab.org.nz, but sometimes it … View moreNot sure? Ask us. Kāore i te mārama? Pātai mai. Next week (19 - 25 March) CABs around the country will be raising awareness about employment rights and responsibilities. There’s lots of great information to help you know your employment rights on our website, www.cab.org.nz, but sometimes it helps to talk about your issue with someone. You can visit a CAB in your neighbourhood, or call 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB), and we can help you work through your options.

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2444 days ago

Great Community Clean Up is BACK!

The Warehouse New Zealand

Show your community a little love and WIN great prizes. For the third year running, The Warehouse and Neighbourly are challenging neighbours to get more involved in their neighbourhood by creating a Great Community Clean Up event.

All you have to do is grab your flatties, your neighbours or the… View more
Show your community a little love and WIN great prizes. For the third year running, The Warehouse and Neighbourly are challenging neighbours to get more involved in their neighbourhood by creating a Great Community Clean Up event.

All you have to do is grab your flatties, your neighbours or the family to clean up a local spot near you. Or be a real community champion and do it on your own. Show your neighbourhood how much you love its parks/streets/beaches by taking part in the Great Community Clean Up between 16 and 22 April 2018. Register your event now and be in to WIN!
Register now

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2445 days ago

Boarding at Auckland Grammar School

Auckland Grammar School

Applications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2019. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and… View moreApplications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2019. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and activities, as well as nightly study guidance.

To apply, visit our website to download an application form. Alternatively, contact the Director of Boarding, Mr Daniel Oram, at d.oram@ags.school.nz.
Apply now!

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