Ngongotaha, Rotorua

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1506 days ago

Buy Once, Buy Well

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Why we have an endless fascination with mid-century modern. There’s just something about mid-century design (MCD) that captures the imagination. The architecture is emblematic, exciting, and nostalgic. It’s close enough in our history to feel familiar, yet far enough away to be inspirational.
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Why we have an endless fascination with mid-century modern. There’s just something about mid-century design (MCD) that captures the imagination. The architecture is emblematic, exciting, and nostalgic. It’s close enough in our history to feel familiar, yet far enough away to be inspirational.
We live in such a completely different way, that interiors of the 50s, 60s and 70s are responding to social behaviours and cues that are no longer the norm, so there’s something contradictory yet enthralling. It touched our generation, our parents, and grandparents, near enough to be real in a way that period antiques of the early 20th century and older, seem more relic-like – exciting sure, but less tangible somehow, coming from a world we can’t really imagine.

MCM exists in the post war world, reflecting a vibrant period of social, technological and political change where design was ground-breaking, architecture brave and sculptural. To those who may have felt that mid-century, retro design has been a passing fad, sit back down! Mid-century style continues to inspire and excite showing its face in new architecture and interior design.

As such, the choice to invest in or keep an original piece of mid-century design is a sound one. Not only are you engaging with something the interior world considers usable in perpetuity, you are continuing a legacy of stewardship and conservation of an important part of our design heritage.

In a world where capitalism has spent our lives teaching us to consume and discard, we are now moving rapidly towards an ideal of longevity and sustainability. So, when you make the decision to ‘adopt’ a classic piece of design, you are giving it another chance to invigorate an interior, and careful consideration to its conservation opens up a world of upholstery opportunities.

There are several main fabric types that seem to perpetuate and have the “flavour” or sentiment of mid-century style whilst also being suitable for upholstery. Simple textures allow the shape of a piece to stand out, warm wools will hug the shapes of these designs, while boucle feels completely relevant to this period.

Fortunately, there are a lot of careful and respectful retailers and upholsterers devoted to the maintenance and celebration of these stunning pieces.

Over the next few weeks we will hear from local upholsterers and retailers of MCD furniture who are equally as passionate about the style and their process for restoring these popular pieces of furniture.
With locations in Sydney and Auckland the owners of Tangerine and Teal Sasha and Vanessa were raised in a home surrounded by art and likely learned their appreciation for a cultivated aesthetic. Some of the well-known brands you may find with Vanessa in Auckland include Otto Larsen, Don, Jon Jansen, and Parker and in Sydney with Sacha you are likely to find Fler, Snelling, Featherston, Parker and Wrightbuilt.

What do you love about mid-century furniture and design?
Simple clean lines and great design feature in the majority of MCM furniture pieces, they are timeless in design and look great mixed in with contemporary pieces to give character and nostalgia to your home.

What items are you always looking out for?
We don’t import furniture from overseas and instead focus our search locally for interesting pieces by local New Zealand and Australian designers who are often underrated on the world stage but have great designs. Recently Vanessa restored and sold a lovely sideboard by New Zealand designer Rudi Schwarz and here in Sydney I just sold a rare dining suite by George Korody.

How did you come to select the fabrics for these stunning pieces?
The Mokum Mondrian Noir was selected for the pair of Parker furniture armchairs, originally these 60s chairs were always produced with wool cushion covers so the construction was a good fit. The Mondarian style black and white pattern is synonymous with the era and compliments the simple lines of the chairs.

The Piet Blanc was selected by our clients to reupholster their 70s Tessa armchairs. The luxurious soft texture in the white colour suited the stuffed cushions and brought luxury and style to the chairs in their setting overlooking the ocean in the northern beaches.
Quality and good design will stand for as long as we continue to look after and celebrate it. Classic pieces will transcend movements of the moment and will continue to add quirk and personality to your interior.

It also reminds us that new pieces bought now can be considered an investment, a collectible of the future, something to be treasured and enjoyed. As such, it’s important to consider with new furniture, buying pieces that evoke something in you – don’t think about fashion or trend, this is something you will be using and looking at daily for years to come, so compromise should not be an option! It should be a decision you are EXCITED about making.

Buying from reputable manufacturers, designer/makers and brands who stand by their quality and craftsmanship will ensure longevity – a legacy piece that generations of the future will be able to re-love, refurbish, and be inspired by.

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1507 days ago

Get Saving!

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

We thought this was amazing. What a great way to teach your children the value of saving and getting them to add up the money is a fun way to do some maths. You could try using different bottles and different coins here in NZ.

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1507 days ago

Mass recall of popular reusable coffee cups

Neighbourly.co.nz

Reusable coffee cup manufacturer Biopak has issued a recall for some products, due to the possibility of part of the cup detaching when liquid is present.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) issued the recall on September 30, advising people to stop using it immediately … View more
Reusable coffee cup manufacturer Biopak has issued a recall for some products, due to the possibility of part of the cup detaching when liquid is present.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) issued the recall on September 30, advising people to stop using it immediately as a user could be burnt or scalded.

What you need to know:

- Contact Biopak or ring 0800 246 725 to get a refund on faulty items.

- The products were sold from January 2013 to September 2020

- All resuable coffee cups (8oz, 12oz, 16oz) in plain green or white should be
returned to Biopak.

- Those with custom names “SexieCoffie”, “Columbit”, “Echo”, “Hedland”, “Crop to Cup” or “Home Grain”. Should be returned immediately.

To find out more about this recall, see the government recall website.

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1507 days ago

Lead and inspire the next generation

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Study in the Bay!

Meet Te Rumate Mahutoto who shares “I graduated from Awanuiārangi with a degree accredited by the Teaching Council NZ, benefitting from a teaching team that has taught in early years centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, Kura Kaupapa Māori, rūmaki and … View more
Study in the Bay!

Meet Te Rumate Mahutoto who shares “I graduated from Awanuiārangi with a degree accredited by the Teaching Council NZ, benefitting from a teaching team that has taught in early years centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, Kura Kaupapa Māori, rūmaki and bilingual contexts. Teaching is not only about knowledge and skills but the desire to empower potential and make a difference. I am now teaching in a Year 3/4 bilingual class, and I am looking at doing a Master’s programme”

You too can help facilitate the learning journey of future leaders. Study with us in 2021!
Find out more

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1507 days ago

URGENTLY REQUIRED

Nariska from Owhata

Can anyone help!!!
Sadly our landlord has sold our house we called home so my family require a 3 - 4 bedroom home to rent. We have two well behaved outside dogs and two cats. Semi rural would be fine too.
We have awesome references, rent is always paid on time and we take pride of our home in and … View more
Can anyone help!!!
Sadly our landlord has sold our house we called home so my family require a 3 - 4 bedroom home to rent. We have two well behaved outside dogs and two cats. Semi rural would be fine too.
We have awesome references, rent is always paid on time and we take pride of our home in and outside..
If anyone has a home or knows off someone looking for trustworthy, reliable tenants please message me or contact me on 0274858537

1508 days ago

Win a Vegepod worth over $500.

Reporter Sunday Star Times

Until the 11th of October, purchase a regional newspaper or the Sunday Star-Times, find the daily code and go into win 1 of 100 medium vegepod and trolley stands. Find out more

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1509 days ago

Abaca: The Queen of Natural Fibres

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

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...

1509 days ago

Election 2020: Hauraki-Waikato 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 Hauraki-Waikato'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 Hauraki-Waikato'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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1509 days ago

Modern Lounge Suite (Modular or as 2 sofas)

Debbie from Rotorua Central

Italian made contemporary lounge suite - can be used as modular corner suite (left or right chaise) or as 2 separate sofas (3.5 seater and 2.5 seater approx). Washable covers and in neutral colour. Debbie 021 810011

Price: $450

1509 days ago

Election 2020: East Coast voting booth locations

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 everything you need to know about where to vote on the East Coast.

At the upcoming election on October 17, enrolled voters will have a … 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 everything you need to know about where to vote on the East Coast.

At the upcoming election on October 17, enrolled voters will have a few boxes to tick.

There are two referenda on the cards, as well as the regular party and candidate selections.

Click here for a breakdown of what you’re voting for and where you can vote.

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1509 days ago

Election 2020: East Coast 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 East Coast's MP.

At the October 17 election, New Zealanders will … 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 East Coast'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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1510 days ago

Holidays are here!

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

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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1514 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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1511 days ago

Book Fair

Susan Teirney from Rotorua Sulphur City Lions Club

Come on down to the Arawa Park Racecourse to get those books that you have been looking for.
Good reading for the School Holidays.

Open today Saturday until 4pm.
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Cash Only.

1512 days ago

New Season Stock out now!

The Team from

Hi Neighbours,
Spring is here! Head down to your nearest Red Cross Shop and check out our new season stock!
We can't wait to see you!

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