Rural Whanganui, Upokongaro

762 days ago

Have you met Kelly Francis?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

She is one of the five finalists for the 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Read about her (and the other four finalists), and vote for your favourite!

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763 days ago

Get the day’s top news with Two Minutes of Stuff

Stuff

Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View more
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.

Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point and the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
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766 days ago

Inbox Inspiration for Sowing & Growing

Yates

Yates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.

Stay on … View more
Yates has been guiding gardeners for quite a while now (nearly 140 years), so we’ve learned a few crafty garden tricks along the way. We’re sharing our email newsletter, packed with our special Yates blend of leading-edge horticulture and old-school garden tips, fresh every month.

Stay on top of the seasonal tasks with us; whether you’re into vegies, herbs, fruit trees or houseplants, we’ll help you navigate your way to a gorgeous and luxuriant garden. Click through to get our timely advice on feeding, watering, weeding and how to nip your garden problems in the bud!
Find out more

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767 days ago

Same Same but Different

Fieldays

Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading … View more
Same Event, Same Venue, different date, 30 November to 3 December.

Plenty to see and do, eat, buy and try.

From Agri machinery, to new innovations, career opportunities and competitions.

We want to celebrate the sector that is relentlessly hard-working, at the forefront of world-leading technologies, and economically critical to our country.

The largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bringing town and country together over four days

The ultimate opportunity for agribusiness networking throughout the primary sector value chain.

Got to www.fieldays.co.nz to buy tickets.
Know more

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768 days ago

Finally! Our Labour Day Bed Sale is here

Beds4U

A good night’s sleep, you deserve it!

Enjoy our 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 with up to 60% off on NZ-made Beds & Mattresses with 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲* and 24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card (Use … View more
A good night’s sleep, you deserve it!

Enjoy our 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 with up to 60% off on NZ-made Beds & Mattresses with 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲* and 24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card (Use code:𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑼𝑹22)

Shop online or at your nearest Beds4U store!

Shop online or at your nearest Beds4U store!
- 60-Night's Comfort Guarantee
- 100% NZ Owned and Operated Business
- 19 stores across North Island

We have the bed for you @ BEDS 4 U...Your Local Sleep Experts

Apply Code (𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑼𝑹22) to your cart for Free Shipping on online orders above $999 and only valid for shipping rates under $99. While stocks last. 24 Months Interest-Free with Q Card: Read T's & C's here
Shop now

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769 days ago

Growing Your Own Linen

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean - Whanganui

Linen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, beding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it … View moreLinen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, beding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it down into manageable steps. 
 
Plant 1 kg. fibre flax seed in a 6m x 6m plot
One plot will give you enough fibre to make a shirt from line (long linen fibres) and tow to weave a couple of towels.  Your actual yield will depend on growing conditions, how well you weed the plot and how perfect your retting and hackling techniques are.
Broadcast the seed thickly, over well tilled ground and then walk on it to firm the seed in.

Weed it well about 4 weeks after planting.
Your flax will take about 2 weeks to germinate in a cool, wet spring.  When it reaches just over 5cm in height you should walk into the plot and weed it well.  You can step on the plants without damaging them when they are between 5cm and 30cm tall.

Admire the blue flax flowers as the linen grows
Once the bed has been weeded well, you can just admire it as it grows.  About 60 days from planting the flowers start to open.  It is very beautiful watching the blue flowers swaying in the breeze.  Each flower is open for only one day. Each stock produces several flowers and each flower turns into a seed boll with 6 to 8 seeds.


100 days after planting, harvest the flax
The stocks of flax will be 2/3rds yellow and 1/3rd still green when it is ready to harvest.  The flowering will be finished and each slender flax plant will have 4 to 6 seed bolls.  You harvest the flax by hand, by pulling each plant out by the roots.  Toss the weeds and place the stems of flax in order.  Tie into bundles (shooks) about 30cm across, using strong twine.

See the whole method here: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

769 days ago

There's still time (just!) to send in your basil recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 21, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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770 days ago

Calling all music lovers!

NZ Modern School of Music

Since 1952, the NZ Modern School of Music has provided Kiwis of all ages, throughout the country, with a fun, modern approach to learning music. We’re currently on the lookout for both students and teachers.

If you love music, are proficient in an instrument and would like to share your skills… View more
Since 1952, the NZ Modern School of Music has provided Kiwis of all ages, throughout the country, with a fun, modern approach to learning music. We’re currently on the lookout for both students and teachers.

If you love music, are proficient in an instrument and would like to share your skills with others, think about becoming a teacher with the New Zealand Modern School of Music. You don't need to be an experienced teacher - we'll give you training and support - you just need to be enthusiastic and be proficient in your chosen instrument and music theory.

Do you have an interest in learning to play a musical instrument? If you are a beginner or already have some musical ability, it's never too late to learn or re-learn - whether you are eight years old or eighty! NZ Modern School of Music offers affordable one-to-one music tutoring across a range of instruments for children and adults, and all levels of musical ability.

If you’re ready to start your journey in mastering a musical instrument or share your music passion & skills with others please get in touch with Gail Boswell via email: nzmsm.manawatu@gmail.com Phone: 027 289 2031
Find out more

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771 days ago

Whakatāne – Rewind | Connect | Reset

Whakatane District Council

Escape to Whakatāne this summer in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty – we are the most beautiful place in the country, Supreme Winner in the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards.

We’re also the home of NZ’s most loved beach at Ōhope. Then there’s the wide open spaces, the immersive cultural … View more
Escape to Whakatāne this summer in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty – we are the most beautiful place in the country, Supreme Winner in the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards.

We’re also the home of NZ’s most loved beach at Ōhope. Then there’s the wide open spaces, the immersive cultural experiences, the outdoor adventure, the eco experiences and so much more. Summer like this? #DiscoverOurLocal
Find out more

771 days ago

STOP TREATING SOIL LIKE DIRT

Yates

Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a … View more
Nourish the soil and the soil will nourish you! Healthy soil is at the very foundation of gardening success - and life itself - and this National Gardening Week Yates wants to help you grow good soil.

We’ve pulled together a bunch of ways to measure your soil health – how about planting a pair of undies to find out how healthy your soil is? Or try a quick “worm count” test, building a “compost jar” (great fun for kids) or do a food waste audit.

Plus we’ve easy to follow steps on how to turn your food scraps & garden waste into fabulous compost.
Find out more

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772 days ago

Plant seeds every month with a subscription from Kings Seeds.

The TV Guide

Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, … View more
Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?

Purchase a 6 month, 1 year, or 2 year subscription to the TV Guide before 31 October and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win. There are three different subscriptions to choose from to suit your needs; Vegetable seeds, Microgreen seeds, and Sprouting seeds. To view the T&Cs click here.
Find out more

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774 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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776 days ago

Kia ora e hoa mā!

MaoriTV

Nau mai, haere mai e te iwi. Yes, it’s true – the greatest little gameshow show on earth, Lucky Dip, is back for 2022, bigger, louder, and on the road throughout the motu.

Join our hosts Luke Bird and Marcia Hopa for some hearty katakata (laughs), soak up some wairua and prepare to be...View more
Nau mai, haere mai e te iwi. Yes, it’s true – the greatest little gameshow show on earth, Lucky Dip, is back for 2022, bigger, louder, and on the road throughout the motu.

Join our hosts Luke Bird and Marcia Hopa for some hearty katakata (laughs), soak up some wairua and prepare to be...amazed!

Watch Lucky Dip on the Road, Sundays at 8pm from October 23rd on Whakaata Māori and who knows, you could even see yourselves on telly!
Find out more

776 days ago

Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia

Ryman Healthcare

Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on … View more
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.

Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Learn more

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776 days ago

7 Spring Cleaning tasks to get started on

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean - Whanganui

As we emerge from winter hibernation, thick coats are swapped for lighter jackets and it’s time to take stock for the season ahead.

With summer approaching, now’s the time to start thinking about getting some household upkeep out of the way early, so you’re not left slammed in the holiday… View more
As we emerge from winter hibernation, thick coats are swapped for lighter jackets and it’s time to take stock for the season ahead.

With summer approaching, now’s the time to start thinking about getting some household upkeep out of the way early, so you’re not left slammed in the holiday season when there are a million other things to think about.

Soft furnishings: It’s easy to remember to wipe down hard surfaces, but the often-overlooked soft furnishings in our homes also need some TLC.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan a sunny day to wash couch cushions, blankets, rugs or curtains that could be harbouring dust and bacteria.

Most of us wash the pillowcases on our beds, but the pillows themselves can harbor dust mites and fungi. It’s generally recommended you wash your pillow every two to six months – how to do so depends on its materials, so check the care label.

Clean your heat pump: You can clean your heat pump filter in less than 10 minutes using your vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. If you’re steadily blasting it throughout winter and summer, you should be cleaning it at least four times a year to ensure it’s working smoothly and to enhance its performance.
Windows and doors

After a damp winter, it pays to check the not-so-noticeable corners of your home. Windows and doors need regular maintenance to keep them in good working order and to avoid the likes of rot and corrosion. Look for signs such as chalky surfaces, condensation, mould growth, corroded fixings and blocked drain outlets – all indicate it’s time for a spring clean.

Take extra care not to damage the coating when cleaning coated or specialised glass – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The dos and don'ts of donating clothing: As the time comes to swap our winter clothes for more summery attire, sift through your wardrobe for items you haven’t worn in more than a year. Unless it’s a special-occasion piece, chances are you’re not going to be reaching for it any time soon.

Depending on the quality and value of the garments, you may want to sell them online or through a consignment store to earn some cash. If not, you can donate to your local op shop or clothing bin.

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

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