Brown Owl news is brought to you by the team at Upper Hutt Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Know your consumer rights and how to keep safe this Christmas.
We have chosen 12 tips to avoid most common consumer issues that come with other festive-season favourite activities.
Tis the season to be shopping online. Shopping online can be a very handy way to purchase gifts this Christmas, … View moreKnow your consumer rights and how to keep safe this Christmas.
We have chosen 12 tips to avoid most common consumer issues that come with other festive-season favourite activities.
Tis the season to be shopping online. Shopping online can be a very handy way to purchase gifts this Christmas, but know the risks and do your homework. Everything you need to know before you buy online Shopping and Buying Online.
May your house be merry, bright and safe. Don’t buy or use Christmas lights that don’t have a normal plug you would use at home. Check all the lights for broken or cracked sockets or loose connections. For more advice on safely installing Christmas lights visit the Worksafe(external link) website.
Door to door sales – your choice. While many door-to-door salespersons are legitimate, the Christmas period sees an increase in uninvited direct salespeople preying on vulnerable people. Remember you have the right to say no, if you feel pressured don’t agree to anything, and don’t give the salesperson your name or other personal details. Learn more about how to protect yourself from uninvited direct sales Door-to-door Sales.
Give safely this Christmas: the ‘Six S’ guide to safe toys. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the toy if any parts can drop through the neck of a 2L milk bottle - which is about the same size as a child’s windpipe. For more information on what to look for when buying toys head to the Toy Safety.
All I want for Christmas is something that works. When you have asked for a service and it is poorly done or has taken far too long, go back to the provider as soon as possible with information on the problem. Familiarise yourself with Returns and refunds this gift giving season.
Don’t get caught up in Christmas overspending. Take the extra second to ensure you’re making an informed decision before you borrow money. “Consumer Protection has an assortment of information on our Understanding loans and credit page.
Knowing your rights with gift cards this Christmas. While many consumers opt for gift cards to avoid the risk of giving the wrong gift, some are unaware of the consumer risk associated. Everything you need to know before you buy gift vouchers or products on layby.
Splish splash safely this summer. Inflatable swimming pools and buoyancy toys are favourites to adorn the backyard with over summer, but they are not designed to keep children safe in water. Everything you need to know before you buy inflatable pools and toys, including how to use water toys safely.
Add protective gear to the Christmas list.
The proof is in the pudding, or rather the quote. Don’t forget to get the price in writing when engaging with tradespeople. Everything you need to know to prepare for your summer repairs and renovation on our Getting Quotes and Estimates page.
Didn’t get what you expected this Christmas? The first step if you discover a faulty product this Christmas is to return it to the retailer and explain the issue, as well as how you would like the problem to be resolved. Check Faulty Products page to find information on your rights and what you need to know before entering negotiations.
Returning unwanted Christmas presents. If you simply change your mind or don’t want the gift, the retailer is under no legal obligation to provide a refund or exchange. The retailer also doesn’t have to return or swap the product if you have no proof of purchase. However when the product is not damaged and you have a proof of purchase, some retailers may let you return it. What each store does will be subject to store policy, so make sure you ask how the store would handle an unwanted gift before you buy it. Learn more about Returns and Refunds.
Read these top 10 tips to make your home more secure.
1. LIGHTING
Like owls and vampires, burglars like the darkness, so good lighting in and around the home is important. External lighting around the house will fill in the hidden dark spaces and put burglars off. You can get lights that are … View moreRead these top 10 tips to make your home more secure.
1. LIGHTING
Like owls and vampires, burglars like the darkness, so good lighting in and around the home is important. External lighting around the house will fill in the hidden dark spaces and put burglars off. You can get lights that are activated by motion sensors to flood dark spaces, this is great when you come home and you don't want to fumble around for your key in the dark. It is always a good idea to leave a light on inside the house when you go out at night or if you are going away for a few days. You can also get timers for lights, meaning they can be set to turn on only during the evening.
2. LOCKS
If you're moving into a new home, change the locks, so you know you and your family are the only ones with keys. Don't hide a spare key. Burglars know the usual places spare keys get hidden, that plant pot next to the front door or under the mat are the first places they will look. Ever leave home in a rush and get to work wondering if you locked up? There are now smart locks you can install and control remotely from your smartphone, saving you time and worry.
3. FENCING
A good, well-maintained fence creates a solid barrier around your property and hinders access, which is added security. It also stops prying eyes seeing into your property to appraise what you have.
4. SECURITY SYSTEM
Explore the range - from high tech, fully installed and monitored to the more basic. There are a lot of options out there which are becoming more sophisticated as technology progresses. You can have sensors on doors, windows and motion sensors to detect movement within your home. A good option is to install video cameras inside and outside your home to capture footage. Alerts, images and video footage can be sent straight to your smartphone or tablet so you can immediately see if something's amiss at home.
5. DEADBOLTS
These locks are stronger than spring locks and they will make it more difficult to force entry into your property. Whilst more expensive, it's important to try to have at least one deadbolt lock on your main door.
6. SECURE RANCH SLIDERS
One of the weakest entry points to your home can be sliding glass doors. A good way to prevent a burglar from forcing a ranch slider open is to put a metal bar along the bottom track of the door. You can do the same with sliding windows.
7. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, they can keep an eye on your house when you're away or at work and of course you can do the same for them. You may already have a neighbourhood watch scheme in your area, so it won't just be the people next door looking out for you.
8. CLOSE WINDOWS
It is easy to leave a window open, especially during the summer but an open window is an easy invitation to a burglar. Even if you are just going to pop out to the shop for 10 minutes, take a moment to walk around your home and close any open windows, even better, make sure they have locks.
9. BE SOCIAL SAVVY
Away on holiday and can't resist posting a photo? We don't blame you. However, try to be conscious of who can see your posts, especially if you're away on a longer trip. You can easily share with the world that you're not home. An easy way to combat this is to set all your post sharing to 'private' or 'just friends' rather than 'public'.
10. COME UP WITH A PLAN
Make sure you and your family are on the same page with what would happen if you were ever burgled. Remind your children not to go near the burgled area and move away from the property and phone the police. Look for unusual signs like broken glass or an open window or door. If in doubt, get out and always call the police.
Waterproof mattress protector with cotton terry sleep surface for sale. It is still in its original wrapper. Fits a king single bed and is anti allergy.
Hello neighbours! Santa is arriving at your local Harvey Norman. Head in store for your FREE 6”x4” photo with Santa between 11am – 2pm this Saturday and Sunday. Plus get your Santa Photo pack - it's the perfect gift for friends, family and...neighbours! … View moreHello neighbours! Santa is arriving at your local Harvey Norman. Head in store for your FREE 6”x4” photo with Santa between 11am – 2pm this Saturday and Sunday. Plus get your Santa Photo pack - it's the perfect gift for friends, family and...neighbours! Find out more about Santa's visit now.
Registrations are open for Cigna Round the Bays 2018! Join over 14,000 participants in Wellington’s largest fun run and walk on Sunday 18 February 2018. Choose from one of the family-friendly 6.5km options, Bluebridge 10km or take on the Cigna Achilles Half Marathon – there’s something for … View moreRegistrations are open for Cigna Round the Bays 2018! Join over 14,000 participants in Wellington’s largest fun run and walk on Sunday 18 February 2018. Choose from one of the family-friendly 6.5km options, Bluebridge 10km or take on the Cigna Achilles Half Marathon – there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss out on the very special Earlybird offer, register before midnight 30 November and go in the draw to win 2 x return flights to Manila, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City with Singapore Airlines!* Enter online today at www.cignaroundthebays.co.nz
*Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.
ATTENTION ! Scratchie scam is going around Upper Hutt.
If you receive a letter or brochure in your mailbox which includes scratchie cards, it could be scam!
Warning signs:
You are asked to send a fee or bank account details to collect your prize.
The trader offering the prize claims the … View moreATTENTION ! Scratchie scam is going around Upper Hutt.
If you receive a letter or brochure in your mailbox which includes scratchie cards, it could be scam!
Warning signs:
You are asked to send a fee or bank account details to collect your prize.
The trader offering the prize claims the offer is legitimate.
The trader offering the prize claims the offer has government approval.
It has already happened in Australia with the same company:
Can you help your neighbours survive Christmas?
Whether it’s clever ways to untangle the tinsel, the perfect glossy ham glaze, cheap and cheerful gift ideas, or how to manage an unexpected guest, having a few festive tricks up your sleeve never goes astray.
Spread a little joy by … View moreCan you help your neighbours survive Christmas?
Whether it’s clever ways to untangle the tinsel, the perfect glossy ham glaze, cheap and cheerful gift ideas, or how to manage an unexpected guest, having a few festive tricks up your sleeve never goes astray.
Spread a little joy by sharing a little advice. Simply share your top Christmas Survival Tip (or Tips!) with your neighbours and you could win a $100 SuperValue gift voucher. There’s 10 prizes up for grabs!
Join the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at Te Papa for a day of free family fun on Saturday 25th November. Celebrate the Christmas season, enjoy the beautiful music, and even sing along to Christmas Carols as an audience member or as part of a special pop-up choir. We can't wait to see you … View moreJoin the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at Te Papa for a day of free family fun on Saturday 25th November. Celebrate the Christmas season, enjoy the beautiful music, and even sing along to Christmas Carols as an audience member or as part of a special pop-up choir. We can't wait to see you there!
Due to strike action on Thursday 16 November no Metlink train services will be running.
Unfortunately the Rail Maritime Transport Union are on strike for the whole day from 2am on Thursday 16 November until 2am Friday 17 November, so there are no staff to run trains.
There will be no train … View moreDue to strike action on Thursday 16 November no Metlink train services will be running.
Unfortunately the Rail Maritime Transport Union are on strike for the whole day from 2am on Thursday 16 November until 2am Friday 17 November, so there are no staff to run trains.
There will be no train services. At this point in time, there will be no bus replacements either although we are exploring options. In the meantime, please make alternative travel arrangements and check our site regularly for updates.
Hey, just wondering if anyone has another Perma baby gate or extension they would be willing to sell or giveaway? or any other baby gates would be gratefully considered :) Cheers Cam
The nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system is happening on Sunday 26 November.
If your life, health or property is in serious danger, an Emergency Mobile Alert could be sent to your mobile phone. Check whether your phone is on the list and find out more at … View moreThe nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system is happening on Sunday 26 November.
If your life, health or property is in serious danger, an Emergency Mobile Alert could be sent to your mobile phone. Check whether your phone is on the list and find out more at www.civildefence.govt.nz...
The Warehouse is excited to announce that they are rolling out electric vehicle charging stations across the nation! We already have our first one in Royal Oak, Auckland and 20 more to come over the next few months. Those 20 received have funding from the Government’s Electric Vehicle Contestable… View moreThe Warehouse is excited to announce that they are rolling out electric vehicle charging stations across the nation! We already have our first one in Royal Oak, Auckland and 20 more to come over the next few months. Those 20 received have funding from the Government’s Electric Vehicle Contestable Fund, meaning we have been able to roll these charging stations out to areas that haven’t seen them before.
Show your support for Mary Potter Hospice and enjoy #SundaesforGood at the annual Mary Potter Hospice Strawberry Festival on Wednesday 22 November. We're taking pre-orders now!
Get a group of 5 or more and pre-order strawberry & ice-cream sundaes from $5 each on our website before … View moreShow your support for Mary Potter Hospice and enjoy #SundaesforGood at the annual Mary Potter Hospice Strawberry Festival on Wednesday 22 November. We're taking pre-orders now!
Get a group of 5 or more and pre-order strawberry & ice-cream sundaes from $5 each on our website before Tuesday 21 November at 5pm, and beat the queue! You can collect your order from Midland Park or we can deliver for free within the Wellington CBD on the day between 10am – 3.30pm. Find out more on our website.
Here is my latest co-listing.
Absolutely no words required here just watch for yourself and you will see why. Be sure to watch in HD :)
Call me on 0800 TO GO HUIA or 027 518 8280 to arrange your private viewing or come and see me at the first Open Home this Sunday from 1pm - 1:45pm.
271C … View moreHere is my latest co-listing.
Absolutely no words required here just watch for yourself and you will see why. Be sure to watch in HD :)
Call me on 0800 TO GO HUIA or 027 518 8280 to arrange your private viewing or come and see me at the first Open Home this Sunday from 1pm - 1:45pm.
271C Wallaceville Road, Wallaceville
harcourts.co.nz...
Railway workers will be on strike for 24 hours from 2am on Thursday. Passengers are advised to make alternative arrangements or consider not travelling at all.
Comments may be used in print unless stated otherwise with NFP (Not for Print)
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
