Wairau & Waihopai Valleys, Wairau Valley

Top of the pots

Top of the pots

Need to choose a paint colour but don't know where to start? Check out the latest top Resene colours to help get you started.

133 days ago

Aged Care Employee Day

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.

When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest … View more
August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.

When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest Rutherford Special Care team, it was working the night shift as it was the perfect job to manage while she raised her children as a single mum.

Click read more for the full story.

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145 days ago

Poll: Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.

Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?

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Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?
  • 69.2% Yes, always ask
    69.2% Complete
  • 29.8% No
    29.8% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below!
    1.1% Complete
2789 votes
138 days ago

Step it up!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Blenheim

A splash of Resene red transforms a rumpty old ladder into a handy stool or nifty shelves.

Find out how to repurpose your old ladder.

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139 days ago

Do you have a DIY (or DIY disaster) dad?

Resene

Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell… View more
Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!

Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes.
Find out more

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139 days ago

BEWARE: Scammers impersonating Police taking advantage of vulnerable, older people

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial … View more
Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.

People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam.
This is a scam – no legitimate Police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.

Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.
Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.

We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money. New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.

Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.

There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties.

Remember:
• Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.
• Trust your instincts.
• If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details.
• Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
• Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...

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143 days ago

Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home … View more
We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.

Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.

↓ Share your questions now ↓

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139 days ago

Tips for working in retirement

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting… View more
Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting gears to something more fulfilling or pursuing passions that you now have time for. This might mean volunteering, part-time work, or even starting your own business.

Here’s some helpful advice from Ryman residents in the workforce.

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140 days ago

Weather warnings for the South Island

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.

According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold … View more
Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.

According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold easterlies over the South Island, bringing heavy rain, and heavy snow above 400 metres. Southeasterly gales are also to be expected in the west, MetService warned.

What you need to know:
- Orange heavy snow warnings in place until 2pm on Wednesday for the North Canterbury high country and the foothills north of the Rangitata River.
- An orange strong wind warning is in place until 1pm in Westland and Grey Districts. Severe gale easterlies could gust 120 to 130 km/h in isolated exposed places.
- Heavy rain watch for Canterbury Plains from Christchurch northwards and eastern Marlborough until 3pm.
- A treacherous Canterbury State Highway where dozens of people have been injured in icy crashes was still closed on Wednesday due to the snow and ice, as was SH73, SH79 and SH80.
- State Highway 73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) was also closed due to snow and ice, as was State Highway 79 Fairlie, between State Highway 8 and Gudex Rd.
- State Highway 80 Pukaki to Mt Cook (Aoraki Mt Cook Highway) was also closed due to snow and ice.

MetService has urged people to prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages.

"If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items."

Check NZTA road closures here before you travel, and weather warnings can be found here on the MetService website.

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162 days ago

The Mussel Pot for sale

Jennifer Eder Reporter from Marlborough Express

The popular Havelock restaurant, now listed for sale, had green-lipped mussels several ways on its menu. What's your favourite way with mussels?

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154 days ago

Poll: Have you had a pen pal?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.

Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!

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Have you had a pen pal?
  • 66% Yes
    66% Complete
  • 33.6% No
    33.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below!
    0.4% Complete
1191 votes
161 days ago

Latest scams to look out for 👀

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the … View more
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe

NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.

Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.

Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.

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145 days ago

The seniors who love a worm cup of tea

Jennifer Eder Reporter from Marlborough Express

Residents at Picton's Marina Cove retirement village have been fertilising their vegetables with worm tea, made by their worm farm. Have you ever had a worm farm?

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145 days ago
147 days ago

Best medical alarms

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.

If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to… View more
Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.

If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to an operator through the built-in speaker. If you can’t speak, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.

There are a number of different medical alarm options available in New Zealand, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs.

Click read more for the full article.

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149 days ago

Update your Covid protection

Health New Zealand

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and … View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
Book now

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