Te Aro, Wellington

1300 days ago

Buying by tender: Did you write a letter?

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Hi folks,
My colleague Jo is writing a story about buying by tender, specifically, the new trend of writing letters to the vendor to explain why they should pick your offer over all the rest.
As the market gets harder and harder to break into, we've been hearing more and more about people … View more
Hi folks,
My colleague Jo is writing a story about buying by tender, specifically, the new trend of writing letters to the vendor to explain why they should pick your offer over all the rest.
As the market gets harder and harder to break into, we've been hearing more and more about people trying to make a personal connection with vendors to give their tender offers the edge. We've heard folks will include personal details about their family, why the love the house and what their plans for the property are.
Jo would love to talk to anyone who's written a letter like this to accompany a tender - perhaps it's you, perhaps a relative or friend - or from vendors who've received letters like this, accompanying a tender.
Perhaps you asked for such letters?
We'd love to hear more about that experience for you and how it shaped the way the sale went.
You can reach out to jo here (she'll be joining the Neighbourly neighbourhood soon!) or via our email: homed@stuff.co.nz.
Looking forward to hearing your stories.

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1298 days ago

*** THIS IS THE THIRD EARTHQUAKE THIS MORNING ***

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the M8.0 earthquake north-east of New Zealand near KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION.
People near coast from BAY OF ISLANDS to WHANGAREI including GREAT BARRIER ISLAND and from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY must MOVE IMMEDIATELY to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami … View more
A Tsunami Warning has been issued following the M8.0 earthquake north-east of New Zealand near KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION.
People near coast from BAY OF ISLANDS to WHANGAREI including GREAT BARRIER ISLAND and from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY must MOVE IMMEDIATELY to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. Evacuate these areas even if you did not feel the earthquake. DO NOT WAIT. A damaging tsunami is possible.

People in all other areas who felt a LONG or STRONG earthquake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.

This evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 Alert Level requirements. Do not stay at home. MOVE IMMEDIATELY. Stay 2 metres away from others if you can and if it is safe to do so.

People evacuating should walk, run or cycle if possible to reduce chance of getting stuck in traffic. Do not return until all-clear is given by Civil Defence.

Go to www.civildefence.govt.nz... for the most up to date information.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO with friends, family, neighbours!

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1298 days ago

Distressed garden shelves

The Team from Resene ColorShop Basin Reserve

Create more space in your garden with these handy garden shelves. Try out an easy to create distressed paint effect using two Resene colours.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own

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1299 days ago

From first arrivals to first encounters

Trust Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti is a welcoming place for new beginnings and new discoveries – the landing place of great Pacific navigators and the origins of Aotearoa New Zealand’s defining dual heritage.

Steeped in vibrant arts, rich history and authentic Māori culture, we invite you to discover the many … View more
Tairāwhiti is a welcoming place for new beginnings and new discoveries – the landing place of great Pacific navigators and the origins of Aotearoa New Zealand’s defining dual heritage.

Steeped in vibrant arts, rich history and authentic Māori culture, we invite you to discover the many stories Tairāwhiti has to tell.

The treasures of Tairāwhiti are ready for you to uncover.
Find out more

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1301 days ago

Wellington houses hit $1 million mark

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Do you think your house is worth $1 million?
Property values in Wellington city have exceeded the $1 million mark and the rest of the region isn’t too far behind.
Housing prices have soared since the Covid-19 pandemic and the country's housing crisis continues to see people, especially first… View more
Do you think your house is worth $1 million?
Property values in Wellington city have exceeded the $1 million mark and the rest of the region isn’t too far behind.
Housing prices have soared since the Covid-19 pandemic and the country's housing crisis continues to see people, especially first home buyers, being crowded out of the opportunity to purchase a home.
The latest data, released on Wednesday morning by property data provider CoreLogic, shows Wellington’s housing market continues to set jaw-dropping new records with the region seeing the greatest rate of growth.
CoreLogic’s House Price Index found Wellington city’s average current value had reached $1,012,163​. In the city’s western suburbs that rose to $1,160,087​.

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1300 days ago

Composting Workshop!

Sustainability Trust

Whether you’re clued up or clueless about compost, we're here to help you be a part of the solution.

So come and learn the ins and outs of at home vs community composting, learn how to compost responsibly in your backyard, and get a VIP behind the scenes tour of our brand new community … View more
Whether you’re clued up or clueless about compost, we're here to help you be a part of the solution.

So come and learn the ins and outs of at home vs community composting, learn how to compost responsibly in your backyard, and get a VIP behind the scenes tour of our brand new community compost hub at Sustainability Trust.

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1302 days ago

Market closure a big financial hit

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Market gardener Tommy Young is down up to $7000 after the Wellington City Council told fruit and vegetable sellers they could not trade at the Sunday Harbourside Market due to COVID-19 restrictions.
While people could buy hot chips in beef tallow at Wellington’s Harbourside Market on Sunday, … View more
Market gardener Tommy Young is down up to $7000 after the Wellington City Council told fruit and vegetable sellers they could not trade at the Sunday Harbourside Market due to COVID-19 restrictions.
While people could buy hot chips in beef tallow at Wellington’s Harbourside Market on Sunday, lettuce and other vegetables were out of the question.
At Ohau, south of Levin, market gardener Tommy Young received the cancellation call about 9.30pm. His truck was already loaded and ready for the early morning drive to Wellington to sell his wares at the popular market.

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1300 days ago

Wellington fire ban

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, remember there is a fire ban on.
It includes Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. Principal Rural Fire Officer Craig Cottrill says this means anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on … View more
Hey Neighbourly folk, remember there is a fire ban on.
It includes Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. Principal Rural Fire Officer Craig Cottrill says this means anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on their permit.
"The ground is getting drier and fire danger has increased,” he says.
“The dry vegetation acts as fuel for a wildfire, meaning if a wildfire did start it could spread very quickly. We’ve seen this with a few vegetation fires in the area recently, including one in Makara last month where firefighters and helicopters worked hard over two days to put it out.”

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1305 days ago

Who needs a plant doctor?

Reporter Homed

UPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.

Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us … View more
UPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.

Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us your houseplant questions and problems to homed@stuff.co.nz, or leave them in the comments, for the houseplant doctor to diagnose. Pictures are encouraged.

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1301 days ago

Removing cheques as payment option

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, including Wellington City Councils’ bank, ANZ, which isn’t accepting cheques from 31st May onwards.

From Thursday 1st April onwards, Wellington City Council will no longer accept cheques as a payment … View more
All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, including Wellington City Councils’ bank, ANZ, which isn’t accepting cheques from 31st May onwards.

From Thursday 1st April onwards, Wellington City Council will no longer accept cheques as a payment option for any of our services. This will give us time to make sure all cheques received are processed ahead of the banks deadline.

Don’t worry, there are still some easy ways you can pay for our services:

💳 Set up a Direct Debit for Rates Payments online or by paper form available at our service centre

💵 Direct Credit into Account 06-0582-0106111-00 for services invoice payments

💻 Online at www.wcc.govt.nz...

💳 Credit card (surcharge will apply)

🖐️ In person at New Zealand Post (cash or EFTPOS)

☎️ Internet or Phone banking with your bank

For help on any of the above, please get in touch with your bank.

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1303 days ago

Dog crate needed

Guy from Kelburn

Hi, we're getting a new puppy and are looking for a second hand dog crate. Ideally need a XL or approx 105L x 70W x 75H. Please message me if you have one you no longer need. Thanks Guy

1301 days ago

$15 BOYS 0-18YR HAIRCUTS -TODAY & EVERY TUESDAY!

Aaron Graham from Hataitai Family Barbers

Bring the boys in for a haircut today! $15 for boys 0-18 years, all day and every Tuesday. We are open till 6.30pm, no appointment required, 31 Waitoa Road, Hataitai

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1301 days ago

Free Ambulance mourning the death of Shirley Martin

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington Free Ambulance has acknowledged the death of Shirley Martin.

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shirley Martin, former Patron of Wellington Free Ambulance. From her devotion to fundraising as part of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1955, standing on the streets… View more
Wellington Free Ambulance has acknowledged the death of Shirley Martin.

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shirley Martin, former Patron of Wellington Free Ambulance. From her devotion to fundraising as part of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1955, standing on the streets of Wellington rattling a box for the free ambulance, and all the years she cheered us on as our Patron, Shirley has been a fundraising force for us for over six decades. Working hard on getting the whole community behind keeping the ‘free’ in Wellington Free Ambulance, Shirley’s enthusiasm never wavered. Shirley passed away on Wednesday 24 February 2021 and her involvement with Wellington Free Ambulance and shaping who we are today will forever be remembered."

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1302 days ago

Escape the city, head to Ruapehu

Visit Ruapehu

Immerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.

Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the … View more
Immerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.

Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the Sky Waka, NZ’s most unique gondola experience
- Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road
- Paddle down the Whanganui River
- Explore the Bridge to Nowhere
- Take a ride with Forgotten World Adventures ...and much more!

There's still plenty of awesome deals available in Ruapehu, so book now!
Find out more

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1302 days ago

Home hacks: Your best tips for cleaning jobs around the house

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

Most of these are free or inexpensive, and we can only assume they are tried and tested user-submitted hacks. It's interesting to note that the same everyday products crop up again and again, so let's hear it for dishwasher tabs. Here's what people to say...

IN THE KITCHEN

* … View more
Most of these are free or inexpensive, and we can only assume they are tried and tested user-submitted hacks. It's interesting to note that the same everyday products crop up again and again, so let's hear it for dishwasher tabs. Here's what people to say...

IN THE KITCHEN

* Dishwasher tabs are good to soak muffin trays and cake tins.
* I use dishwasher powder and a splash of bleach diluted in water to soak stained whites overnight. It will bring even whites that have been turned another colour in the wash back to sparkling white.
* Dishwasher powder works for the silver oven racks. I put them in a bath lined with an old towel, then add dishwasher powder, but the tablet would work and a bit of washing powder. Leave it to soak for four hours and it comes off pretty easily.
* To get tea stains off cups, use 1 tsp dishwasher powder and fill the cup up with hot water. Stir to dissolve the powder and let soak for a couple of hours. Put the cup in the empty sink so any overspill doesn't damage the benchtop.
* I clean my glass oven door with ash from my firebox. I clean my firebox glass door the same. Wet newspaper dipped in ash, rub all over glass, dry with clean newspaper. Brings it back like brand new. Used tea bags are also good with the ash.
* Got a pot which is filthy disgusting? Put a dishwasher tablet in put enough boiling water in to cover the filth, stick a lid on and leave over night. Amazing results.
* Soak your filters from the kitchen rangehood extractor fans in warm water and clothes washing powder. Grease and oil just melts off with no scrubbing at all. Good as new!
* Here are two tips to save your money. Let oven warm up. Once warm, the oil stain on door turns soft, and it just wipes off. Tip 2, if it's been baked on for years you just need a sharp blade. You can use one of those window scrapers, but no liquid. Scrape it (when warm); grab a vacuum and suck up all the dust.
* To clean stainless steel tub. Get a tube of Autosol from Mitre 10 or similar and clean with that. Have done it and it works brilliantly. First used to restore chrome on vintage car (brilliant) so gave it a go and delighted at the outcome.
* Oil of cloves is brilliant on mould. Smells a bit like dentist for an hour but it kills mould spores. The chemist sells it fairly cheaply, or Trade Me.
* We run a motel and polish the stainless steel every day. You need three rags. First rag works Polaris paste into the stainless steel. You end up with a rag caked with the paste. Add a little water and mop it up with a second rag. Then with a third clean rag you buff up the surface. We cut up old worn-out towels into squares to make rags.
Other cleaners such as Jif and Chemco also work, but Polaris gives the best shine.
* I put my oven racks and rangehood filters in the dishwasher and let that do the hard work. As soon as the cycle has finished, I remove the racks one at a time, closing the washer door between each one to keep hot, and just wipe over each rack with a Scotchbrite scourer dipped in hot water. The remaining grease marks come off easily; no hard rubbing needed. For the filters, I just rinse them in hot water and give them a good shake to remove as much water as possible then stand them on one edge outside to dry. I do this every three months and clean-up is easy. Oh, and if my oven door glass has grimy grease-spots, I use a putty scraper. It doesn't scratch the glass and it works a dream.

IN THE BATHROOM
* Try using dishwash liquid to clean your bath and shower, including the glass.
* Dishwasher tabs get brown stains out of your toilet.
* To get those stains off toilet bowls, use a very, very fine wet and dry sandpaper.
* Razor blades/paint scraper blades are awesome for removing water stains from around your taps or tiles.
* For the shower, I use 30 Seconds water spot remover to clean first. Then use Rain-X water repellent (the car windscreen stuff). The water just beads off the glass and makes cleaning easier. Reapply the Rain-X every few months when the beading has reduced.
* Try a piece of pumice – free from the beach. Wet the door and clean it with the pumice. It does a brilliant job and is also good on burnt saucepans.

FIREPLACE
* Dirty logburner glass? Dip a wet cloth in the ashes. Scrub with that.

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