Lake Matahina, Whakatane

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Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

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891 days ago

Reduce rising living costs

Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.

Ryman residents say that … View more
Enjoy the flexibility to do what you want and be more in control of your finances. Our fixed base weekly fee means Ryman residents can relax and make confident financial choices. And as living costs continue to rise, our fixed fee guarantee is more important than ever.

Ryman residents say that this financial security helps them plan ahead for large expenses like holidays while still enjoying themselves today. Because fewer responsibilities mean that you can live on your own terms. It’s one of the ways we’re pioneering retirement living – so you can embrace life and blaze a new trail in retirement.
Learn more

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891 days ago

Time to escape your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View more
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Share now

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891 days ago

Winner!

Lois Neighbourly Lead from Gisborne District

CONGRATULATIONS! Keith Hannam - Gisborne District
You'have won a $100 grocery voucher!
Well done!


Please contact the Neighbourly team to claim the above prize. !

891 days ago

Curtain & Blind Safety in Your Kids Bedroom

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

As a parent or parent-to-be, your number one focus will be the health and safety of your kids. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether they are 18 months or 18 years, we always have their best interests in mind – even if they don’t listen anymore!

However, the home environment can present many … View more
As a parent or parent-to-be, your number one focus will be the health and safety of your kids. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether they are 18 months or 18 years, we always have their best interests in mind – even if they don’t listen anymore!

However, the home environment can present many dangers to young children. Take curtains and blinds, for example. Although they look great in a room, there’s a risk that kids can hurt themselves if they play around with them.

As such, what are the measures that you can take to ensure that they are safe in your home? Let us explain.

Keep your windows child-safe: Keep babies’ cots well away from windows and ensure that all blind and curtain cords are out of reach. This may mean not placing furniture next to windows – toddlers love climbing!

Child safety devices: You could install a safety device that adds another level of protection. This allows cords to be tightly wound around a cleat and out of reach, alternatively you could opt for electronically operated blinds.

Reduce the hazard: It is important to be aware at all times of child safety around the home. An extra safety measure is the installation of a safety device that either removes the cord loop or limits access to cords. A tension device (either a chain tensioner or cleat) can be anchored to the wall or floor so that young children cannot play with cords or put them around their neck.

Selecting the right curtain fabric type: There is no doubt that kids love to pull and tug on items around your home. While you can tell them off as many times as you like, it might be a good idea to invest in stronger fabric type for curtains in a kid’s bedroom.

For example, sheers and voiles – while they look great in a baby’s nursery, these fabrics are too lightweight and prone to damage especially when your youngest becomes mobile and wants to practice their climbing skills! In a kid’s bedroom, you’ll want a strong fabric that can take the odd pull and is also easy to clean should they get dirty.

If you need help, give us a call on 0800 579 0501 and we can offer helpful advice. We can also provide safety devices to keep your blind cords out of reach.

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892 days ago

We are back on campus!

Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

We are back on campus! Study with us

We have re-opened our campuses and are excited to welcome students back after a Semester of online learning. Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi wish to acknowledge all our students and wider community who worked hard during a difficult time and persevered … View more
We are back on campus! Study with us

We have re-opened our campuses and are excited to welcome students back after a Semester of online learning. Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi wish to acknowledge all our students and wider community who worked hard during a difficult time and persevered through all the challenges. We cannot wait to welcome you all back and meet new whānau looking to pursue higher learning.

We are enrolling now for Semester 2! Nau mai, haere mai.
Find out more

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892 days ago

Popular ice cream product recalled

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Popular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination

The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including … View more
Popular ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has recalled a specific batch of their product due to a low level chemical (ethylene oxide) contamination

The ice cream product is the Häagen-Dazs brand Classic Collection Mini Cups (4x95mL) with the Best Before dates from the 04.07.2022 up to and including 21.07.2023.

Ethylene Oxide has been found in the vanilla cup. This chemical is normally used as a fumigant for controlling post-harvest insects, moulds, and pathogens in a variety of food however there is low risk from ingesting this amount.

This product is sold in Pak'n Save, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores throughout the North Island and can be returned to these stores for a full refund.

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894 days ago

Re-energise your morning with the Sunday Star-Times

mags4gifts.co.nz

Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52. Subscribe now by clicking here!

Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe now

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895 days ago

Terracotta planter

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

It’s easy to create this simple planter using a couple of terracotta pots and some Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own.

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896 days ago

DIY Double Glazing with Insulation Film

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Window insulation film works on the same principle as standard double glazing by creating a layer of still air in front of the glass that acts as insulation. DIY window insulation kits consist of clear plastic film for attaching to wooden window sashes or frames using double-sided adhesive tape. … View moreWindow insulation film works on the same principle as standard double glazing by creating a layer of still air in front of the glass that acts as insulation. DIY window insulation kits consist of clear plastic film for attaching to wooden window sashes or frames using double-sided adhesive tape. They cost a fraction of the price of double glazing yet offer good performance in reducing heat loss and condensation in your home, as well as preventing your sills and window dressings from going mouldy. You can pick up a kit from your local Mitre 10 or Bunnings.

Window insulation film is only designed to last one season, but it may remain intact for several years if your windows are in good condition and the film is undisturbed. Just be aware that adhesive tape used on the film may leave a stain if you leave it on for longer than one season.

Tips for installing
Installing DIY window insulation film is relatively easy – you only need a pair of scissors and a hair dryer.
• Make sure your window frames are dry and the paint is in good condition to avoid condensation forming inside the air gap.
• For wooden windows, applying a bead of sealant like silicone along the glass edge will further reduce the risk of moisture creeping into the air gap.
• Make sure your window pane is clean and streak free before putting the insulation up.

Step 1: Clean the Window
Clean the window thoroughly with an ammonia-based window cleaner and wipe it dry using a squeegee. Make sure that all of the window cleaner is wiped off, as it will dissolve the adhesive on the window film.

Step 2: Wet the glass with a light spray of water and baby shampoo
Fill a spray bottle with water and add a couple of drops of baby shampoo. Spray the mixture onto the window. This mixture helps the film stick to the window but still lets you slide the film around so you can fit it properly into the corners before the mixture dries.

Step 3: Measure and trim the film to size
Measure the window to see how large an area you need to cover, allowing at least two centimetres overlap for all four sides. Roll the window film out onto a flat horizontal surface and trim to size. Before you put the film on the window, start peeling the backing off the sticky side of the film. Use masking tape on both sides of one corner to get the peeling started.

Step 4: Put the window film onto the window
Once you’ve peeled off the top five to ten centimetres of backing, move the film up to the surface of the window. Start by putting the top two corners in place. Once the film is sitting in a good position you can slowly start to take the rest of the backing off.

Step 5: Remove the backing from window film as you go
Slowly peel the backing off in stages. Use a squeegee to flatten the film out onto the window as you go. Start the squeegee in the centre of the window and push out to the edges. As you work down the window, use the spray bottle to keep the surface as moist as possible. It will give you a much smoother finish.

Step 6: Remove the air bubbles from the window film
Once the squeegee has got the larger bubbles out, use the small plastic scraper to remove any smaller bubbles. You can work out any small pockets of water at the same time. Whatever small amounts of moisture are left will work with the adhesive on the film to create a bond to the window.

Step 7: Give the window film a final trim
When all the bubbles are out, take a sharp blade and give the film a final trim at the edges of the window. Once you’ve trimmed the edges, give the film one final scrape with the small plastic scraper. Tuck the corners in as hard as you can, squeegeeing towards the outside, working out the last remnants of water.

Remember Curtain Clean can help with those mouldy curtains, give us a call on 0800 579 0501 to find your local shop.

We would love to see or hear about your finished projects if you give them a try, please get in touch and let us know!

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897 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...

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898 days ago

Why aren’t Kiwis switching power providers?

NZ Compare

The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.

We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View more
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.

We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.

Need to keep it stress free? Call our NZ based team on 0508 226 672, it’s free!

We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Help me switch

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898 days ago

Give a little kindness this winter

Trade Me

Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.

Giving is easy – just pick, click and ‘Give Now’. Trade Me takes care of the rest. 100% of the donations go to the charities – Trade Me doesn’t take a cut.
Know more

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898 days ago

Are You Installing Double Glazing in Your Existing Window Spaces?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Often when installing double glazing in the existing window spaces you can end up with blinds that no longer fit within the window frame. Usually by around 30mm.

If you have either Roller Blinds or Faux Wood Venetian blinds, they can be shortened to fit the new frame. Here at Curtain Clean we … View more
Often when installing double glazing in the existing window spaces you can end up with blinds that no longer fit within the window frame. Usually by around 30mm.

If you have either Roller Blinds or Faux Wood Venetian blinds, they can be shortened to fit the new frame. Here at Curtain Clean we can do this for you.

We can either collect the blinds from your house or you can bring them into our workshop.

The information that we need is the measurement between each side of the window.
As sometimes windows are not parallel, please measure this about 50 mm form the top of the frame. See diagram. Please write this down for us.

The cost to cut down each blind starts at $50.00 depending on the size of the blind.

We also can clean and repair your blind at the same time.

We can record your blind if needed and we can replace cord locks or tiler mechanisms should that be needed.

Replacement slats may be available for broken slats. (Depending on the availability of the slat material that matches.)

For more information please email Curtain Clean at; sales@curtaincleaning.co.nz or call Curtain Clean on 075790501 or 08005790501.

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902 days ago

Time to escape your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View more
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.

To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
Share now

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902 days ago

Springtime craft

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Brighten up your life and home with these fun party cup dolls, beads of joy and blooming plant pots with your favourite Resene testpot colours.

Find out how to create your own.

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