Lake Matahina, Whakatane

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954 days ago

Poll: When did you last switch power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

Power bills are pesky, it's just one of those things every household has to manage.

If you're stuck with it, then make sure it works for you. We want to know when was the last time you switched power providers?

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When did you last switch power providers?
  • 54% More than 6 months ago
    54% Complete
  • 12.4% In the last 6 months
    12.4% Complete
  • 33.5% No idea, don't even want to look at it!
    33.5% Complete
820 votes
954 days ago

Poll: Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

View more
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Excerpts of the nominations are below but click the business name to read it in full. When you've made your choice, go ahead and cast your vote!
____________________________________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
"Turua Gallery in St Heliers not only brings beautiful artwork to the community, the owners Dean and Melissa also do amazing things for charities...They are just so generous and community-minded that it would be great for something nice to happen for them!"

BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
"Michaela and Jon from Full Cycle Bikes in Whakatane go above and beyond in their support of our local biking community. Their generosity sees local families receiving free bikes through the Whanaū on Wheels programme. Many events exist because of their sponsorship. They are good, kind people who do an awful lot that flies under the radar."

CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
"I nominate Robert Fenwick from our local Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi. Always a friendly face and always helpful. Robert and staff had to remain open right through the lockdown, really putting themselves on the line. He's been through earthquakes, power cuts, floods and bereavement and he still opens with friendly conversation and a smile."

HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
"Bayon Cafe and Bakery at 18 Carlyle St, Napier. Lovely family-run business with great coffee and the best, large slices of carrot cake in Napier. They also collect for funds to supply educational reading materials for children in their home country, Cambodia."

MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
"NZ Bulbs (Aorangi Nurseries) run by Paul and Len Hoek had a very positive impact during the Covid lockdowns...During the extended lockdowns, their operation kept many people employed and their direct to consumer flower sales brought a touch of colour and break from the monotony to many people. "

NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
"Caroline and Pete of Victoria Gardens, Motueka, are always helpful and cheerful, selling excellent spray-free fruit that they have grown themselves. They looked after their customers through all the lockdowns, even in the face of having to restore their greenhouses and gardens after the disastrous Boxing Day hailstorm of 2020."

NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
"On the main street of Hikurangi, Or Near Offer Boutique offers all sorts of second-hand goods and clothing. The owner, Tracey, really enhances the community spirit of Hikurangi with her friendly and welcoming manner and her beautifully creative, artistic shop exterior shows a truly entrepreneurial spirit. She's very involved in the community and is an inspiration to many in Hikurangi."

OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
"Otautau Tractors & Machinery play a big part in keeping the farming industry going in western Southland by being always on call for repairs. Quite often the doors are still open after closing time. The owner, Grant is a volunteer in the Otautau fire brigade, and he is always sponsoring and donating to local groups, even parking classic cars out front for locals to enjoy."

TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
"Waitara Bin Inn go the extra mile for their customers,...On a couple of occasions that I know of, items were dropped off a couple of hours north of the shop to customers. Paul has delivered the compost and potting mix for customers so that they didn't have to lift it. All staff have the right attitude of wanting to help you."

WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
"The local pub at Whatawhata make great fish n chips with generous servings. They're lifesavers - always there when the power is out on the Raglan side of the Waipa River. We've just had two full days out of power thanks to 'Cyclone Dovi' and they have come through once again. Local saviours!"

WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
"Page 42 Cafe are great employers who grow the skills of local youth, with a fantastic culture set by the owner Josh. During the pandemic, they had free coffee for critical workers and "Pay what you can afford" days - people can get a meal for $1, or pay more than the menu price to "pay it forward". Constant community support!"

Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 11.1% AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
    11.1% Complete
  • 4.9% BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
    4.9% Complete
  • 16.9% CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
    16.9% Complete
  • 5.6% HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
    5.6% Complete
  • 9.9% MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
    9.9% Complete
  • 8.1% NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
    8.1% Complete
  • 4.7% NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
    4.7% Complete
  • 3.5% OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
    3.5% Complete
  • 7.7% TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
    7.7% Complete
  • 6.2% WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
    6.2% Complete
  • 21.4% WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
    21.4% Complete
1050 votes
954 days ago

Do you have a great local cafe?

Stuff

...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of… View more
...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of great places that deserve our support.
Recommend it here!

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955 days ago

Do Curtains Help to Keep Much Heat Inside Your Home?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Do you feel like you’re losing heat from your rooms in the winter months no matter how high you crank the heater? Using the right curtains will result in a warmer, healthier home, and savings on your energy bill.

Are curtains good for insulation?
- Absolutely. Curtains reduce the amount of … View more
Do you feel like you’re losing heat from your rooms in the winter months no matter how high you crank the heater? Using the right curtains will result in a warmer, healthier home, and savings on your energy bill.

Are curtains good for insulation?
- Absolutely. Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. For keeping heat inside the home, high quality curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%, particularly if they are floor length and close to the wall and window panes. The insulation efficiency depends on the fabric type (closed or open weave), colour and weight.

While double-glazing is another effective method of preventing heat loss from windows, curtains and drapes can also make a room look and feel cosier when it’s cold outside, particularly if you choose plush or heavy fabrics.

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

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958 days ago

Meal planning with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted

Stuff

Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole … View more
Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole family, sent to your inbox on Saturday mornings. As a bonus you'll also get our Weekend Baking collection, perfect for filling the baking tins, lunchboxes, or that 4pm gap.

Subscribe by 5pm on 4 April and go in the draw to win a 65" Sony TV. For details and T&Cs see here.

Sign up here (it's free!).
Find out more

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958 days ago

Sit back and stream the best shows of 2022!

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey Neighbours!
We're all feeling a bit tired lately, you don't even need a reason to just make a cuppa, sit down and relax to the best shows to stream right now!

But with all the choice… it can be hard to actually find good shows to watch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t … View more
Hey Neighbours!
We're all feeling a bit tired lately, you don't even need a reason to just make a cuppa, sit down and relax to the best shows to stream right now!

But with all the choice… it can be hard to actually find good shows to watch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you.

We’ve covered the best shows to watch on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Neon right now.

Plus, we’ve got the lowdown on which broadband providers are offering free subscriptions to these streaming services!!

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959 days ago
959 days ago

Work with Apata and be in to win $1000 in weekly prizes!

Apata

Work’s way more fun when you’re winning, and that’s why Apata has heaps of rewards and sweet giveaways for 2022 March to June seasonal staff!

You can also choose to work the days and hours that suit you best. There’s also BP cards and New World vouchers on offer just for signing up or … View more
Work’s way more fun when you’re winning, and that’s why Apata has heaps of rewards and sweet giveaways for 2022 March to June seasonal staff!

You can also choose to work the days and hours that suit you best. There’s also BP cards and New World vouchers on offer just for signing up or referring a friend. *T&C’s apply
Find out more

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961 days ago

End of financial year is here!

Lucy from JBA Accountants & Business Advisors

31st March 2022 is the end of the financial year. And it's nearly here! Here are a few things you can do for your business to get your records in order. On 31st march you will need to;

* Do a stock take of all items for sale in your business and
its value.
* Count all the cash in the till… View more
31st March 2022 is the end of the financial year. And it's nearly here! Here are a few things you can do for your business to get your records in order. On 31st march you will need to;

* Do a stock take of all items for sale in your business and
its value.
* Count all the cash in the till and record the total amount.
* Make sure all items in Xero are reconciled and balances
match.
* Make a list of all the invoices you have sent out, but have
not been paid to you yet, on the date of 31st March.
* Make a list of all the bills that have come in to you , that
you are yet to pay on 31st of March.
* Keep all statements that come in to you from banks,
insurance companies, investment companies etc,
particularly over the next month or so.

Tip: This is just some of the information your accountant will need to do your annual accounts. If you start gathering up this information now it will save you having to hunt for it for it down the track

If you have questions about this contact us;
Phone: 027 6156145 or 8671905
email: admin@jba.net.nz

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963 days ago

How to Look After Your Upholstery

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING: What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the … View more
In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future reoccurrence.

CROCKING: What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the transfer of excess dye from one surface to another due to rubbing and friction. The issue is increased by certain atmospheric conditions such as humidity and temperature.

Likely cause: In a situation where the dye is transferring out of the upholstery fabric (for instance a red fabric is turning pink) it will usually be a result of either poor quality dyes used during textile manufacturing or that the dyes were not set correctly during the dyeing and finishing process. Crocking can also occur when dye is transferred from an outside source onto the upholstery fabric, for instance a pair of new jeans can transfer blue dye on to your sofa giving it a grubby appearance.

Remedy: The key thing to establish with crocking is whether the discolouration is due to dye transferring out of your upholstery fabric or on to it from an external source. If it is transferring out of the fabric then it is important to check that some substance e.g. a solvent based product, has not come into contact with the fabric and affected the dyes. If all of the above can be ruled out then a genuine fabric issue may be the cause and the fabric will need to be replaced from another batch or alternative fabric.

FADING: What is it? Discolouration or lightening of the dye in a fabric due to exposure to ultraviolet light. Constant exposure to high levels of direct ultraviolet light can also result in fibre degradation, causing the fabric fibres to become brittle, which may result in areas of breakage.

Likely Cause: It is important to note that no fabric is 100% colourfast (resistant to fading), however discolouration can generally be attributed to the use of poor quality dyes during fabric manufacturing or due to constant direct exposure to ultraviolet light with inadequate protection. Ironically ultraviolet damage occurs more during the winter months when the sun is sitting lower in the sky and sun filters/curtains are often left open during the day to increase light flow into a room.

Remedy: Once an upholstery fabric has faded there is nothing that can be done to reverse the issue other than recovering the affected piece of furniture. It is therefore very important that furniture is positioned to protect it from constant direct sunlight and of course the use of quality sun-filters and lined curtains at the window will help to reduce your furniture’s exposure to harmful UV light. Regular rotation of reversible cushions is advisable so that both fading and wear occur evenly. We also recommend rotating the placement of your furniture in relation to exposed windows for the same reason.

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

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963 days ago

Your warm and cosy winter home

The Warehouse

Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up … View more
Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up your spaces with our growing range of sustainable and affordable cushions, throws, and furniture.

Start adding your layers today and by the time winter really kicks in, you'll be ready to kick back and relax.
Find out more

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968 days ago

Australian floods - reminder of climate impacts!

Climate Insights

As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of … View more
As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of these events can be devastating!

Using the Climate Insights residential property tool, you can identify any risks that your home may face in the future with a changing climate. This information, along with adaptation options, allows you to prepare!

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965 days ago

Make meal planning easy with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted newsletter

Stuff

Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole … View more
Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole family, sent to your inbox on Saturday mornings. As a bonus you'll also get our Weekend Baking collection, perfect for filling the baking tins, lunchboxes, or just that 4pm gap.

Subscribe by 5pm on 4 April and go in the draw to win a 65" Sony TV. For details and T&Cs see here.

Sign up here (it's free!).
Find out more

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965 days ago

*WIN* with your best Neighbourly story!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's … View more
Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's experiences with Neighbourly. It doesn't have to be anything momentous; some of the simplest stories are the most heart-warming.
Share your story

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966 days ago

Odd questions people from overseas ask about NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ … View more
Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ is a state of Australia (see below). Have you ever been asked anything surprising about NZ? Feel free to message me or comment below. Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in the article. Thanks very much for your help and happy travels.

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