Lake Matahina, Whakatane

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.

1006 days ago

Brilliant boards

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Transform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured… View moreTransform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured lines or a paint-brush riot – anything goes!

Find out how to create your own.

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1007 days ago

Over dealing with SLOW internet?!

The Team from NZ Compare

Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing … View more
Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing your favourite video games, Hyperfibre is going to give you the smoothest experience possible.

Feel the need for speed? Hyperfibre has launched on Broadband Compare. Go check it out now and see if it's right for you!

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1012 days ago

Extreme temperatures test housing materials!

Climate Insights

More than 400 weather stations around the world exceeded their record temperatures last year!

As one of the hottest years to date, there is an urgency to adapt our homes to these extreme events! Using resilient building materials can mitigate the effect of these events!

Check out our … View more
More than 400 weather stations around the world exceeded their record temperatures last year!

As one of the hottest years to date, there is an urgency to adapt our homes to these extreme events! Using resilient building materials can mitigate the effect of these events!

Check out our residential property report for insight into your property’s potential risks in the future!

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1008 days ago

Severe weather on East Coast

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

A state of emergency has been declared for locations on the East Coast. Check out this morning's breaking news from Stuff.co.nz.

- Severe flooding hits the Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay areas of Tairāwhiti.
- Two contractors are trapped near Anaura Bay, and a rescue operation is underway.
View more
A state of emergency has been declared for locations on the East Coast. Check out this morning's breaking news from Stuff.co.nz.

- Severe flooding hits the Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay areas of Tairāwhiti.
- Two contractors are trapped near Anaura Bay, and a rescue operation is underway.
- Tairāwhiti Civil Defence has ordered the evacuation of residents in the Mangatuna area north of Gisborne.
- The Hikuwai River reached 12.8 metres after 3am, a level higher than in flooding in 2020.
- State Highway 35 from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki, is closed because of flooding, slips and washouts.
- Power is out for around 755 customers in the Tokomaru Bay area.
- There are multiple slips in Tolaga Bay Gorge, with flooding across the road making it suitable only for four-wheel drives.
- Gisborne Civil Defence manager Ben Green told RNZ the rainfall overnight was almost "biblical".
- At least seven households have been evacuated.
- Rainfall is still heavy and there is more to come across the region, potentially another 150mm today.
- Parts of Bay of Plenty could also expect more than 200mm of rain to fall today.

For further information on the evolving situation, click here.

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1008 days ago

An update on our awesome team in the Ukraine

The Team from NZ Compare

NZ Compare proudly employ a workforce of incredibly talented and devoted individuals, who make up our website and technology development team. These individuals are based through out the Ukraine.

Like the rest of the world, we have been closely monitoring the terrible events unfolding in … View more
NZ Compare proudly employ a workforce of incredibly talented and devoted individuals, who make up our website and technology development team. These individuals are based through out the Ukraine.

Like the rest of the world, we have been closely monitoring the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine and are in daily meetings with our staff to confirm their safety and well-being.

Our wonderful developers are facing a climate of unpredictability, we felt it was our responsibility to ensure you, our wonderful Neighbours were both aware and understanding that this environment may cause delays to the many projects we have in the works for 2022.

To show support of our brilliant team, we have temporarily changed our logo on our NZ Compare website. WHICH has also been recently refreshed and looking better than ever thanks to this very team! Go check it out!

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1009 days ago

Do you have a great walnut recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for walnut recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before March 28, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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1009 days ago

Genius Uses for Vinegar (That Don't Involve Food)

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

More reasons why you should always have a bottle of vinegar on hand.

There are so many different vinegar uses that it is truly one of the most versatile items in your pantry. From cooking to cleaning to personal care, there are endless home uses for vinegar. In fact, there are very few things … View more
More reasons why you should always have a bottle of vinegar on hand.

There are so many different vinegar uses that it is truly one of the most versatile items in your pantry. From cooking to cleaning to personal care, there are endless home uses for vinegar. In fact, there are very few things you can’t clean with vinegar.

It’s important to note that there are many different types of vinegar and each has its own purpose. Balsamic and red wine vinegar are used mostly for cooking and salad dressing. White vinegar, while edible, is best used for cleaning purposes. Cleaning vinegar is dangerous to ingest and should only be used for that purpose. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most versatile types of vinegar, with just as many culinary uses as cleaning and other purposes.

Here are some genius vinegar uses you might not know about.

Vinegar as All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: Get rid of your chemical cleaning products and use vinegar instead. Mix one-part white vinegar and one part water in an empty spray bottle to clean everything from wood floors to countertops. To make the smell more pleasant, add 10-20 drops of any essential oil. Lemon is a particularly good choice because it helps to cut grease and odours.

Vinegar as Soap Scum Remover: Having trouble scrubbing that tough soap scum off your bathtub or shower doors? Pour some white vinegar or cleaning vinegar on a sponge and wipe. If you still have trouble removing the grime, put a little baking soda on a sponge and add a little more vinegar. It will fizz, making the dirt come up easily.

Vinegar as Clarifying Hair Treatment: If product build-up is making your hair feel oily, skip the clarifying shampoo and DIY your own using, you guessed it, vinegar. Combine one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water in an old shampoo or empty water bottle and shake it up. After shampooing your hair, towel dry and apply the solution evenly from roots to ends. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and conditioning.

Vinegar as Candle Wax Remover: Spilled candle wax is easy to remove with the help of vinegar. Just heat up the wax with a hair dryer and then sop it up with a paper towel. Remove any leftover wax with a paper towel soaked in a solution of half water and half vinegar.

Vinegar as Weed Killer: Stop using chemical weed killers in your garden. Vinegar is better for your family and pets. It’s best to use vinegar that has high acidity, such as Pure 20% Vinegar ($23; amazon.com), to apply to weeded areas. You can also combine a gallon of white vinegar with a cup of salt and a tablespoon of dish soap. Mix well and apply to the area.

Vinegar as Flea Spray for Your Pet: Want to treat Fido or Fluffy’s fleas naturally? After shampooing, apply a mixture using one part water to one part apple cider vinegar on your pet’s coat to create an unpleasant environment for fleas to live.

Vinegar as Carpet Stain Remover: Vinegar can help lift odours and get stains out of carpet. Soak the stain with white vinegar, and then sprinkle on some baking soda until the solution fizzes. Wait a few minutes for the stain to absorb and then vacuum up the powder. If the odour is bothersome, apply a drop or two of essential oil over the vinegar.

Vinegar as Stainless Steel Cleaner: No need to buy anything special to make your fridge shine. Spray undiluted white vinegar on stainless steel or chrome, then buff off with a polishing cloth.

Vinegar as Showerhead Cleaner: If your shower spray isn’t what it used to be, it could be clogged with minerals and gunk. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it over the showerhead using tape or rubber bands. Wait at least two hours and then run the water for a few minutes through the showerhead before using. You can also remove the showerhead and submerge it in the vinegar instead. Rinse off before reattaching.

Vinegar as Sweater Fluffer: Fluff up wool sweaters by adding a few capfuls of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Vinegar as Garbage Disposal Deodorizer: To deodorize a garbage disposal, make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through the drain.

More: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1012 days ago

APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON!

Since 1999, our residents and team members have raised more than $5 million for charities across New Zealand and Australia.

Supporting fellow pioneers isn’t new. It’s in our DNA. Learn more about becoming our charity partner for 2022/23.

Apply now.
Find out more

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1013 days ago

Rocking chair refresh

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Refresh and restore a beautiful old rocking chair with a simple but stylish new look with Resene Enamacryl.

Find out how to create your own.

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1014 days ago

Happy St Patrick's Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Today is a perfect time to stop and enjoy the company of your neighbours, friends and family!

The team at NZ Compare wish you all good health, good luck and happiness for 2022.

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1015 days ago

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Resene ColorShop

Get 20% off Resene premium products at Resene ColorShops and participating resellers:

- Paints
- Wood stains
- Primers
- Sealers
- Decorating accessories
- Wallpaper
View more
Get 20% off Resene premium products at Resene ColorShops and participating resellers:

- Paints
- Wood stains
- Primers
- Sealers
- Decorating accessories
- Wallpaper
- Cleaning products

Discounts off the normal retail price of Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, decorating accessories, wallpaper and cleaning products until 26 April 2022. Available only at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers or shop online. For details see 20% off sale.
Shop online

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1016 days ago

Boarding at Auckland Grammar School

Auckland Grammar School

Applications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2023. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and… View moreApplications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2023. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and activities, as well as nightly study guidance.

Boarding Scholarships are also available. Apply now.

To apply, visit our website to download an application form. Alternatively, contact the Director of Boarding, Mr Frank Haszard at f.haszard@ags.school.nz.
Apply now!

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1016 days ago

Why Clothes Are So Hard to Recycle

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Fast fashion is leading to a mountain of clothing being thrown away each year and has a huge impact on the environment, so can we turn our unwanted garments into something useful?

Open your wardrobe and be honest. How long was it since you last wore some of those clothes? Do you think it might … View more
Fast fashion is leading to a mountain of clothing being thrown away each year and has a huge impact on the environment, so can we turn our unwanted garments into something useful?

Open your wardrobe and be honest. How long was it since you last wore some of those clothes? Do you think it might be time for a clear out?

Languishing in the back of cupboards and bottom of drawers are outfits that don’t fit any more, items that have gone out of fashion, or even clothes that have never been worn. In fact, according to research conducted by sociologist Sophie Woodward at the University of Manchester, on average 12% of clothes in the wardrobes of women she studied could be considered “inactive”.

If you were brutal, you’ll probably manage to fill a bin-bag or two with clothes you no longer want or need. But what then?

Around 85% of all textiles thrown away in the US – roughly 13 million tonnes in 2017 – are either dumped into landfill or burned. The average American has been estimated to throw away around 37kg of clothes every year. And globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles waste is created each year and the equivalent to a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on landfill sites every second. By 2030, we are expected as a whole to be discarding more than 134 million tonnes of textiles a year.

Millions of tonnes of clothing, shoes and other textiles end up in landfill every year because very little is sent for recycling.

“The current fashion system uses high volumes of non-renewable resources, including petroleum, extracted to produce clothes that are often used only for a short period of time, after which the materials are largely lost to landfill or incineration,” says Chetna Prajapati, who studies ways of making sustainable textiles at Loughborough University in the UK.
“This system puts pressure on valuable resources such as water, pollutes the environment and degrades ecosystems in addition to creating societal impacts on a global scale.”

There are good reasons to seek out alternatives to chucking clothes in the bin – globally the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with textile production alone is estimated to release 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year. Vast amounts of water are also needed to produce the clothes we wear too and the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global waste water. (Read more about the impact our fashion addiction has on the planet.)

At the same time we are buying more clothes than ever – the average consumer now buys 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago. More than two tonnes of clothing are bought each minute in the UK, more than any other country in Europe. Globally, around 56 million tonnes of clothing are bought each year, and this is expected to rise to 93 million tonnes by 2030 and 160 million tonnes by 2050.

Globally just 12% of the material used for clothing ends up being recycled.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1020 days ago

Get ahead - buy heat patches early.

LIC

LIC's heat detection patches can improve accuracy as you lead into AI and help you identify more cows in heat. Set yourself up for success early and check one job off the list ahead of time - you'll thank yourself later.

Talk to your Agri Manager about ordering heat detection patches … View more
LIC's heat detection patches can improve accuracy as you lead into AI and help you identify more cows in heat. Set yourself up for success early and check one job off the list ahead of time - you'll thank yourself later.

Talk to your Agri Manager about ordering heat detection patches early for your herd or buy direct via the LIC Online Shop.
Shop now

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1020 days ago

Shape shifter

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Create one-of-a-kind artwork that’s inexpensive, eye-catching and easily made with simple shapes painted with Resene paints.

Find out how to create your own.

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