Matahina Forest, Whakatane

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939 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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939 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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940 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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943 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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944 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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949 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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946 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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946 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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946 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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947 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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952 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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948 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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948 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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949 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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949 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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