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Low levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.
Competenz has recently launched a new … View moreLow levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.
Competenz has recently launched a new micro-credential to improve the level of digital literacy in the manufacturing sector.
"With an aging workforce it’s imperative we enable companies to keep their tradesmen and craftsmen,” says Jahn Vannisselroy, Competenz Sector Manager. “This micro-credential, which we can tailor to a specific company, is giving people the confidence to meet technology head-on.”
The qualification is fully funded under the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) for employers who enrol their staff before 31 December 2022.
We have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone to the economy for many years.
Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and has played an important role in the economy ever since. For several … View moreWe have a soft spot for sheep. For many, sheep are symbolic to New Zealand culture with the rearing of sheep being the backbone to the economy for many years.
Sheep farming was established in New Zealand by the 1850s and has played an important role in the economy ever since. For several decades wool accounted for more than a third of New Zealand’s exports by value with the sheep population peaking at just over 70 million in 1982.
This number is significant when comparing it to New Zealand’s human population. By 2020, sheep numbers dropped to 26 million, following a decline in profitability compared to other types of farming, particularly dairying.
While also farmed for their meat, today’s article focuses on sheep wool and its environmental attributes.
Wool is a natural and renewable resource and as long as our beloved sheep are eating the tasty green pastures from New Zealand farms they will always produce wool. Wool has amazing properties that make it ideal for many applications from home textiles through to incontinence underwear.
At this point in time, cotton and synthetic fibres are the most commonly used and produced fibres globally, however their performance does not come close to wool, in particular the environmental benefits.
From wool to yarn: The wool clip (total yield of wool shorn during one season from the sheep) is sent to the scourers where the wool is cleaned and dried, and from there to a woollen spinner where the fibre is spun into yarn. The yarn is then sent on to the manufacturer of textile products where many different processes are involved.
The yarn is wound onto dye cones and dyed to the required colours. Next the yarn is warped onto beams. These warp beams are then threaded through the looms so that the weft yarn can run across the warp to create a woven fabric.
The fabric is then inspected and then washed and dried. Very few chemicals are used in the processing, typically only water and heat.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Is your home starting to look a little dreary and in need of a fresh coat of paint or a pick me up with colour?
Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop between 5-31 August 2021, buy 1 testpot 60-80ml and get 1 FREE! Plus get 25% off Resene premium paint, primers, sealers and stains 10L. … View moreIs your home starting to look a little dreary and in need of a fresh coat of paint or a pick me up with colour?
Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop between 5-31 August 2021, buy 1 testpot 60-80ml and get 1 FREE! Plus get 25% off Resene premium paint, primers, sealers and stains 10L.
Offers available with your Resene DIY Card. If you don’t have a card you can sign up free in store or online
Masters Study
Meet Hinerangi Busby who shares her journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
I am a graduate of the marae-centred programme, Te Pouhono, transforming Māori communities, promoting mātauranga-a-hapū, a-iwi. My participation took me to the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori,… View moreMasters Study
Meet Hinerangi Busby who shares her journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
I am a graduate of the marae-centred programme, Te Pouhono, transforming Māori communities, promoting mātauranga-a-hapū, a-iwi. My participation took me to the Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori, and then postgraduate study.
Awanuiārangi centres you. This is the nurturing space of Māori researchers, with the support of academic and professional staff; this all transpires from an authentic indigenous and traditional Māori environment.
My studies have empowered me to play a more pro-active role in whānau and hapū affairs. Instead of being angry at a past that we cannot change, let’s become part of the solution for positive change.
We've had hundreds of community hero shout outs on our Nice Neighbour page, with some even featuring in Stuff's local community papers. It's easy for you to chime in to those raving reviews, all you've got to do is nominate your community champion and be in with a chance to win … View moreWe've had hundreds of community hero shout outs on our Nice Neighbour page, with some even featuring in Stuff's local community papers. It's easy for you to chime in to those raving reviews, all you've got to do is nominate your community champion and be in with a chance to win a Prezzy® Card. Have a think and get nominating now!
These curtains are looking as good as new after being treated for mould removal. If you have orange or black spots on your curtains - that is most likely mould! It loves a combination of dust, damp, and heat. It can smell very musty, especially if left to grow. We are experts in mould removal and … View moreThese curtains are looking as good as new after being treated for mould removal. If you have orange or black spots on your curtains - that is most likely mould! It loves a combination of dust, damp, and heat. It can smell very musty, especially if left to grow. We are experts in mould removal and ensure curtains are treated with no colour loss - if you have any questions feel free to give us a call and we can have a chat. 0800 579 0501
When researching or reading about different fabrics, you are likely to see the word yarn mentioned a lot. ‘Made from spun yarns’ or ‘with synthetic yarns’ are a couple of examples. But what is yarn? What is spun yarn? Are there other types? What does it all mean, and how much relevance does… View moreWhen researching or reading about different fabrics, you are likely to see the word yarn mentioned a lot. ‘Made from spun yarns’ or ‘with synthetic yarns’ are a couple of examples. But what is yarn? What is spun yarn? Are there other types? What does it all mean, and how much relevance does this bear to your final fabric? That’s what we are here to look at in a little more detail.
What is Yarn?
Yarn is a length of fibres. That’s the simplest way to explain it. It is a continuous length of fibres which are interlocked, and it’s used to produce fabrics, as well as in crocheting, knitting, embroidery and ropemaking.
This means that we can split yarn into two different ‘categories’ of sorts. The thread that is used for embroidery or in sewing machines, as well as yarn (commonly known as balls-of-wool) used in crafts such as knitting or crocheting, are long lengths that are bought as yarns.
The alternative would be a yarn which is then knitted or woven into a fabric. The textile is then bought as fabric, in lengths, rather than the yarn itself being purchased separately. This second description is the one that we will explore further in this post.
What is Yarn Made From?
Yarn can be made from such a variety of different fibres. This includes both natural and synthetic fibres. The most common plant fibre is cotton, however, you can also use other natural fibres such as bamboo. Alongside cotton, the synthetic polyester fibre makes up the two most commonly used fibres. Animal fibres are also often used, such as wool, harvested from sheep, as well as cashmere (harvested from goats) Angora (from rabbits) and silk (from insect larvae).
What is the Difference Between Spun and Filament Yarn?
Spun yarn is made by twisting staple fibres together in either an S or Z twist, to make a single thread. The process of twisting the fibres together into yarn is called spinning and it was one of the first processed to be industrialised. Spun yarns can contain a single type of fibre, or you can spin various types of fibre together to give you a blend.
Filament yarn is made up of filament fibres which are either twisted together or simply grouped together. It can either be composed of one filament, which is called a monofilament, or it could be made of more than one, in which case it would be known as a multifilament. This can be as few as two or three filament fibres, or even up to 50, or more.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Dear neighbours,
Please meet Alyce Read of Nelson, who uses her houseplant collection to connect with others and help them overcome mental health challenges. "You wouldn’t take a plant and put it in a dark corner and fail to water it and expect it to thrive. So we should look at ourselves … View moreDear neighbours,
Please meet Alyce Read of Nelson, who uses her houseplant collection to connect with others and help them overcome mental health challenges. "You wouldn’t take a plant and put it in a dark corner and fail to water it and expect it to thrive. So we should look at ourselves that way," she says. "If we are not thriving in the way that we would wish, it might not be any fault of ours, it might be the conditions that we are under."
All it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. From giving flowers to a neighbour ‘just because’ to paying it forward in line at a cafe - this month we’re encouraging our members and supporters to make New Zealand a better place one random act of kindness at a time.
The options … View moreAll it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. From giving flowers to a neighbour ‘just because’ to paying it forward in line at a cafe - this month we’re encouraging our members and supporters to make New Zealand a better place one random act of kindness at a time.
The options for doing so are endless! Being kind doesn’t have to cost a thing, after all a smile is free. For those who want to go the extra mile, here’s some other ideas: take a gift over to new neighbours and introduce yourself, build a free community library for your street, buy extra kai at the grocery store to donate to a food bank, bring treats into work for colleagues, send an encouraging text to someone who needs it, let a car into the traffic ahead of you, write positive messages in chalk on sidewalks around your neighbourhood, or surprise loved ones with a visit.
Want to share your thoughts? Let us know how you’re spreading kindness this month by tagging us in your social media posts or emailing us your photos, videos, or experiences to:
info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz through our online job board, we have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your organisation.
Find your next apprentice with Competenz!
Are you a small business owner looking to make better use of the online space?
Digital Boost is a free online learning platform packed with 3-5 minute educational videos on topics like:
- Websites
- Digital marketing/social media
- Online tools
- Digital accounting
- Business insights, … View moreAre you a small business owner looking to make better use of the online space?
Digital Boost is a free online learning platform packed with 3-5 minute educational videos on topics like:
- Websites
- Digital marketing/social media
- Online tools
- Digital accounting
- Business insights, feedback and reporting
- Future technologies
Plus, pick up tips and tricks from our interviews with other small business owners across the nation.
The future is digital and we want your business to be part of it.
If you enjoy growing your own potted plants and would like a stylish way of displaying them inside the home, then this month's project could be just what you need. I've been admiring living walls and hanging gardens for some time now, and decided to create an achievable small-scale … View moreIf you enjoy growing your own potted plants and would like a stylish way of displaying them inside the home, then this month's project could be just what you need. I've been admiring living walls and hanging gardens for some time now, and decided to create an achievable small-scale version to house small pots and fresh herbs in my kitchen. These shelves are affordable and easy to make, and ideal for apartments and smaller homes without much garden space.
For this project you will need:
• 1 length of untreated pine 20mm thick and 120mm wide
• Hand saw or skill saw, sandpaper
• Drill with 72mm hole saw drill bit and 7.5mm drill bit (for 7mm rope)
• 9 x 9cm terracotta pots
• White synthetic general purpose rope 7mm x 10m, 8 x white plastic cable ties
• Resene Colorwood Whitewash, speed brush or synthetic paintbrush
• Various herbs or small plants
Step one: Cut your length of pine into three pieces, each 600mm long. You can do this with either a hand saw or a skill saw. Once cut, give them a sand.
Step two: Measure out the placement of your holes that will hold the terracotta pots. I spaced mine out at 150mm centres. Repeat these markings for all three lengths of timber.
Step three: Using a drill with a hole saw attachment, cut out 72mm (D) sized holes to fit your terracotta pots. I practised first on a spare cut of timber I had lying around, to make sure that the hole I was drilling was the right size. For my 9cm pots, I found that 72mm ensured a good fit. Tidy up each hole with a light sand.
Step four: Now you need to cut the holes for your rope. Measure in 20mm from each corner and mark your drilling spot. Use a 7.5mm drill bit to make one hole in each corner (the size drill bit you use will depend on the thickness of the rope you are using to hang your shelves – adjust accordingly). Repeat for all three lengths of timber.
Step five: To achieve a fresh, clean look I used Resene Colorwood Whitewash interior wood stain. There are lots of colours to choose from, so you could pick whichever best suits the timber you are using and where the finished project will be hanging. I applied two coats of Whitewash using a speed brush, or synthetic brush.
Step six: Cut your rope into four equal lengths and thread each length through the corner holes of your shelves starting from the bottom. Tie each length of rope into a knot on the underside of the bottom shelf, so the bottom shelf rests on these knots.
Step seven: Adjust the placement of your shelves until you get them evenly spaced. Make sure you allow room for the pots to sit in the shelves, and room for your plants to grow of course. I spaced my shelves at 200mm apart. Secure the undersides of your remaining shelves with cable ties, they are a good solution because they aren't hugely visible and they don't budge. Trim the long ends of the cable ties once in place.
Step eight: Add your pots and plants, and hang in your chosen spot. Make sure that you use hooks that can safely take the weight of your shelves.
DIY with pictures: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Join the movement to help make Aotearoa a better place to live!
Hi Neighbours, back to school has thrown your routine into chaos? HelloFresh has dinner sorted for you. With our +20 quick and easy recipes (covering a range of dietary needs with new ones added every week!), dinner time will become a delicious breeze🌿
With no lock-in contracts, you can … View moreHi Neighbours, back to school has thrown your routine into chaos? HelloFresh has dinner sorted for you. With our +20 quick and easy recipes (covering a range of dietary needs with new ones added every week!), dinner time will become a delicious breeze🌿
With no lock-in contracts, you can pause, skip or cancel your subscription at any time. You can also switch up your plan sizes and delivery times to suit your household and schedule.
Sign up today and get up to $100 off across your first 4 boxes with code “NEIGHBOUR”. All you need to do is cook!
Are you aged 60+? If so, go to BookMyVaccine.nz now to reserve your spot to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
You can be vaccinated at any point from now – there’s no cut off.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your whānau from COVID-19.
The stronger our immunity, the … View moreAre you aged 60+? If so, go to BookMyVaccine.nz now to reserve your spot to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
You can be vaccinated at any point from now – there’s no cut off.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your whānau from COVID-19.
The stronger our immunity, the greater our possibilities.
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