Port Whangarei, Whangarei

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Why not share a snap to be in to win spot prizes! (and the title of NZ's Merriest Home)

107 days ago

Poll: What's your sleep secret?

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

From winding down with calming music to sipping herbal tea, everyone has their own bedtime ritual. What's yours? Vote below and drop a comment, let's swap sleep secrets!
#sleeproutine

Image
What's your sleep secret?
  • 55.4% Relaxing with a Book
    55.4% Complete
  • 10.7% Unplugging from Screens
    10.7% Complete
  • 16.1% Listening to Music
    16.1% Complete
  • 17.9% Practicing Relaxation Techniques
    17.9% Complete
56 votes
107 days ago

What's your favourite rhubarb recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.

Image
108 days ago

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made … View more
Get 20% off Resene’s huge range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free on testpots. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
Find out more

Image
125 days ago

What's the best way to keep grocery shopping bills down?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are still feeling the pinch and the weekly shop is no different. So we are after your cost-saving tips please, neighbours!

What’s the best way you've found to cut down on your grocery bill? Share below (and hear tips from others!)

Image
111 days ago

Poll: Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

To prevent further youth crime, the government has proposed stays at military-style camps for up to 12 months for young offenders. Do you think the camps will be successful in rehabilitating youth who commit crimes?

Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Are the proposed youth military camps a good idea?
  • 71.1% Yes
    71.1% Complete
  • 28.1% No
    28.1% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
1976 votes
111 days ago

Keep The Doctor Away With The Good Night Sleep

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

It is officially that time of the year when we need to be cautious about the flu in the air. Many people who are extremely sensitive and catch flu very easily. Even when they make sure that they get their room or even the entire house disinfected.

There is one very tiny thing which many people … View more
It is officially that time of the year when we need to be cautious about the flu in the air. Many people who are extremely sensitive and catch flu very easily. Even when they make sure that they get their room or even the entire house disinfected.

There is one very tiny thing which many people miss out and are not even aware of. You would be surprised to know that not sleeping well deeply affects the immune system, metabolism, reflexes and many other natural processes inside the body. Sleeping well is essential not just for the season of flu, but it should be done throughout the year.


Your body’s immune system gets stronger with this very simple yet very effective habit. A healthy immune system allows you to freely enjoy and do the things that you cherish and that too without an age bar. Even if you have crossed your 70’s and have a strong immune system, you can even expect your body to allow you to do a hardcore workout on a daily basis and for this, all you need to do is, get ample sleep.

Here are some examples and theories which tell us how sleep is so important for a healthy immune system

1. Lack of sleep affects your immune system.

The immune system has multiple processes, and thus it is very complex. There are various cells present in our body, and the white blood cells are responsible for fighting the diseases or keeping the immunity strong. Another type of the white blood cells are T-cells which are mostly focused on destroying the viruses and the bacteria.

The scientists have found through research and study that if you are not sleeping well, the amount of the T-cells can tremendously decrease. With the lack of T-cells, the defence mechanism of the body slows down, and the flu and other viruses can easily infect you.

When you are not getting enough sleep that your body needs, the inflammatory cytokines which are another kind of cells in our body, start increasing.

Although the increase of these cells leads to damage of tissues to a certain level only, it does enough damage which adds to the lack of T-cells and then makes the body very weak and it is eventually succumbed by the flu and other diseases.

2. Lack of sleep can also reduce the response to the fever

Surely nobody likes to have a fever as it a very miserable and uncomfortable feeling, but what we do not know is that fever is also a trick played by the immune system. The extra heat of the body during a fever kills the germs and viruses infecting the body.

When you have a fever, you must have noticed that while you are asleep, your body temperature is higher. This shows that while your body is in the rest mode, the immunity will be stronger. The body takes the advantage of being in no motion, and the disease-fighting cells will get more charged up to fight the against the infection.

When you are not well, it becomes more important to get a sound sleep. This helps your body to get well faster and become strong to fight against any other infections.

3. Extra sleep will not help your immune system

If you are taking the right amount of rest (nine to ten hours of sleep for kids and teens, and seven to eight hours for the grown-ups), you can expect to have a healthy immune system.

Just like all other good habits, an excess of sleep is also not so good. You also need to have healthy habits along with sound sleep. Like working late night and then sleeping till afternoon can also be bad for you. Best thing is to sleep early, have your meals at routine intervals, and also give some workout to your body.

Sometimes it is even your mattress which you should consider replacing if you are not able to sleep for at least 7 hours in one stretch. An uncomfortable mattress can give you a body ache and a bad posture in the long run. If you need help in finding the right mattress for yourself, do consider having a word with your friends at Beds4U. At Beds4U we can assure you that you will be able to find the right mattress for a comfortable sleep. Stop by today to find the perfect mattress for you!

Image
111 days ago

Create your own water garden

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whangarei

Enjoy water-loving plants in any part of your garden with this easy-to-build water planter finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

Image
136 days ago

Show us your winter craft or DIY projects

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.

Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may … View more
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.

Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!

111 days ago

LOVE TO DANCE | Applications open now!

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View more
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community’s love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!

Know someone who could use our support? Click read more to apply!

Image
111 days ago

Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday August 29th

Geoff from Central Whangarei

Good People

PLEASE NOTE - There will be NO screening on THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST at Forum North as the venue is not available to us.

But on Thursday the 29th August at 6pm, WFS will be screening the powerful French Film, Sitting Duck, starring Isabelle Huppert.

Our 8pm screening is the … View more
Good People

PLEASE NOTE - There will be NO screening on THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST at Forum North as the venue is not available to us.

But on Thursday the 29th August at 6pm, WFS will be screening the powerful French Film, Sitting Duck, starring Isabelle Huppert.

Our 8pm screening is the dramatic comedy, The Great Escaper, the final film in the careers of both Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson.

SITTING DUCK
France/Germany (subtitles), 2023, Drama
106 mins, Rated M (offensive language)
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Yvan Attal, Marina Foïs

Based on a true story, Maureen Kearney, is the head of the French nuclear workers union. She becomes a national figure when she discovers illegal top-secret deals and corruption in the French nuclear sector. But rather than being celebrated for her work, Kearney is isolated and vilified by the federal minister and nuclear industry operators, who position her as the one responsible for the scandal.

Kearney must now fight the government to bring the real culprits to justice to defend not only her reputation but also save the jobs of 50,000 nuclear industry workers who are threatened with dismissal.

Simply brilliant. Isabelle Huppert has the skill to tell us everything we need to know, while giving nothing away. - AFR

View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...

Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday 29th August at 6pm and at Thursday 12th September at 8pm.

Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. $15 Non members.

All welcome. Cash only please.

Like us on Facebook or sign up for our free newsletter at whangareifilmsociety.org

118 days ago

Future Development Strategy consultation

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Consultation is open on our draft Future Development Strategy, a roadmap for managing growth over the next 30 years.

Ever thought about city layout, housing types, protecting rural areas or future industries? Or even just wondered how you'd like Whangarei District to look when you're … View more
Consultation is open on our draft Future Development Strategy, a roadmap for managing growth over the next 30 years.

Ever thought about city layout, housing types, protecting rural areas or future industries? Or even just wondered how you'd like Whangarei District to look when you're 30 years older? This consultation is for you.

We're running three drop-in sessions to discuss the draft face-to-face:
💬 14 August 2024, 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Kamo High School Library, 1 Wilkinson Avenue, Te Kamo
💬 19 August 2024, 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Te Iwitahi (the civic building), 9 Rust Avenue
💬 22 August 2024, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Bream Bay Community Support Trust, 9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā

Or you can download the whole draft (or the summary), see the consultation schedule and have your say here:
www.wdc.govt.nz...

Image
114 days ago

Whau Valley Dam is completely full

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Despite lower-than-average rainfall so far in 2024, this reservoir of over 1.8 million cubic metres reached full capcity earlier this month.

The Whau Valley Dam is directly connected to our new Whau Valley Water Treatment Plant which supplies reservoirs throughout the Whangārei Supply Area. The… View more
Despite lower-than-average rainfall so far in 2024, this reservoir of over 1.8 million cubic metres reached full capcity earlier this month.

The Whau Valley Dam is directly connected to our new Whau Valley Water Treatment Plant which supplies reservoirs throughout the Whangārei Supply Area. The Bream Bay area is serviced by Wilson's Dam (also full).

Image
119 days ago

Road repairs

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Several of the 172 road sites sealed last summer have since lost patches of chip, causing problems for drivers, council and our contractors.

We are keeping the sites as safe as possible while the weather and temperatures improve enough for permanent repairs.

This includes weekly checks when… View more
Several of the 172 road sites sealed last summer have since lost patches of chip, causing problems for drivers, council and our contractors.

We are keeping the sites as safe as possible while the weather and temperatures improve enough for permanent repairs.

This includes weekly checks when contractors are sweeping or removing loose chip as required.

Some sites have continued to lose chip quite rapidly after a sweep. This can make it look like they have not been swept. We arrange re-sweeps when that happens.

We have put temporary traffic management in place for the high speed rural environments where this happened, with signs warning drivers of the hazard and announcing speed limits.

Under the terms of our contracts, the cost of this management and safety work, and the final permanent repairs, are being carried by the relevant contractors – not Council or the ratepayer.

We are investigating the reason for these failures so we can avoid these situations in future.

Image
C
114 days ago

TV Reception

Cushla from Tikipunga

Whats going on with the TV reception up here?????

113 days ago

Poll: Sleep Struggles: Share Your Top Obstacle!

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

Hi Neighbours, We all face challenges when getting a good night’s rest.

We want to hear from you whether it's stress, noise, an uncomfortable mattress, or an irregular sleep schedule! Vote below your top sleep obstacle and share how you’re overcoming it.

Your insights might help … View more
Hi Neighbours, We all face challenges when getting a good night’s rest.

We want to hear from you whether it's stress, noise, an uncomfortable mattress, or an irregular sleep schedule! Vote below your top sleep obstacle and share how you’re overcoming it.

Your insights might help others find a better night’s sleep!

#beds4u #sleep

Image
Sleep Struggles: Share Your Top Obstacle!
  • 51.4% Stress and anxiety
    51.4% Complete
  • 12.2% Noisy environment
    12.2% Complete
  • 12.2% Uncomfortable mattress
    12.2% Complete
  • 24.3% Irregular sleep schedule
    24.3% Complete
74 votes
Top