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St Andrew's Church, 100 St Andrews Road, Epsom.
Thursday 25th September, 7.30pm
With Guest Speakers Professor Neil Dodgson, Reverend Hilary Willett and Kit Willett. Followed by refreshments
See details below
Maintenance tips
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Although tedious, a bit of TLC will keep your dryer in tip-top condition. Here are some simple maintenance tips:
The heat exchangers in condenser dryers get clogged with fluff circulating in the air. Clean the heat exchanger at least 4 or 5 times a year.
The … View moreMaintenance tips
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Although tedious, a bit of TLC will keep your dryer in tip-top condition. Here are some simple maintenance tips:
The heat exchangers in condenser dryers get clogged with fluff circulating in the air. Clean the heat exchanger at least 4 or 5 times a year.
The water reservoirs in condenser and heat-pump dryers need to be emptied after nearly every load. This is easier if the reservoir is at the top of your dryer rather than the bottom – and you can avoid the hassle completely by plumbing your machine to a drain.
Lint filters should be cleaned after every load. This improves drying efficiency and reduces the risk of fire. Cleaning will be easier if the lint filter’s near the front of your machine or on the door. Some dryers have more filters than others.
Sensors won't work effectively unless you wipe the drum with white vinegar or stainless-steel cleaner every few months.
Troubleshooting your sensor dryer
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Is your sensor clothes dryer stopping short of drying your clothes? A sensor clothes dryer should detect when a load is dry and stop running. This prevents over-drying, which can damage your clothes. Because it’s not running any longer than it needs to, you’ll save money on your power bill too. But what if your clothes dryer stops and you open the door to a still-damp load?
Troubleshooting tips
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If you’re having trouble getting your sensor dryer to fully dry a load, try these tips:
Clean the moisture sensors: These are 2 metal strips that are usually inside the drum underneath the door. Over time, residue from washing powder and fabric softener can accumulate on the sensors, which reduces sensitivity. To clean them, switch the dryer off at the wall and wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Sort your load: Mixed loads – for example, lightweight T-shirts and heavyweight jeans – can be challenging for a sensor dryer. For even results, dry similar-weight items together.
Use the right setting: Clothes dryers are becoming more sophisticated, with settings for different fabrics and items such as sheets and sportswear. It pays to read the user guide to check you’re using the most suitable setting for the type of items you throw in your dryer. For example, if your dryer has a “sheets” setting, use it as it will alternate the tumbling direction to prevent sheets tangling into a damp-centred ball.
Choosing the right clothes dryer pays off in the long run. We’ve tested heat-pump, condenser and vented clothes dryers to find the most efficient, easiest to use and fastest.
Dryer safety
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Before you throw laundry into the clothes dryer, make sure you've taken these basic safety steps.
*Lint build-up is a fire hazard. It can cause overheating and also reduces drying efficiency. Clean the lint filter after each use – and regularly move your dryer and vacuum up lint from the surrounding walls. If the dryer is ducted to the outside, clean any lint from the duct and the exhaust vent.
*Plastic items (such as shower caps and plastic-backed baby bibs) shouldn't go into the dryer: they'll melt.
*Items made of rubber can catch fire. Keep them out of the dryer, too.
*Watch out for clothes or towels that have been in contact with oils, waxes or products containing petroleum or alcohol (like hair-styling products) – they may be flammable. Make sure they've been washed in hot water before you put them in the clothes dryer.
*Always let the dryer complete its cool-down cycle then remove the load and spread it out.
*If you have to turn off the dryer before it’s finished, remove the load and spread it out to cool. Clothes left bundled up are more likely to catch fire by spontaneous combustion.
*Turn off the dryer whenever you're away from the house or are asleep.
*Kids are explorers, which means one could climb into a dryer. If you have small children, avoid models that start automatically when the door is closed.
*Allow plenty of ventilation around the dryer.
*If mounting or stacking your dryer, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider getting it professionally installed.
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Children are especially vulnerable to the influence of advertising, which is now more sophisticated and personalised than ever.
Children in Aotearoa are now targeted by advertisers in a wide variety of contexts, both physical and digital, and in a more systematic, integrated and personalised way … View moreChildren are especially vulnerable to the influence of advertising, which is now more sophisticated and personalised than ever.
Children in Aotearoa are now targeted by advertisers in a wide variety of contexts, both physical and digital, and in a more systematic, integrated and personalised way than ever before.
These days, ads aren't just something children see between TV programmes. They are woven into their physical environment and the digital platforms they use to learn, play and socialise.
Our new research showed just how pervasive this exposure is.
We used data from the earlier Kids’Cam observational study, which tracked 90 New Zealand children’s real-world experiences using wearable cameras that captured what they were looking at from waking up to going to sleep.
On average, we found children encountered marketing for “unhealthy” products – junk food, alcohol and gambling, 76 times per day. That’s almost two-and-a-half times more than their daily exposure to “healthy” marketing.
Coca-Cola topped the list of most frequently encountered brands, appearing 6.3 times a day on average. The findings also show stark inequalities. Children from more socioeconomically deprived areas were exposed to significantly more unhealthy marketing for junk food.
Why exposure matters
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Advertising directed at children extends far beyond simply promoting products. It profoundly shapes their cognitive, social and behavioural development.
Research has shown it can spark an immediate desire for products and contribute to conflict between children and parents.
It can also influence the formation of broader consumption values and desires. Advertising exposure has been linked to increased materialism, by associating possessions with happiness and success.
However, materialism is consistently associated with lower self-esteem, reduced well-being, and weaker social relationships because it shifts focus away from intrinsic sources of fulfilment such as personal growth and connection.
Moreover, marketing plays a pivotal role in shaping children’s beliefs, attitudes and social norms.
There is evidence connecting advertising to the internalisation of gender and racial stereotypes and distorted body image. It has also been linked to the early use of harmful products such as tobacco and alcohol.
Advertising has been found to affect dietary habits, with sustained exposure to food advertising significantly increasing the risk of childhood obesity.
Vulnerable to influence
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Children are uniquely vulnerable to the influence of advertising as they lack the critical reasoning skills to recognise and evaluate persuasive intent.
In the online environment where advertising is embedded in games, influencer content and social feeds, children are especially vulnerable.
Our study found a clear pattern. The less regulation there is, the higher the exposure.
Tobacco marketing, which is tightly regulated, was rarely encountered by the children in our study. Alcohol and gambling – regulated by a patchwork of laws and voluntary codes – appeared moderately often. But junk food marketing, almost entirely self-regulated by industry, dominated what they saw.
More than half of the unhealthy food and alcohol marketing children saw came from just 15 multinational companies. This highlights the systemic nature of the problem, as well as the resources behind it. These companies have the money to spend on marketing these harmful products to children.
Taking action
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International agencies such as the United Nations have warned that exploitative marketing is a major global threat to children’s health.
To respond to this growing harm, governments need to:
protect children through comprehensive regulation restricting junk food, alcohol and gambling marketing, similar to what already exists for tobacco
introduce restrictions on product packaging for unhealthy products, which the study found was a key medium for marketing
conduct further research to understand the digital marketing environment, in particular to identify disparities in targeting based on ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status.
This is not just about protecting children’s innocence. It’s about protecting their health, autonomy and future opportunities. Left unchecked, the current commercial environment risks deepening health inequities and normalising harmful consumption patterns from an early age.
Aotearoa New Zealand has the chance to lead efforts to create a digital and physical environment where commercial interests do not undermine children’s rights and wellbeing.
That requires moving beyond voluntary codes towards enforceable protections – grounded in evidence, public health priorities and equity.
If we don’t act now, we risk commodifying childhood itself.
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Come along to a free one-hour presentation on Tuesday 26th August, at 2.00pm at St Lukes Community Church, 130 Remuera Rd.and learn about organising your photos on your iPad.
Email: mac.auckland@seniornet.nz or Phone Janet 0212148386.
Nurses report that waiting rooms are packed around the clock, with some patients facing hours-long delays before being seen. A combination of flu cases, COVID-19 infections, and winter-related illnesses such as respiratory conditions has put enormous pressure on already stretched services. Staff … View moreNurses report that waiting rooms are packed around the clock, with some patients facing hours-long delays before being seen. A combination of flu cases, COVID-19 infections, and winter-related illnesses such as respiratory conditions has put enormous pressure on already stretched services. Staff shortages have further compounded the situation, leaving frontline workers exhausted.
One senior nurse described the conditions as “relentless,” noting that the patient flow has shown no sign of slowing down since the start of winter. Many patients arriving at EDs are elderly or have underlying health issues, requiring longer and more complex care. This has created a bottleneck, with patients often waiting for ward beds to become available.
Health experts say the demand highlights the need for more investment in both emergency and primary care. They stress that many people end up in emergency departments because they cannot access timely GP appointments, further increasing ED workloads.
Despite the pressure, nurses continue to provide critical care, but they warn the system is close to breaking point. Calls have been made for urgent action to support frontline staff, including additional resources, recruitment drives, and stronger community care initiatives to ease hospital demand.
As winter continues, Auckland’s ED nurses say they are bracing for even tougher weeks ahead.
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Who doesn’t love a freebie - especially on their birthday?
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According to University of Canterbury marketing professor Ekant Veer, it makes us feel like we’re “winning” at life.
He told RNZ last week: “Treasure hunting is still within the … View moreWho doesn’t love a freebie - especially on their birthday?
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According to University of Canterbury marketing professor Ekant Veer, it makes us feel like we’re “winning” at life.
He told RNZ last week: “Treasure hunting is still within the psyche of every human to say, ‘I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I’ve done it for free’.”
The promise of free stuff is particularly tempting when the cost of living is high. A freebie at the supermarket might just ease the pain of forking out more than $10 for butter.
Restaurants and retailers know this, so many of them offer customers a free treat or gift on their birthday. You have to be signed up to rewards programmes or a membership to benefit from most of them - but it might just be worth the constant barrage of emails in your inbox.
So, here are just some of the perks, free food and vouchers you can nab on your birthday across New Zealand.
Food and drink
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If you’re like me, your day truly starts when you take that first sip of coffee - so it makes sense to kick off our birthday freebie crawl with a hot beverage.
You can get a free hot drink from Columbus Coffee cafes throughout the country if you’re signed up to Columbus Rewards, and if one isn’t enough, you can get another beverage on Starbucks through their rewards programme.
If you’re after a sweet treat to go with your coffee - and you’re in Auckland - head into Krispy Kreme and get yourself a pack of 4 original glazed Krispy Kreme donuts for free, as long as you’ve signed up to their Inner Circle rewards programme at least 4 weeks before your birthday.
Subway also offers loyalty members a free cookie and drink with a meal purchase on their birthday. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, you can claim a free birthday burger from Burgerfuel if you’re a long-time VIB member. If you’re a new member or use your membership very rarely, it’s buy one popular burger, get one free.
Mexicali Fresh will sort you out with a free birthday taco with a $10 spend, and while we’re on that Mexican wave, sign up to Mexico’s Love Mexico app and get $10 to spend on your birthday.
Fancy a cheeky Nando’s? If you’re signed up to Nando’s PeriPerks, you’ll get a $15 voucher to spend during your birthday month.
And Mama Brown’s in Wellington will shout you a free meal and drink if you bring along a friend who orders and pays for their own, available five days either side of your actual birthday.
Shopping
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It’s not just cafes and eateries that will shout you a birthday gift, so make sure you add a stop at the shops to your itinerary. If you haven’t signed up for a membership at your favourite clothing or tech stores because it’s too much hassle, think again; it could really pay off when your birthday rolls around.
I don’t know about you, but nothing calms me like browsing the Farmers homeware department, so best believe I was overjoyed to find that if you have a Farmers club card, you can opt in to get a free birthday gift.
If you sign up for a Country Road membership you can get rewards ranging from $10-$100 on your birthday.
Bendon also offers members a birthday gift of $10 off a purchase, while North Beach Locals can get $20 voucher on their birthday. If you’re the outdoorsy type, then Kathmandu’s Out There Rewards has you covered, while Palmers Rewards members can get a $10 birthday voucher from the garden centre chain.
For the beauty gurus, Mecca’s Beauty Loop programme will also earn you a free gift on your birthday.
If you’re the crafty type, you can get a birthday voucher from Spotlight through their VIP club.
Hoyts Cinemas offers a birthday reward of a free drink or small popcorn for members, while Silky Otter Club members can get a free movie ticket from the boutique cinema during their birthday week - as well as a birthday treat if they upgrade to a Platinum membership.
And for the techie, Noel Leeming will gift you a voucher to spend.
Activities
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Eaten and shopped (for free) to your heart’s content? Turns out there’s plenty of free ways to pass the time on your birthday.
So, round up your mates for some good old-fashioned group activities and enjoy the birthday VIP treatment.
If you’re in Wellington and relish the idea of taking aim at your mates for free while they pay for the privilege, maybe you can talk 10 of them into heading along to Wellington Paintball Corp on your birthday with you - you’ll get free entry.
Gloputt Mini Golf in Takapuna, Auckland will let you play for free on your birthday - just bring your ID.
And the budding marine biologist in the family will get free entry to Kelly Tarlton’s in Auckland on their birthday.
If you’re after something more relaxing, you can get a free one-hour massage at Optihealth in Auckland with a refundable booking fee, if you’ve visited in the past six months.
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Brush up your painting skills and brighten your wash days. There’s no two ways about it, doing laundry is a chore so why not inject a sense of fun into it with a quick refresh? Paint a striped ceiling with Resene SpaceCote Flat, a blackboard with Resene FX Blackboard Paint, stencil words with … View moreBrush up your painting skills and brighten your wash days. There’s no two ways about it, doing laundry is a chore so why not inject a sense of fun into it with a quick refresh? Paint a striped ceiling with Resene SpaceCote Flat, a blackboard with Resene FX Blackboard Paint, stencil words with Resene SpaceCote Flat and Resene Enamacryl. Find out how to refresh your laundry with these easy step by step instructions.
We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our … View moreWe are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill.
If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.
Dr Seif El-Jack, one of Auckland's leading Cardiologists, and Team Lead Cardiologist at Waitemata Health District, will be giving a HeartTALK on heart disease and treatments after discharge from hospital, at Sunnynook Community Centre, North Shore, on Thursday 28th August.
This open forum … View moreDr Seif El-Jack, one of Auckland's leading Cardiologists, and Team Lead Cardiologist at Waitemata Health District, will be giving a HeartTALK on heart disease and treatments after discharge from hospital, at Sunnynook Community Centre, North Shore, on Thursday 28th August.
This open forum talk is sponsored by Heartbeats, New Zealand's largest community-led, peer-peer cardiac support group.
- if you have been diagnosed with a heart issue, had major heart surgery and lie awake, anxious at night, wondering what is my future now,
- if you have left hospital and are adrift out there with no idea how to 'get your head back in the game', or what to do to survive and not hav another frightening heart attack,
THEN THIS TALK IS FOR YOU!
Come along, bring a friend or family member, and hear what Dr Seif El-Jack has to say about treatment and management of your heart issue, and where to go to get help.
WHERE: Sunnynook Community Centre, 148 Sycamore Dr, Sunnynook
WHEN: Thursday 28th August
TIME: 7:00 - 8:00pm
EVERYONE IS WELCOME, its informal, friendly and open discussion following Dr El-Jacks talk. He will be answering ANY and ALL QUESTIONS from the group.
📦 Temporary Storage Solutions
When you only need storage for a short period, our temporary storage options are an ideal choice. They’re perfect for times when you’re relocating, waiting for a new home or office to be ready, or just need space for seasonal belongings. With modern, secure … View more📦 Temporary Storage Solutions
When you only need storage for a short period, our temporary storage options are an ideal choice. They’re perfect for times when you’re relocating, waiting for a new home or office to be ready, or just need space for seasonal belongings. With modern, secure facilities, your items will be kept safe, dry, and well-protected until you’re ready to collect them.
🛡️ Extended Storage Options
If you require storage for a longer duration, our extended storage services are designed to accommodate your needs. Whether you’re traveling overseas, reducing the size of your living space, or looking for a dependable place to keep valuables, we provide a safe and secure solution. With comprehensive security systems in place, you can rest assured your possessions are carefully protected for as long as you need.
Our flexible rental terms mean you can start out one way and simply change as required.
Contact Us Today
kiwiselfstorage.co.nz...
call: 09 625 6161
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Linda, who goes by her middle name, Anne, went missing about 11.31am on Wednesday and was last seen on Allendale Rd.
Police say she has dementia, and her family are concerned for her welfare.
“She was last seen wearing black pants, grey mid-calf Uggs, a cream hoodie and pink shirt … View moreLinda, who goes by her middle name, Anne, went missing about 11.31am on Wednesday and was last seen on Allendale Rd.
Police say she has dementia, and her family are concerned for her welfare.
“She was last seen wearing black pants, grey mid-calf Uggs, a cream hoodie and pink shirt underneath,” police said in a statement.
“If you see Anne, please call police on 111 and use the reference number 250820/8221.”
Information can also be reported via the police phone number 105, clicking “Update Report” and using the same reference number.
Anne’s son posted on Facebook, saying his mother had gone missing from a care home. He described her as 155cm, with a small build and long brown/blonde ponytail.
“She has no phone, wallet [or] keys on her person and is able to walk quite quickly – last time she wandered, she covered 2km in about 24 minutes.
“If you are in Mount Albert, Avondale, Sandringham, Point Chevalier, Waterview or nearby suburbs, please keep an eye out and call 111 immediately if you see her.”
He told the Herald his mother could be heading towards Howick to her old home.
“Mum’s a smart, wily person and a humble and proud person, and if she’s found, she’ll say she won’t need any help,” he said.
“But she will. She can’t really say much more than that with her memory issues. Please support her if she is found.
“If someone finds her, please keep her warm, keep her safe and sheltered and phone the police.”
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Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View moreSome of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.
And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.
*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.
The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream … View moreThe only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream of an albatross nest.
Why the live feed? Well, the royal albatross are slow-breeding birds, and lay only one egg every two years.
Currently the chick in the feed is in its post-guard period, and is left alone. The parents are only returning with food every few days. This little chick will be hitting a milestone really soon - it will finally take their first flight in September! Keep an eye on our little celebrity here.
We hope this link brings a smile!
Moving to new house connection issues ant etc…
Call us on 0220746441
The action is in response to what the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) describes as an “appalling” pay offer from the Government.
The Government has offered a 1% pay rise every year for three years in collective agreement negotiations.
PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said the … View moreThe action is in response to what the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) describes as an “appalling” pay offer from the Government.
The Government has offered a 1% pay rise every year for three years in collective agreement negotiations.
PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said the offer was the lowest increase in a generation and between 18,000 and 19,000 teachers would be protesting today.
He said the Government’s offer was “appalling” and argued it failed to help efforts to recruit and retain teachers within the workforce.
“We’re really disappointed that we have to strike, it’s not what we want, we want to be in the classroom teaching,” Abercrombie said.
“But what we’re striking for is basically to get the Government to move the needle on these offers.”
He claimed the Government was also failing to address other PPTA claims such as the need for more pastoral care staffing, professional development for curriculum and assessment, and more support for curriculum leaders who will be working on upcoming NCEA changes.
Abercrombie said if no progress was made, they would also roster students home and not teach certain year levels on specific days from September 15.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the PPTA striking after only six days of bargaining without taking the offer of 1% a year for three years to members was appalling, disingenuous and a “political stunt”.
She said it would disrupt students as they prepared for important exams.
“I think what’s really upset the unions is that we’re actually putting some facts out there and they’d much rather just go straight to strike and not go to the bargaining table, and my comments are very clear – get to the bargaining table. Stop having little tantrums as the unions decide to do.”
Papatoetoe High School principal Vaughan Couillault said parents who were worried about their child missing class time should remain engaged with their school on the day, or by emailing their teacher.
He said no one wanted industrial action where learning time was lost, whether it was a teacher or government minister, and the sooner people could get back around the table and restart negotiations the better.
“Yes, every day matters and it is disruptive, but it’s not necessarily going to be mission critical to how the exams go in November for some students, or the assessment,” Couillault said.
“On Thursday everyone’s back in and getting work under way.”
Most teachers would have built into their learning programmes the ability for students to miss one day of learning, he said.
Minister apologises for pay slip-up
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Collins also earlier apologised for incorrectly claiming that secondary school teachers with 10 years’ experience got paid $147,000.
Data provided by Collins’ own office shows 1.8% of teachers earned more than $140,000.
Labour’s education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime said the comment was “hugely disrespectful”.
“I think that it was really harmful, her comments, in the lead-up to the strikes... to be spreading such misinformation about what teachers are actually earning,” Prime said.
Collins apologised but said “the key point remains that teachers are not underpaid”.
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