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Presents are growing under the Nelson Mail Christmas tree, as people drop in donations for struggling families. The Salvation Army says the gesture leaves some recipients overwhelmed with love.
It's that time of year again, when you'll find your garden fences, letterboxes and eaves sprouting unwelcome new growths: paper wasp nests. Have you found any? Do you have any tips for getting rid of them?
This year Wasp Wipeout is hoping to help you clear out your neighbourhood of these … View moreIt's that time of year again, when you'll find your garden fences, letterboxes and eaves sprouting unwelcome new growths: paper wasp nests. Have you found any? Do you have any tips for getting rid of them?
This year Wasp Wipeout is hoping to help you clear out your neighbourhood of these pests - click read more to find out all about these invasive pests and how to get rid of them.
You either laugh or cry. But it’s so true. Enjoy the sunshine out there. We are so lucky in our Region.
Another year has nearly passed, and with every new one comes the chance to make new resolutions (or repeat your old ones). Whether it’s starting and sticking by a new fitness plan, saving to travel, or learning a new skill, do you have a New Year’s resolution? How good are you at sticking by … View moreAnother year has nearly passed, and with every new one comes the chance to make new resolutions (or repeat your old ones). Whether it’s starting and sticking by a new fitness plan, saving to travel, or learning a new skill, do you have a New Year’s resolution? How good are you at sticking by it? Vote in the poll below.
Yes, WE ARE OPEN - and not affected by the nation wide shut down of 'non-compliant' raw milk suppliers. You may wonder why we are not among the Ministry's victims...
Well, the answer is simple (but longish): We, at Riverside Milk, have worked hard (think tears, nervous breakdowns, … View moreYes, WE ARE OPEN - and not affected by the nation wide shut down of 'non-compliant' raw milk suppliers. You may wonder why we are not among the Ministry's victims...
Well, the answer is simple (but longish): We, at Riverside Milk, have worked hard (think tears, nervous breakdowns, bouts of depression, sweat soaked overalls, bleeding limbs etc) to follow the legal framework set up by the government, and to ensure our raw milk is 'fit for human consumption' (as the MPIers like to call it). Whatever we personally think of the regulations, we know that all customers can rest assured, because we are being held accountable every step of the way.
Those of you who have followed us over the years have seen us struggle with MPI regulations around raw milk. We had to upgrade our milk vending shed, buy a chilled vehicle to transport our milk the few metres from our dairy shed to our vending machine, had to employ extra staff to keep the shed scrupulously clean, are asked to pay regular, juicy fees, have to document every step of our being, need to comply with a super stringent milk testing regime and get to entertain all sorts of serious people from all sorts of serious 'human and animal health agencies' (including the Ministry of Primary Industries).
Oh, and then we also had to ask YOU, our estemeed customer, to register your souls away as 'raw milk customers', so that we can contact you if the lab shows a speck of dirt in a milk sample. Funny fact on the side: when we started to follow the MPI rules to register our customers' names and addresses, the MPI got back to us with a complaint of not following the Privacy Act, because we were asking customers to write down their names and addresses (just like they told us to do). Go, figure... (We now have a letterbox to keep your registrations forms safe, until we lock it away in a secret and invisible dimension in our office.)
As a registered raw milk supplier, we are also required to plaster a warning notice almost everywhere the eyes of a raw milk customer may potentially wander. On the walls in the vending shed, on the vending machine, on our bottle stickers, on our flyers, on our online platforms, on all printed advertisement, on our forheads. Everywhere you look, we have to inform you loud and clear about the terrible dangers of raw milk consumption. And let us tell you that it is a truly heart-warming exercise to sell our beloved humble pure milk under similar slogans as cigarettes and hard-core prescription drugs.
Because we are registered with the MPI, any sample returning an unfavourable lab result strikes terror in our hearts. Acute, soul destroying, nail curling, cold-sweat terror is an accurate description of our inner lifes in the hours following such a result. Our staff is running around like maniacs, trying to find the portal through which a speck of dirt may have entered the sample and ruined a whole week worth of work because we are going to be shut down no matter what, and no matter if the result came from a sample taken 10 days before. Our farm manager is glued to his phone, talking to the authorities, justifying at times a result which would be considered utterly insignificant in some European countries. It's madness, utter madness... (Fun fact: Once our sample has been sent to the lab, it takes several days before a result is being communicated to us, because different microorganimsm have to be grown in the lab for a set amount of days - meaning that by the time we receive any information, you will have likely consumed the milk anyway.)
The reality is that raw milk is a living product, teeming with bacteria and microorganisms - good ones and not so good ones at times. It's not sterile, but it's also not something which you need to handle with an ebola suit. Unless you have a compromised immune system or are new to the whole raw milk thing, exposure to some unfavourable microorganisms is not necessarily a bad thing. It promotes a healthy immune system, it can enhance your healh and reduce the likelyhood of requiring antibiotics (that's a good things these days, we reckon). That doesnt mean that we like salmonella, e.coli, campylobcater and all their other friends. We accept that at some stage we may have to deal with the aftermath of a tiny party of microorganism with not so pretty names, and that's ok as long as you are aware of these parties and how they may affect someone with a compromised immune system (that's a not too shappy aspect of the whole MPI scheme). Let's get real here: Our milk comes really straight from the cow. We don't offer you sterile or pasteurised milk. If you want that kind of milk, please head to the supermarket or ask the guys who people keep confusing us with.
So, to summarise this long post: We have invested heaps and loads and tons of energy and effort and resources and money into following the MPI's framework from the very start it existed. That doesn't mean we agree with it, but it does mean we have accepted full accountability for all aspects of our work.
It also means we are unlikely to fall victims to the MPI's current search raids and that we can continue to sell our raw milk to you. Today, we do not need to worry.
Tomorrow is another day...
Daisy (Communications & Marketing Manager at Riverside Community Trust)
Uh oh, better be safe. Here come the precious MPI Warning: 'Raw milk may contain Microorganisms that can cause serious illness. To reduce the risk of illness, the raw milk should be heated to at least 70 degrees celcius for at least one minute. This is critical for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.'
Selling two near new fur cushions. They have been in storage and have hardly been used. $10 for both.
For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North … View moreFor over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North and South Island. These new shorter escapes are the perfect length of time for those adventurous seniors who want a taste of the spectacular excursions and sights our country has to offer.
To celebrate the launch of our brand new tours, our friends at TV Guide and Neighbourly are giving away a year’s subscription for TV Guide to one lucky adventurer!
All you have to do is tell us a New Zealand destination you would love to visit via this link and you'll be in the draw to win!
Entries close 19th December 2019.
We’re giving away more of our double passes to the SIX60 Saturdays tour! We’ve drawn another 10 members to go to the regional concerts in Whangarei, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Lower Hutt, and Dunedin.
To be eligible, make sure you are a verified Neighbourly member (need a hand verifying your … View moreWe’re giving away more of our double passes to the SIX60 Saturdays tour! We’ve drawn another 10 members to go to the regional concerts in Whangarei, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Lower Hutt, and Dunedin.
To be eligible, make sure you are a verified Neighbourly member (need a hand verifying your address? Click here).
We’ll also need to see you being more Neighbourly, whether it’s posting to your neighbourhood, replying to questions or inviting your neighbour to join the site (we’ve put together a few ideas here).
Deck is 1.83 x 1.2m Takes one bike on the centre line or two side by side in fold up front wheel holders.
Good condition.
Offers considered.
Ryman living saves you time for the moments that matter
Experience our retirement villages
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14 Carrots. 2 Pumpkins. 3 Basil plants. 8 Romain Lettuces. 1 class of problems solvers. The Electric Garden is a revolutionary learning tool mixing the art of growing food with computer programming and digital technologies.
Find out more about teaching digital technology through gardening or … View more14 Carrots. 2 Pumpkins. 3 Basil plants. 8 Romain Lettuces. 1 class of problems solvers. The Electric Garden is a revolutionary learning tool mixing the art of growing food with computer programming and digital technologies.
Find out more about teaching digital technology through gardening or donate to help all kiwi schools access this programme here.
Time spent in respite care can range from a single night to a few weeks. It provides a welcome break and peace of mind knowing that your loved one will receive round-the-clock care from friendly, experienced care teams.
May Kitchen knows how important it is to provide carers with a break. After … View moreTime spent in respite care can range from a single night to a few weeks. It provides a welcome break and peace of mind knowing that your loved one will receive round-the-clock care from friendly, experienced care teams.
May Kitchen knows how important it is to provide carers with a break. After visiting her husband Stuart in respite care at a Ryman village, she was tempted to move in herself! “If it was me, I think I would enjoy it because it’s just so beautiful and the food is good.”
Ryman villages provide warm and welcoming communities. Where residents can enjoy activities and outings while forming friendships along the way.
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