Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.
So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...
Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'
Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'
Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'
Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'
Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'
Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'
Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'
Vote for your pick in the poll below...
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33.8% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
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9.5% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
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3.3% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
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15% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
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5.2% The Team - Atawhai Industries
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20.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
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3.9% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
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8.6% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Poll: Have you ever been bullied?
People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.
This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.
Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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81.2% Yes
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18.4% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below
Neighbourly Q&A: Renting rights with CAB's Sacha Green
We are continuing our Q&A sessions on Neighbourly. This week we have the amazing Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your renting rights.
A little bit about Sacha:
She has been working for CABNZ for 10 years and is passionate about empowering people with knowledge of their rights as well as ensuring access to justice.
She helps support the team of over 2,000 trained volunteers who deliver the CAB service in 80 neighbourhoods around Aotearoa by providing advice and support at a national level on a wide range of issues. One of Sacha’s work areas is leading the CAB’s social justice work on housing and tenancy issues.
Whether you're a flatmate, landlord, boarder or flatmate, you can leave a comment below and Sacha will share an answer on Wednesday from 9.30am. You may want to ask about notice periods, bond fulfillment, reasonable rent increases, or even whose responsibility it is to deal with mould in the home.
Join Sacha here on Wednesday at 9.30am. See you then!.
⇩ Share your question below ⇩
Here's How to Choose the Perfect Headboard for Your Queen Bed in NZ
A good night's sleep starts with the right environment, and a stylish headboard can transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat.
In New Zealand, the quest for the perfect headboard blends aesthetics with functionality, offering various options to suit any taste.
This blog will assist you in enhancing your sleep space: stylish headboard options for queen beds in NZ.
Headboard Options: A Touch of Personality
Selecting a headboard with personality for your queen bed means considering style, material, and colour to reflect your unique taste.
This choice not only impacts the look of your bedroom but also expresses your style.
Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of a wooden headboard, the sleek appeal of a metal frame, or the cozy comfort of an upholstered design, the right headboard acts as a bedroom centrepiece.
Style Variety. Choose from traditional, contemporary, or avant-garde designs to match your bedroom’s theme.
Material Matters. Wood, metal, fabric, and leather options offer different textures and vibes.
Colour Choices. Select from a broad palette to complement or contrast with your bedroom decor.
Custom Designs. Tailor-made headboards allow for a personalised touch, fitting your aesthetic and functional requirements.
Functional Features. Consider headboards with built-in shelves or lighting to combine style with practicality.
When selecting a headboard, consider the size of your room, the height of your ceiling, and the colour scheme of your space.
A large, bold headboard can make a statement in a spacious room, while a simpler design might be better for a compact space.
Installing a new headboard can be a straightforward DIY project. Most designs easily attach to the bed frame or wall.
Regular maintenance will keep your headboard looking fresh; fabric options may require occasional cleaning, while wood and metal might need dusting or polishing.
Design Trends in Queen Beds
For those seeking headboard options for queen beds in NZ, current trends lean towards statement pieces that act as the bedroom's focal point.
Bold colours, intricate patterns, or extended heights can create a dramatic effect, while simpler designs in neutral tones complement a minimalist décor.
Don't be afraid to mix and match styles and materials.
A rustic wooden headboard can look surprisingly chic against a modern interior, and a vintage metal design can add character to a contemporary room.
The key is to find a balance that speaks to your aesthetic and complements the overall design of your bedroom.
Function Meets Style
Finding a design that offers both functionality and style is essential when choosing a headboard for your queen bed.
A well-chosen headboard can provide support for reading or watching TV in bed while also enhancing the room's décor.
Look for headboards with features that meet your lifestyle needs without compromising aesthetics.
Supportive Structure. Ideal for comfortable reading and lounging in bed.
Aesthetic Appeal. Complements the bedroom's design and atmosphere.
Storage Solutions. Some headboards include built-in storage for convenience.
Sound Insulation. Upholstered options can help to reduce noise.
Versatility. Choose a headboard that can adapt to changing decor styles and needs.
Where to Find the Best Headboard Options
Exploring local furniture stores and online marketplaces can reveal many headboard options.
Custom furniture makers in New Zealand also offer bespoke designs, providing a unique solution that can perfectly match your space and style.
Transforming Your Sleep Space with the Right Headboard
Upgrading your queen bed with a stylish headboard from Beds4U will enhance the aesthetic of your bedroom and promise a comfort upgrade. This ensures that your bedroom is not just a place to sleep but a stylish retreat tailored to your taste.
Visit Beds4U to discover the perfect headboard that complements your style and meets your needs.
With our diverse headboard options, you can transform your sleep space into a luxurious haven.
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