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The Historic Village survey is closing soon – Friday, 25 September! Tell us what you like, what improvements we could make and how you see it operating in the future ✨
Take the survey now.
Until the 11th of October, purchase a regional newspaper or the Sunday Star-Times, find the daily code and go into win 1 of 100 medium vegepod and trolley stands.
Abaca is a natural leaf fibre that comes from a relative of the banana tree family native to the Philippines that grows throughout tropical regions. It is also called Manilla hemp, though it is not related to actual hemp.
Abaca has great economic importance and is harvested for its strong, … View moreAbaca is a natural leaf fibre that comes from a relative of the banana tree family native to the Philippines that grows throughout tropical regions. It is also called Manilla hemp, though it is not related to actual hemp.
Abaca has great economic importance and is harvested for its strong, versatile fibre. Being regarded as the strongest natural fibres in the world, abaca can be put into various modern sophisticated technologies like the automobile industry and as a raw material for other important industries such as textiles, fashion, and the décor/furnishing industry.
Abaca is commonly used by the paper industry for such specialty uses such as tea bags, banknotes, filter papers and in medical filter sheets. While it is currently used mostly in paper products, abaca has a long history in textiles. Abaca fabric has a stiff quality and holds its structure (it is considered a hard fibre and is comparable in texture to sisal and coir). It has a very long fibre length and is one of the strongest fibres - flexible, durable, and highly resistant to saltwater damage. For these reasons it has been used over time for rope and cording. It can also be woven into home and fashion accessories including wall coverings, rugs, tapestries, and bags. It can be used to make handcrafts such as hats, bags, carpets, clothing, and furniture.
Abaca is generally considered to be a sustainable, environmentally friendly fibre that can empower communities. It has been identified by the United Nations as a “Future Fibre”. That said, not many standards and certifications are used for abaca, so transparency and doing your own due diligence around environmental and social impact are very important when sourcing. The Rainforest Alliance currently certifies some abaca farms.
The harvesting and extraction of fibre from abaca is painstaking process which involves many processes. Stripping and drying of fibres is either done manually or mechanically. After extraction, different grades of fibres are obtained which are then accordingly used for different set of industrial activities.
The world's leading abaca producer is the Philippines. While the crop is also cultivated in other Southeast Asian countries, the second largest producing country is Ecuador, where abaca is grown on large estates and production is increasingly mechanized. Almost all abaca produced is exported, mainly to Europe, Japan, and the USA. Exports from the Philippines are increasingly in the form of pulp rather than raw fibre.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Hey neighbours,
In the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Hauraki-Waikato's MP.
At the October 17 election, New Zealanders… View moreHey neighbours,
In the lead up to the 2020 election, Stuff is keeping voters up to date with what’s happening in their electorate, through Neighbourly. Here’s what you need to know about the candidates in the running to be Hauraki-Waikato's MP.
At the October 17 election, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to choose their regional spokesperson.
Through the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, those enrolled can vote for the party they want as well as a local representative.
Why does my MP matter?
The person elected will be the voice for your region in Parliament. If you’re having trouble getting entitlements or dealing with Government departments, they can help. If your community needs funding for certain projects or activities, or there isn’t enough healthcare in the area, the elected MP can step in and help.
To read more, click here.
Are you keen to help find solutions to issues in the Arataki area?
The ACLG provides a forum where matters of community interest or concern can be discussed about projects impacting the Arataki area.
Find out more www.tauranga.govt.nz...
New this week
Red cabbage, lettuces, Escholtzia, sunflowers, borage, Liriope, Chrysanthemum, Chilean guava and many more.
$2 pot from 275 Otumoetai Road [close to Grange Road intersection]
So remember to change your clocks, check your smoke alarms and that your home is emergency ready 🕰️
Cafe Irresistiblue is situated centrally in the heart of the Waikato, only 10 minute drive from Cambridge and is based on New Zealand’s largest certified organic blueberry orchard.
With high ceilings and a rustic, country feel, the cafe is a great place to visit, relax and enjoy a cup of organic … View moreCafe Irresistiblue is situated centrally in the heart of the Waikato, only 10 minute drive from Cambridge and is based on New Zealand’s largest certified organic blueberry orchard.
With high ceilings and a rustic, country feel, the cafe is a great place to visit, relax and enjoy a cup of organic coffee and a delicious fresh meal incorporating an enticing palate of local flavours, whilst overlooking the organic blueberry orchard towards the mountains beyond. (monavaleblueberries.co.nz)
TOUR COST: Door-to-door transport (from Tauranga/Mt Maunganui/early Papamoa) $35.00pp.;
Lunch cost is your choice from the menu or excellent cabinet food. (cafeirresistiblue.co.nz)
Ph: 0275224607 or e-mail tgatastingtours@xtra.co.nz to reserve your seat
Ngatai Road will be closed between Emily Place and Carlton Street Reserve for 2-3 days next week.
The plan is to start on Monday but the work depends on the weather so the exact closure date may shift. The cycleway will stay open.
Hey neighbours,
Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.
Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.
In fact, once … View moreHey neighbours,
Good news – 2021 is set to be the year of the long weekend.
Five out of 10 public holidays will be Mondayised (or Tuesdayised in one case) next year, which means if you work a standard Monday to Friday week, you can look forward to some extended breaks.
In fact, once you’ve tacked on the weekends, you’ll end up getting a whopping 25 days off out of those 10 stat days, plus your region’s anniversary day.
To find out how to get the most out of your annual leave next year, click here.
A weighbridge at Maleme Street Transfer Station will be out of action for maintenance from 12.30pm on Monday 28 September. This means incoming and outgoing traffic will need to use the same weighing station, and delays are likely for anyone visiting that afternoon.
If possible, please visit … View moreA weighbridge at Maleme Street Transfer Station will be out of action for maintenance from 12.30pm on Monday 28 September. This means incoming and outgoing traffic will need to use the same weighing station, and delays are likely for anyone visiting that afternoon.
If possible, please visit Monday morning, delay your visit, or use the transfer station at Te Maunga.
Our apologies for any inconvenience!
This dresser is actually Oak but I painted it and as you can see the varnish came through. We are on the move so I don't want it anymore. 660high x 965wide.
Hi Neighbours,
Spring is here! Head down to your nearest Red Cross Shop and check out our new season stock!
We can't wait to see you!
In this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.
We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a … View moreIn this week’s issue we say avocados are the fruit we all long to grow. It’s time to plant salad greens in containers, inspire junior gardeners, turn lawns into new garden beds and repot and feed hippeastrums.
We list 10 trees to plant to attract birds to your garden for shelter and a year-round food supply. Plus go in the draw for fertiliser and soil enhancer from Fodda and there’s another chance to win Mr Fothergill’s ultimate garden pack.
Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:
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