Matahina Forest, Whakatane

Got some bits to give away?

Got some bits to give away?

Clear out that garage and pop it on Neighbourly Market for free.

1314 days ago

10 Cheap & Easy Heating Tips

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Here are some simple ways to be warmer this winter.

Keeping your home cosy need not break the bank. Here are our top 10 frugal tips for keeping warm this winter:
1. Wonder where all your heat’s going? Light a candle and trace around your window edges, doors and vents – but make sure your … View more
Here are some simple ways to be warmer this winter.

Keeping your home cosy need not break the bank. Here are our top 10 frugal tips for keeping warm this winter:
1. Wonder where all your heat’s going? Light a candle and trace around your window edges, doors and vents – but make sure your curtains are out of the way. When the smoke starts going sideways you’ve found a draught. Window sealant tape is a cheap way to keep in the heat.
2. Don’t neglect the timer on your heat pump. Set it to come on at about 20 degrees an hour before you come home. You’ll make considerable savings compared to blasting it at 23 degrees all evening.
3. If your electric heater lacks a timer, you can buy a plug-in timer from as little as $10 from most hardware stores – they look like power adapters but have a digital interface allowing you to set appliances to come on up to seven days in advance.
4. Ensure your curtains and blinds fit snugly against the window frame. We’ve found this is more important than the material they’re made from. Floor-length curtains are better than sill-length curtains, which aren’t much better than no curtains at all.
5. Our testing found fan-less heaters (like oil-column models) often result in uneven, layered heat distribution. To avoid cold feet and a hot head, place a small desktop fan on the ground beside the heater. We found it helped an oil-column heater warm a room 3 times as fast.
6. Double-glazing doesn’t need to cost the earth. In fact, you can pick up DIY window insulator kits for under $15 per frame. All you need to do is cut the film to size and use a hair dryer to shrink it onto the window.
7. If you’re not worried about aesthetics, there’s an even cheaper way to stop heat escaping through your windows. Bubble wrap is a great temporary option, especially on internal windows in seldom-used areas. Secure it to the pane using Blu-Tack or double-sided tape, and make sure it sits flush against the frame.
8. Cat flaps are a major source of draughts. To improve the seal around the frame, unscrew the whole assembly, clean the area where it’s in contact with the door, then screw it back in tightly. Then add a thin line of silicone sealant around the frame. If draughts persist, stick some light rubber insulation tape on both sides of the flap.
9. A rug is a great way to add another layer of insulation, especially if you’ve got wooden or concrete floors. Putting down a thick rug in living areas will help prevent heat loss through the floor, especially if there’s no underfloor insulation.
10. Use pot lids when cooking. This can reduce the amount of moisture released into the air by three litres per day.

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1317 days ago

Our 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero Winner!

Prospa

Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View more
Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!

Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.

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1319 days ago

Poll: Why aren't you switching power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why … View more
The weather is getting chilly, ya power is going to rise! So why are you sticking with the same plan and provider if it might be costing you MORE money?!

53.9% of Neighbours said they switched over 6 months ago and 33.6% said you have no idea when you last switched! We want to know why you're not switching power providers?

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Why aren't you switching power providers?
  • 32.6% Switching is too hard, I have enough to deal with!
    32.6% Complete
  • 23.7% I'm in a contract
    23.7% Complete
  • 43.8% I don't know where to find a better deal
    43.8% Complete
473 votes
1319 days ago

Know a deserving neighbour?

Ashleigh from The Neighbourly Team

Our winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® … View more
Our winning Nice Neighbours have been featured across NZ in the local papers, maybe you've spotted these smiling faces...
If you have a nice neighbour who needs recognised for the little (or big!) things they do, nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page and you could each get a $25 Prezzy® card - that sounds like morning tea to me!

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1320 days ago

Don't miss NZ Gardener's newest collectible edition!

Mags4Gifts

Hi neighbours,

It's time to sow your seeds and cut those flowers because NZ Gardener's new special edition is on-sale now!

The NZ Gardener team takes you through the seasons with advice on cutting fresh flowers 365 days of the year. Flick through the pages and find stunning … View more
Hi neighbours,

It's time to sow your seeds and cut those flowers because NZ Gardener's new special edition is on-sale now!

The NZ Gardener team takes you through the seasons with advice on cutting fresh flowers 365 days of the year. Flick through the pages and find stunning photographs, step-by-step instructions on how to arrange bouquets and what to plant and when.

Get your copy where any good magazines are sold or buy online at Mags4Gifts.co.nz
BUY NOW

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1323 days ago

Catch up and Clean up

Mags4gifts

Purchase a three month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $51.87 and get a cleaning kit (RRP$66) for Free from WildClean, the world’s 1st plastic negative cleaning co.

Make sure to use the promo code “CLEAN” at checkout to redeem. Terms and conditions apply.
Find out more

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1324 days ago

Hurry – sale ends this weekend!

Resene

Get decorating and save with Resene!

Get 20% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, decorating accessories, wallpapers and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop.

Make the most of your home with paint designed in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions. Made right … View more
Get decorating and save with Resene!

Get 20% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers, sealers, decorating accessories, wallpapers and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop.

Make the most of your home with paint designed in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions. Made right here in New Zealand since 1946 and voted Most Trusted Paint every year since 2012!

See sale details online: www.resene.co.nz/sale
Find out more

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M
1326 days ago

Pet grooming

Michelle from Whakatane District

Does anyone have any contacts for someone that does pet grooming. I have a 5mth schnauzer that I would like trimmed etc.
Thanks Michelle

1324 days ago

Long weekend has started, check out our top things to do!

The Team from NZ Compare

Sometimes having NO plan is a great plan! But if you feel the need to do something this long weekend then take a look at our top ideas.

From the team at NZ Compare - be safe and smile with your loved ones. Lest we forget. ❤️

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1326 days ago

Do you have a great persimmon recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for persimmon recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before April 29, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for persimmon recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before April 29, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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1330 days ago

Meal planning with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted

Stuff

Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole … View more
Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole family, sent to your inbox on Saturday mornings. As a bonus you'll also get our Weekend Baking collection, perfect for filling the baking tins, lunchboxes, or just that 4pm gap.

Sign up here it's free!
Know more

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1331 days ago

Enjoy a Ryman village now

Making the move to a Ryman retirement village while you’re independent allows you to enjoy everything that’s on offer.

With assisted living, resthome, hospital and dementia care also onsite, if your partner needs care before you, knowing the village care centre is only a short stroll away … View more
Making the move to a Ryman retirement village while you’re independent allows you to enjoy everything that’s on offer.

With assisted living, resthome, hospital and dementia care also onsite, if your partner needs care before you, knowing the village care centre is only a short stroll away will help ease this transition.

Care options vary between villages.
Learn more

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1333 days ago

Mega Easter Bed Sale!

Beds4U

Hop-Hop-Hooray! The Easter bunny has come early🐰

Don't miss these Mega discounts on our range of premium New Zealand made Beds & Mattresses. Shop your dreamy new bed now to save UP TO 60% OFF WITH FREE LOCAL DELIVERY* 😍 Now that's an offer you don't want to lose, so … View more
Hop-Hop-Hooray! The Easter bunny has come early🐰

Don't miss these Mega discounts on our range of premium New Zealand made Beds & Mattresses. Shop your dreamy new bed now to save UP TO 60% OFF WITH FREE LOCAL DELIVERY* 😍 Now that's an offer you don't want to lose, so hurry!

👉 Shop online or at your nearest Beds4U store!

We have the bed for you @ BEDS4U...
Your Local Sleep Experts

*Apply Code "EASTER22" to your cart to claim free local delivery. Free Shipping on ONLINE ORDERS above $899 and only valid for shipping rates under $99.
Find out more

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1334 days ago

Do Thermal Curtains Really Work?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean at Whakatane ChemDry

Curtains, particularly thermal lined ones, can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%, depending on the type of windows your home is fitted with. The key to ensuring you get the most out of your curtains is in understanding exactly how heat is lost, and how the use of thermal lined curtains can prevent… View moreCurtains, particularly thermal lined ones, can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%, depending on the type of windows your home is fitted with. The key to ensuring you get the most out of your curtains is in understanding exactly how heat is lost, and how the use of thermal lined curtains can prevent this.

Understanding the physics: You know the old saying that hot air rises? Well, during cold weather that is exactly what happens, and something called the reverse chimney effect comes into play.

It is widely accepted that cold air is denser, and therefore heavier, than warm air. When it’s cold outside the air close to the window is cooled and sinks down (due to its density increasing with the temperature change). When the cooled air sinks it’s replaced by warmer air from other parts of the room.

As you can imagine, this then creates a circulating current, taking all of your warm air and replacing it with cool air. And just like that, you have lost most of your heat, not just near the window, but in the entire room.

If your curtains are not fitted correctly they form a channel between the window and the curtain, creating a space for the cooled air to sit and increasing the effect of the reverse chimney. The most important aspect to note is that it is the power of each factor combined, which decreases heat loss. No single factor works in isolation.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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1336 days ago

Most trusted NZ crypto exchange

Easy Crypto

Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

With quick sign up, no sneaky crypto transaction fees and one of the safest & most beginner-friendly platforms on the market, you’ll be buying your first crypto in … View more
Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

With quick sign up, no sneaky crypto transaction fees and one of the safest & most beginner-friendly platforms on the market, you’ll be buying your first crypto in minutes! Easy.

Based in NZ and giving you access to over 150 coins, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, Easy Crypto understands starting out in Crypto can be tricky, so we’ve made it easy to do! Sign up today we’ll even give you $10 credit to get started! Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more

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