Plus Living+ Manawatu/Whanganui Issue #1

FREE MANAWATU/WHANGANUI EDITION: 1 | 2024

Mind over matter

How to connect with your inner creativity

Setting yourself up for success The art and craft of goal setting

Dollars and sense

Simple ways to improve your headspace

The big financial mistakes older people make

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The 13 traits of persuasive people

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Contents FREE

Mind over matter

How to connect with your inner creativity

Setting yourself up for success The art and craft of goal setting

Dollars and sense

Simple ways to improve your headspace

The big financial mistakes older people make

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READING

The 13 traits of persuasive people

staying

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REF#P24M1 MANAWATU/WHANGANUI EDITION: 1 | 2024

MANAWATU/WHANGANUI EDITION: 1 | 2024

Mind over matter It seems as if there are a million sayings about ‘life is what you make it’, and every one of them falls under the guise of ‘easier said than done’.

Inside

this issue

LIVING WELL AND AGEING GRACEFULLY IN A MODERN SOCIETY

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Seven steps to emotional health

The 13 traits of persuasive people

A guide to ageing well

While that’s undoubtedly true when it comes to navigating the myriad of obstacles existence throws our way, it might not be quite as watertight when it comes to our interpretation of those things.

With that in mind, this issue of Plusliving kicks off with articles about attitude – namely yours. We start by discussing emotional health, offering seven resolutions to aid your headspace, and then talking about the traits of persuasive people.

Next, we delve into a guide about aging well entitled, funnily enough, ‘Life is what you make it’ and move on to pieces about maintaining motivation, ways to boost your mood, connecting with your inner creativity, breaking bad habits, being wise with money, eating to stay healthy, the ongoing battle with ageism, plus much more.

Enjoy!

JonathonTaylor

Editor

FREE distribution

maximises readership Publisher: The Job Agency Ltd 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Managing Director: Gary Collins GM of Operations: Kylie Palermo Sales Manger: Angela Elley (03) 961 5184 | sales@markat.co.nz Editor: Jonathon Taylor (03) 961 5098 | editor@markat.co.nz

Staying motivated for life

Being wise with money

Ten easy ways to boost your mood

Mind Games

Staying connected online

Recipes

Welcome to Plusliving – the magazine dedicated to living well and ageing gracefully in modern society. Aimed at the 50+ age group, you’ll find articles covering all aspects of contemporary life, including physical health and wellbeing, mental health and acuity, home life, working life and finances, technology, travel, self-improvement and more. Our aim is to provide information anyone can use, on any given day, so you can get more out of life.

Does your company have any information or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Plusliving+?

Please contact us to discuss getting your business in print Disclaimer

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This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency Ltd is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. The Job Agency Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2020 by The Job Agency Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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Life & Style

Lifestyles

By Jamie Quinn

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Mimosa Caymen Wooden Cantilever Umbrella This elegant Mimosa Caymen Wooden Cantilever umbrella is the ultimate shade solution to your outdoor area. The frame is made from a gorgeous eucalyptus timber and accompanied by a strong powder coated steel swivel cross base. With UPF50+ protection combined with a 360-degree swivel base, this umbrella ensures you are always protected, no matter which direction the sun is shining.

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Baya Summit Peak Outdoor Rug – Khaki Revitalise your outdoor space with these contemporary and fully reversible floor rugs. Soft underfoot, the handcrafted double weave stripe design looks stunning on any surface and can be used in and outdoors interchangeably. The Baya Summit Peak outdoor rug features a heavy stripe on one side, and a finer design on the other, simply turn the rug over to create a new look in moments.

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 5

Behaviour

Seven steps to emotional health A healthier diet and regular exercise are arguably the most common personal aspirations, but improving your emotional and mental health shouldn’t be ignored, because exercise, diet and other tangible goals are then easier to meet.

The reason we make resolutions in the first place is to be happier, more creative, more aware of our direction in life and improve our sense of wellbeing. Arguably the largest obstacles to these are negative emotional states.

Negative emotions are hugely toxic to our health. It’s now commonly accepted that holding onto stress, resentment, anger and fear for years at a time can lead to myriad health problems, including high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, hair loss and heart disease.

In fact, it has become accepted by health professionals that most diseases in some way have a stress-related component. It’s surprising, then, that more of us don’t focus on improving our state of mind.

Seven resolutions to improve your headspace: 1. Prioritise your happiness and health It’s important to decide for your health and happiness as number one.

As simple as it sounds, if you don’t have these, you are not in a position to contribute to others or yourself. Everything stems from here.

2. Spend more time with the right people Rather than resolving to spend more time with everyone – which can be exhausting – spend time with people who are naturally positive and uplifting, and who are going in the direction you want to go in. You’ll find these people have an energising effect on you.

3. Deal with toxic relationships You can identify relationships by the way they make you feel. Stand your ground, set your boundaries and make it clear to them what behaviour you won’t accept – even with family. You may need to disengage altogether from particularly toxic people. Your health will thank you for it.

4. Reassess your happiness at work This is must for those in a negative work culture that’s leaving them feeling overworked, uncertain of their future, anxious or stressed. It’s important to know that as an employee you can address the issue with your manager. If you know you can’t, it may be time to look for a healthier work environment.

6 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

5. Review your daily routine It takes courage to admit there are decisions we ourselves make that deflate us emotionally – from accepting a job with a long commute, to running around too much, to not giving ourselves enough ‘down’ time every day, to spending too much and putting ourselves in financial stress. By resolving to develop a strategy to solve them, you can be in an entirely different place by the end of the year.

6. Don’t let any negative emotions control you Negative emotions – however small – can overwhelm anything positive. Resolve to develop awareness of when you’re feeling upset or frustrated before it spoils your day. Examine what can you do personally to make yourself feel better. Each time you begin to feel down, take a walk in the park or go out in the sun to help centre you. Nature and movement nurture positive emotions.

7. Strengthen your relationships Deep and meaningful relationships, not just with your life partner, but with all those close to you, are important for a fulfilling life.

Make a list of all the factors you need for a meaningful relationship, identify what you do not want, and stick to your guns.

The13traits of

persuasive people Persuasive people have an uncanny ability to get you leaning toward their way of thinking. Their secret weapon is likeability. They get you to like more than their ideas; they get you to like them.

1

They’re pleasers Persuasive people never win the battle only to lose the war. They know how and when to stand their ground, and yet they are constantly making sacrifices that help their cause.

2

They aren’t pushy Persuasive people establish their ideas assertively and confidently, without being aggressive or pushy.

Behaviour 3

They aren’t mousy, either On the other hand, presenting your ideas as questions or as though they need approval makes them seem flawed and unconvincing. If you tend to be shy, focus on presenting your ideas as statements and interesting facts for the other party to mull over.

4

They know their audience Persuasive people know their audience inside and out, and they use this knowledge to speak their audience’s language.

5

They paint a picture Research shows that people are far more likely to be persuaded by something that has visuals that bring it to life. Persuasive people capitalise on this by using powerful visual imagery.

6

They use positive body language Being cognizant of your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice (and making certain they’re positive) will engage people and open them up to your arguments.

7 They smile Persuasive people smile a lot because they have genuine enthusiasm for their ideas. This has a contagious effect on everyone they encounter.

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They use your name Persuasive people make certain they use others’ names every time they see them. You shouldn’t just use someone’s name only when you greet him or her.

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They form connections No matter how compelling your argument, if you fail to connect on a personal level, he or she will doubt everything you say.

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They are genuine No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them.

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They know when to pull back Urgency is a direct threat to persuasion, so tread lightly. When you try to force people to agree instantly, studies show that they are actually more likely to stand by their original opinion.

8

They acknowledge your point of view An extremely powerful tactic of persuasion is to concede the point.

Admit that your argument is not perfect. This shows that you are open minded and willing to make adjustments, instead of stubbornly sticking to your cause.

9 They ask good questions People like to know you’re listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows not only that you are listening but also that you care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 7

Healthy Living

Little changes with big consequences Four simple ways to improve your health By simply examining a few health facts and implementing some simple lifestyle changes each day can make a difference to your overall health.

1. Meditation minimises disease Meditation is a phenomenal way to instantly take control of your health. Studies indicate that a mere 20 minutes of quiet time a day can halve the risk of heart attack or stroke by reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

In countries such as India and China, meditation has been used for centuries as a way to lower stress levels and improve concentration.

Scientists have found that transcendental meditation, which promotes deeper relaxation through mantras, is even more beneficial for the mind and body.

Tests show that sufferers of atherosclerosis were able to reduce their risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke by 47 percent, compared to those who simply followed a healthy diet and exercise program.

2. Replace hazardous laundry detergents Certain liquid laundry detergents contain cancer-causing chemicals.

Research shows that these harmful cleaning aids contain around 25 volatile compounds, which may make people sick.

Fumes from washing machines and dryers release harmful chemicals, such as acetaldehyde, into the atmosphere, which may also find their way into the water supply. Shop for safer, less dangerous detergents which will help your health and the environment too.

3. Juice your own fruits and vegetables for better health Buying a carton of juice from the store can be hazardous to your health. Just because the label says “100% pure” or “freshly squeezed” does not mean it is true.

In processing orange juice, for example, most manufactures remove all the oxygen molecules from the liquid, which allows the juice to be stored for up to a year. As this process strips the juices of their flavors, juice companies then add fragrance and flavor additives to the product.

Avoid processed, stored products and take the time to juice your own fruits and vegetables as a great kick-start to better health.

4. Reduce beer consumption and drink alcohol in moderation Heavy beer drinkers risk liver damage and a bigger beer belly.

According to experts who studied the health of more than 500,000 people between the ages of 35 to 70, it was found that those who drank 30g of pure alcohol a day from beer had a massive 75 percent increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Worse still, heavy beer drinkers with a particular gene variant in the cluster of three genes that metabolize alcohol have an even greater chance of getting stomach cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Ideally, all alcohol should be taken with food, such as a glass of wine with a meal, and spirits should be enjoyed in moderation.

Article kindly provided courtesy of NaturalNews.com

8 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Wellbeing

– a guide to ageing well Through our daily exposure to today’s array of information and communication, we are inundated with messages about the merits of ageing well and the processes we can follow to ensure we realise our potential at any age.

The concept of ageing well can be perceived in a cosmetic sense, conjuring up images of anti-wrinkle remedies and the revolutionary youth serums which purportedly stall the physical metamorphosis we undergo as part of our evolutionary existence.

It’s a lucrative industry selling youth; one which has no expiration date, because the ‘youth in a bottle’ market and everything it encompasses will have life for as long as humans walk the earth and their desire for a life of longevity exists.

But ageing well in life cannot be taken at face value alone. Because while the restorative properties of age reversal potions and practises may bring skindeep satisfaction to our lives, ageing well in a holistic sense is what fulfils us in mind, body and soul.

Wise up We have heard the supposition ‘wisdom comes with age,’ time and time again.

It is a proclamation that suggests our wisdom well is fuller when our eyes, minds and hearts have absorbed a lifetime worth of knowledge and are more in tune with the way of the world.

10 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

There is much to be said for and learned from the valuable hindsight that belongs to those who have experienced life, although it is important to utilise what intellectual capacity we have now to create a plan to age well.

For life’s greatest pearls of wisdom may well be reserved for a moment in time beyond our immediate reach, but making age well plans requires the application of today’s wisdom while the wisdom of tomorrow still belongs to the future.

A plan to age well We spend our lives planning. Plans are personal maps for life which we formulate to help us reach milestones, fulfil ambitions and complete tasks effectively.

And while a life plan may not grant us immunity from the serendipitous way of the world, the protection, security and direction afforded to us by having a strategic plan, can only contribute to a life of longevity.

There is no dictionary definition for ageing well, no textbook manual open for our consultation.

Ageing well cannot be mimicked or even learned from others because while peers and family may be able to offer suggestive guidance, our unique genetic blueprint means how we define ageing well and go about it, will require a personal touch.

Therefore, a definitive list of steps for entering elder-hood and working towards a life of longevity cannot be given, but recommendations for areas of focus can be provided to help you on your journey.

Wellbeing And like adventure at any age, your physical, emotional and spiritual values should be your guiding intuition.

Sleep is also as important to our health as diet and exercise – without it we cannot function properly and may even become ill.

Physical health

We know when we sleep, our bodies rest – conserving energy and decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body temperature, but our brains remain active – laying down memory, restoring daytime mental function and carrying out tasks that lead to physical growth.

We can all remember the physical liberation attached to being young and ailment free.

And while it becomes harder to reverse or right the physical wrongs we have committed as the years pass us by, if we are consistent throughout life and honour a balanced and physical lifestyle, we can continue to experience the physical autonomy gifted in youth.

The physical benefits of a balanced diet are also well documented, which is directly associated with healthy ageing.

The saying, “you are only as old as you feel” is applicable to the exercise equation because beyond the aesthetic merits of staying active, physical exercise is also an elixir for staying young in mind and spirit.

When entering any era in which our life profoundly changes, we need to get emotional – in an intuitive sense.

As a combatant for what ails you, the positive effects of a physical lifestyle are further increased with the adoption of other physical practises.

In order to beat stress effectively you need to have a grab-bag of antistressing tools that you use often and proactively before your body’s stress response fully kicks in. The more anti-stressing tools you can learn the better.

Emotional health

As we get older and life presents us with new emotional challenges, understanding our emotional needs and feelings and catering to these, is as importance to our wellbeing as maintaining physical health.

Ageing well emotionally is like a quality of life initiative; the different realms of quality of life include physical, mental, social and spiritual factors.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, ageing well can be about maintaining what is working now for you and what has worked before in those specific domains and then adapting those to the appropriate age context.

Looking after mental health is incredibly important during our latter years in life and older age is most commonly the time in which people reach out to mental health workers or a social network.

Grief, dementia and physical, mental or social loss can be the catalyst for seeking out the support and assistance of others and it is in the process of seeking this assistance that people find renewed strength and direction.

In conjunction with seeking advice and emotional support from social networks and support systems, following a plan for ageing well emotionally can also involve taking a psychotherapeutic approach through cognitive behavioral therapy.

Getting out and about, staying active, having good hygiene and fitness as well as following regular sleeping patterns are all related to this.

Asking the existential questions in life, such as: “Who am I? Where am I going? What do I want from my life?” also benefits people’s emotional health and understanding of themselves, as does seeking out the guidance of spiritualists who are open to different denominations and people.

In conclusion Life is what you make it. Plan for tomorrow, live for today and seek out the support of any of the following organisations to guide you as you age well physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout life.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 11

Daily Life

Staying motivated in your daily life can be tough even when you’re having a good time.

Maintaining your motivation Everyone is worthy of existing and taking a break. Breathing room and giving yourself rest and recreation is one way to stay your most motivated.

At the end of the day when you close your eyes, where do you want to be?

What do you want to do with your time here?

These questions are hard to think about, but keeping them near the front of your mind will help guide you in the direction of how you want to live your life.

Whether you want to further your career or you want to dive headfirst into your hobby, you want to make sure you’re not filled with regret when you near life’s finish line.

Base goals on what you want, not on what you think you should want Often times, our loved ones pressure you into goals that aren’t necessarily what we want. You have to make sure that the goal that you set for yourself is one that you want to attain.

Just because your grandad always wanted you to be a doctor doesn’t mean you have to be.

If you’re going to spend all this energy going after something, make sure it’s something you want, that’ll make you fulfilled and happy.

Break down your goal into manageable tasks When you look at what you want to accomplish, sometimes the whole idea can seem insurmountable. However, nothing is ever built overnight.

Breaking down what you want to do into smaller tasks with deadlines will help you accomplish them since they won’t feel so unachievable.

12 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Balancing work, relationships and social obligations, as well as your personal goals can be a daunting task.

Combine that with the wonders of the internet and Netflix at your fingers, and it’s a wonder that anything gets done.

Before delving into how to stay motivated and focused, it’s important to note that you as a person are not defined by your productivity or how well you accomplish your personal goals.

For example, if you want to start playing the piano, start out with the goal that you’ll learn a few chords to start with. That way they can add up, and when you look back, you’ll see you actually accomplished a lot.

Share your goal with others Share what you’re doing with a few loved ones to keep yourself accountable. Telling them you’re starting your novel is one way to make it a tangible thing – by saying you’re going to do something, you have already put the wheels into motion.

That way, they can also check in with you and keep you motivated.

Positive reinforcement always trumps negative reinforcement.

Look to others that do what you love Seeing the skill and artistry others have accomplished is a great way to stay hungry for your goal and give you something to strive for.

For example, if you want to start roller skating, viewing YouTube videos of people doing different styles of roller skating you’re interested in – jam skating, skate park skating or roller derby – can motivate you to work harder.

Be careful not to compare yourself to others. Everyone works at their own pace, and just because you’re not at someone else’s level yet doesn’t mean you’re bad at what you do. Keep at it!

At the end of the day, we all want to live a life we can be proud of. Taking tangible steps, even small ones, towards the life we want is a sure-fire way to be more satisfied with our place on earth.

Culture

The polarisation problem Have New Zealanders lost the ability to agree to disagree?

By Ben O’Connell

Affective polarisation is the tendency for people to feel positive about the political party they support while disliking and distrusting those they don’t.

In March 2023 Chris Hipkins said New Zealand isn’t isolated from the “greater degree of polarisation” spreading worldwide. As the differences between supporters of different political parties continue to grow, so do the concerns.

A handful of recent studies prove the polarisation escalation.

A 2020 study from the Journal of Research in Personality showed Labour and Green voters have gradually expressed greater disapproval of National over the years. In January 2022 a Curia Research opinion poll showed 72 percent of Kiwis felt the country was more divided; just 10 percent believed we are less divided.

Another 2020 study of nine OECD countries confirmed intensifying affective polarisation levels, especially more intense when unemployment and inequality are high.

In his book Fear about New Zealand’s hostile underworld of extremists, Byron Clark writes that “when America sneezes, the world catches a cold” and in part the United States’ cultural influence on New Zealand has deepened local polarisation levels.

One study from Brown University showed over the last 40 years polarisation was growing in the US faster than anywhere else, and that affective polarisation had risen in New Zealand, but to a lesser extent.

Alternative media here is bolstered by nations like the US, but New Zealand cannot just blame America.

Labelled the ‘partisan pandemic’ by some, Coronavirus continues to be an undeniable polarisation pusher. New Zealand united as a ‘team of five million’ and as the Wellcome Global Monitor by Gallup found, trust in scientists over this period increased more here and in Australia than anywhere else worldwide.

But divisions soon grew. Underneath the solidarity emerged intense conspiracy and misinformation, with 40 percent of Asian Kiwis experiencing racism per researchers from the University of Auckland.

Three years of protests against lockdowns, the United Nations, and vaccines denying the virus’ mere existence were similar to events overseas, but ultimately homegrown efforts.

Chris Hipkins’ comments on polarisation followed British anti-trans activist Posie Parker’s visit here that culminated in an intense counter-protest.

He said he would not like to see New Zealand get to a point where things were as polarised as they were in some other countries, and that “there was a degree of exploiting fear in some of the public comments that had been made” surrounding Parker’s visit.

But in the same interview on RNZ’s Morning Report, Hipkins also said that as a democratic nation, it’s important to be able to have and express disagreements from time to time.

When is it all too much though? At what point are we no longer debating politically, and instead arguing over whether someone deserves their basic human rights be met?

Differences in political ideals and goals indicate a healthy democracy, but a line must be drawn.

Striking a balance between embracing disagreements inherent in a democratic society and preventing disunity and hate speech from spiralling out of control is absolutely crucial for future New Zealand.

So, have New Zealanders lost the ability to agree to disagree?

We are not immune to the increasing polarisation seen globally, but with proactive efforts from citizens, media, and political leaders, it’s possible to at least alleviate the deepening of societal divisions.

Increased media literacy, especially on online content, and critical thinking around misinformation and extremist ideologies cannot hurt.

One study from Duke University showed how varying levels of anonymity can lead to two people with the most opposing political views finding common ground.

It’s also good to keep in mind that some people have incentives to stoke polarisation, which keeps social media sites buzzing, politicians supported, and organisations empowered.

New Zealand must acknowledge this, and that polarisation is only growing, so we can get back to having political discussions free of intolerance, hostility, and hate.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 13

Self-Improvement

10 easy ways to Even the most optimistic people can use a mood boost every once in a while.

Taking an extra moment for yourself will make your day brighter and give you a healthier outlook on life.

Here are 10 simple ways you can bring a little happiness into your life right now: 1

Go for a walk

Just a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and give you a fresh perspective on problems that have been bothering you.

Relax, slide, swim, soak or workout!

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14 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

2

Give it a rest

Ditch late-night screen time and head to bed earlier. Increasing your amount of sleep can reduce your stress level and leave you feeling energised to tackle your day when you wake up.

3

Thank someone

Acknowledge something that someone has done for you and send a note or a small bouquet of flowers. You’ll put a smile on their face and yours.

4

Compliment a stranger

Tell someone that you like something that they have and you’re guaranteed to brighten their day. Seeing good things in others will help you start to see good things in yourself.

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Self-Improvement

boost your mood 5

Plan a vacation

8

Wear your favourite colour

Getting bogged down with our daily routines can send us into a rut, causing us to look at things negatively. Booking a trip near or far away will give you something to look forward to, and the break from your normal routine will help you to see your life a little more clearly.

Have a passion for red? Love cool blues? Wear your favourite colour and you’ll walk a little taller and smile throughout the day.

6

Boost your confidence by completing a particularly hard crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Maximizing your brain power and doing something challenging will help you to have a more confident outlook on life.

Buy something silly

After all, laughter is the best medicine. Pick up something that makes you laugh like a funny picture, book, magazine, or a movie. Giving yourself time to laugh boosts feel-good endorphins.

7

Get a massage

Your neck and back will thank you and you’ll feel relaxed the rest of the day – and then some.

9

Tackle a problem

10 Model behaviour Take a photo of yourself doing something you enjoy, like roller skating, skiing, swimming, playing an instrument, or being with friends and family.

Place the picture on your desk to remind yourself that you lead an amazing life and have lots to be happy about.

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 15

Self-Improvement

Mind over matter - How to connect with your inner creativity Hmmm… thinking. Too much of it can create problems which weren’t there in the first place and too little may mean missing out on a good opportunity. But what happened to a little downtime and those “eureka!” moments?

Instead of forcing your brain to conjure up creative genius “on demand” you need to create thinking space where your mind can rest and let the magic flow.

Here are a few ideas to get your magic happening: Write – although you shouldn’t expect answers to show their pretty little face immediately after you have asked a question, jotting down your thoughts allows you to de-stress, clarify your thoughts and solve problems (fingers crossed). Writing a pros and cons list can also help to evaluate and make better decisions.

Choose a location – it’s been said that some of the greatest ideas are thought of while walking. A simple change in scenery, whether it be a brisk walk around the block, working out at the gym, relaxing in the botanical garden or quiet place, can give you a mental boost and change your mood.

Breaking bad habits We all have our own little habits – the good and the bad - and it’s these habits that make us who we are.

But whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not, many of us have one (or maybe a few), bad habits that would do us good to break.

We might perceive our habits to be small, insignificant compulsions, but when repeated continuously our actions do have a significant impact on who we are as people. And whether we like to admit it or not, our habits mould us into the people we are.

From drinking excessively or routinely staying up all night, resulting in poor performance at work the following day, to procrastination, overspending, swearing, or binge eating - whatever the vice - if it is having a harmful effect on your work and personal life, it is time to break free of the negative behaviour pattern.

Here are five tips to help break free.

1

Create a plan - Once you’ve acknowledged the problem and got yourself into the right state of mind to tackle the habit, a plan can be useful to disrupt the automatic response to it.

Plan your approach by answering the following questions: What day do I start? Will I go cold turkey? How will I hold myself accountable for

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Avoid “eating al desko” – and don’t pretend you don’t do it. You’re probably reading this at your desk right now, aren’t you? It may be easy to drop your elbows onto your desk and munch away while scouring the Internet for interesting reads, but you’ve just been staring at the computer since 7.30am.

Take longer showers – think of a shower as an incubator. It makes you feel all fuzzy with warmth and essentially creates the right conditions to let our minds trigger creative wanderings. It’s an unwritten rule; give it a go and you might be surprised.

Stare into space – we’re not talking about people-watching out of your office window, although this may amuse and stimulate you for a couple of minutes. Concentrating takes a lot of our energy, so we need to focus more energy on doing, actually, nothing at all and generally just let your mind wander for a while.

Take your mind away from automatic tasks – our inner ninja is ready to pounce on emails, voicemails, messages and paperwork that come our way, and we keep pushing back relentlessly until it’s a full-on workout before you know it.

Stimulate your mind and take yourself away for a while: play a game of cards, listen to music, and chat with friends or colleagues, anything that isn’t already in your routine.

Five steps to break

my actions? Who else will be involved in the process? What rewards for success will I give myself? A clear plan with create the discipline needed to succeed.

2

Identify your trigger - Understanding what fuels your bad habit is the key to overcoming it. Identify the trigger, whether it is people or a place, which enables the habit and avoid it.

3

Change your environment - If you repeat the same behaviour in the same place every time, then the environment can prompt the undesirable behaviour. Avoiding the environment that triggers your habit can help towards kicking the cycle.

4

Retrain your thoughts - Even if we know a habit is damaging us physically or emotionally, we continue to do it. Why? Because despite the obvious drawbacks, it still provides us with some sort of satisfaction or psychological reward that entices us to repeat the behaviour again and again. Reframing your mind to put emphasis on the negative aspects should, over time, diminish the psychological reward received from acting out the habit.

5

Be patient - Be patient with yourself and don’t beat yourself up too much if you slip up and fall back into the habit – it’s called a habit for a reason. Established habits can be hard to break as they are ingrained into your life. It may take several attempts to make a change so be patient and persist.

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Technology

Staying connected Keeping in touch with your loved ones, even when they’re far away, has never been easier.

While nothing can quite beat face to face communication, technology has made it so you can connect with who you want in real time.

So here are different options for online communication that you can use with your computer or on your smart phone, from video chatting to messaging.

FaceTime - From the ever-popular iPhone to devices such as the iPad and MacBook, chances are someone you know and care about uses an Apple device.

That’s the beauty of FaceTime, Apple’s video chat software that comes preinstalled on all their devices (at least from 2010 onwards); you can easily video chat with anyone that has an Apple device, no matter where they are in the world.

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To make a FaceTime call, either search the name if they’re already in your contacts, or type in their number or email.

Facebook Messenger - With over 2.4 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the most popular social network site worldwide.

Beyond the website, did you know that the Facebook Messenger app makes it easy to message, video chat and call your friends?

One great thing about Facebook Messenger is it’s not limited to just iPhones – anyone with a smartphone and a Facebook account can

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If you have one, open up your iPhone, iPad or Macbook and log into your Apple ID account. If you’ve already set up your device before this, use FaceID or TouchID to log into FaceTime.

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The Manawatu district stretches across the North Island of New Zealand from the west to the east coast and is distinguished by the Tararua and Ruahine ranges that traverse the centre of the district.

MidCentral district comprises the following territorial local authority districts: • • • • •

Horowhenua district Manawatu district Palmerston North city Tararua district The Otaki ward of the Kapiti coast district.

Manawatu Supporting Families has over 158,000 people, and the majority live in Palmerston North City. Around 14 percent of the population are aged 65 years or older.

Services that Manawatu support Families can help with are: • • • • • • •

Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Depression Anxiety Disorders Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Eating Disorders Personality Disorders.

Technology download it. Once you have an account, sign in and set up your contact list, also known as your Facebook friends.

was the first to offer messaging, voice calls and more exclusively for smartphones when it arrived in 2009.

Mainly people use WhatsApp for texting, especially while abroad. The best thing about WhatsApp is its ease of use. All you need for your account is to enter your Apple or Android devices telephone number, and it verifies who you are through that. If you change your mobile number, you can change that as well to keep your account up to date.

If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to download the app, you can also video chat through the website.

Skype - Skype was one of the first video chat websites and apps popularised worldwide. Owned by Microsoft, it comes preinstalled to your computer if you have a PC. If you have a Mac, it’s easily available for download. You can also download it on your Apple or Android device.

Another feature that makes Skype unique is you can affordably and easily make international calls to people who don’t have Skype. For example, 0800 numbers are free to call.

From there, WhatsApp accesses your contacts for you and connects you to people who already use the app, making it a streamlined process.

If you don’t have an account already, you can create one for free. Alternatively, you can use your Microsoft/Hotmail/Outlook account to sign in. Once you’re all set up, search for friends and family who already use Skype.

WhatsApp - The Facebook-owned app recently hit two billion users worldwide. What makes it so popular was that it

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Kiwilaw takes the hassle out of accessing essential legal services after a loved one dies.

Families don’t need to visit a

lawyer’s office – Kiwilaw’s online services make the paperwork less expensive and easily accessible.

Whenever someone dies and leaves more than $15,000 in the bank or Kiwisaver, the High Court has to approve the will (probate) or issue letters of administration (if no will) before the funds can be released.

Instead of paying perhaps $2000 or more, most families can get the High Court approval they need for less than $1000 (including the $200 High Court fee), or even less with a valid will. Then they can use Kiwilaw’s online resources to choose whether to pay professionals for the rest of the estate work, or do it themselves.

For accurate help at a confusing and difficult time, enquire online via www.kiwilaw.co.nz or reach Cheryl at probate@kiwilaw.co.nz, or phone 03 312 1508.

there to help you at a difficult time • Probate documents to you directly (usually $490) or to your lawyer (usually $390) • Get a free copy of the 40-page Kiwilaw Guide to Estate Administration with your SuperGold card when you get probate through Kiwilaw (usually $49) Cheryl Simes LL.B (Hons) MA (Hons) Kiwilaw Director/Lawyer 03 312 1508

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 19

Money Matters

Saving made simple Whether you’re trying to pay off a debt or build your savings, sometimes saving money is simply about changing your mindset and bad habits to achieve financial freedom in the long term.

Here are a few money traps to avoid: Coffee/lunch - $4.50 for a latte or $8.50 for a Panini may not sound like much, but if you’re buying them everyday the total weekly cost is fairly significant. Times this by four and then by 12 and the yearly expenditure comes to around $3,000! Treat yourself every now and again, but think about where you’re better off spending your money.

Dining out - Sometimes we tell ourselves that we deserve a treat and say this at the end of every week just because it’s Friday. Eating out

Dollars and sense Spending too much - Pretty obvious, do your homework and budgeting. Be smart and find independent advice to help you monitor how fast you are spending your money. Then if you “live too long” hopefully you won’t have to live out your golden years in poverty.

Spending too much on housing - Not much good owning a $500,000 house and having only $50,000 in the bank to supplement your (rather lean) government super. Don’t get to retirement living in a castle with too little cash to supplement your super.

Worrying too much - The news media will drag you into the

can be a fine thing, and eating at home takes effort and planning, but at least you know exactly what’s going into your food. And your bank balance will thank you for it.

Not checking what you spend - Many of us probably don’t bother to check receipts and often leave them to decay at the bottom of our bags until we find them a month later and discard them accordingly. If you can’t be fussed handling a draw full of receipts, at least check your bank account online to keep an eye on exactly what you’re spending. If money is leaving your account and you don’t even recognise where it’s gone, be mindful when you spend from now on.

Don’t be influenced - Will Smith said, “We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.” Just because your friend bought the latest flat screen TV doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Don’t be a sheep and follow your own path.

The big financial mistakes older people make Not getting on-going financial and planning advice leading up to retirement - If you fail to plan, then plan to fail. Get advice – if it costs say $150 to $200 pa that is peanuts compared to what it might do for you. It might get you organised and might even save you tens of thousands.

Failing to understand what diversification really means - You can’t pick the hot investments; no one can.

Rather diversify properly, and you will make good money in good times, and survive the bad times pretty well too.

mire. Turn the news off and get out and about.

Not learning enough about investment before retirement - Knowledge is power. Learn about investments

Not living and spending too little - You can’t take it with you. Get advice and find out how much you can safely spend if you are worried.

as you save for retirement, and probably avoid the disaster some people incurred when they put all their money into one or to finance companies.

Believing that you can (or the “experts” can) pick the hot investments - No one can – buy quality and

Helping children too much and leaving yourself short - Love them or not, they may have 25 to 40 years

diversify widely. Beware of some apparently wonderful companies as the costs can be too high. After all someone has to pay for their big buildings and glossy brochures – and it will be you.

of working life in front of them, you don’t. Be careful; keep enough money back for yourself.

20 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Mind Games

Word Search Find the words in the grid and cross out from the list below.

Words go horizontally and vertically (not diagonally) they may intersect .

Dont ‘s : no bending, overlapping or going backwards Note: Ignore spaces, dashes and diacritics, if any. There will be no unused letters left on the grid at upon completion

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22 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Mind Games

Crossword Across:

Down:

1. Stage lamp

2. Piece of office gear

8. Starting point in reasoning

2. Small spade

9. Makes a ties less tight

4. You look through it 5. Salon stylist

10. Concept

6. Fruit pastry

12. Item on a belt

7.

13. UFO pilots

By the way

11. Lining fabric

13. Wet period in the tropics

14. Spiritual song

16. Bog fruit

5. HAIRDRESSER 6. APPLE TART 7. EN PASSANT 11. FLEECE 14. HYMN

ANSWERS:

15. RAINY SEASON 16. CRANBERRY DOWN: 2. PHOTOCOPIER 3. TROWEL 4. IRIS ACROSS: 1. SPOTLIGHT 8. PROPOSITION 9. LOOSEN 10. IDEA 12.TOOL 13. ALIENS

ANSWER:

Mind Games The old saying ‘use it or lose it’ applies as equally to mental acuity as it does to physical wellbeing, and more so as we age.

With people progressively living longer lives, it is increasingly important to look after our mental health.

So here are some activities for the mind… brain food for improving your state of mind.

A-maze-ing www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 23

Society

Battling ageism

While we are progressively moving towards being a more engaging and accepting society, the existence of certain prejudices within our communities continues to threaten social equality and stifle the opportunity for an egalitarian environment.

Discrimination towards marginalised groups, subcultures and identities within society is not new. And while social acceptance is growing and playing its role as a social moderator in New Zealand, as a collective and united body of people we are yet to address and defeat an age-old discrimination.

An age-old issue

democratic society, the environments in which ageism is manifested, are a catalyst for further inequality.

Ageism can manifest itself in many ways. Sometimes its direct and other times its through ignorance and throwaway comments.

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

Studying society There have been various studies conducted to address and measure the presence of ageist attitudes within society. A 2006 research report commissioned by the New Zealand Rights Commission was undertaken by University of Auckland business school professor Marie Wilson and student Jordan Kan. Wilson and Kan attested that age-based stereotypes distort employment markets and affect perception about the employability, skills and competency of older works.

To legitimise the validity of this admission, Wilson and Kan conducted a field experiment where simulation and interviews were used to “assess the selection process from multiple perspectives and enable a thorough consideration of both the process and outcome of recruitment and selection decisions”.

In the workplace, on the street or in our social institutions, ageism is ubiquitous.

Young and older candidates were included in this study and the subsequent results were summarised in a report, Barriers to entry for the older worker.

This report confirmed that younger workers were perceived by employers as being more suitable candidates for employment opportunities although older people had a plethora of unique skills to offer.

In the most obvious sense, ostracising someone because of their age is a breach of the basic rights which should be afforded to all members of a

“Age-based discrimination undermines both personal and national productivity and limits the growth and productive capacity of firms...

Ageism, or prejudice towards the elderly is detrimental to our living history; those who represent the wise and courageous individuals who fought for our liberation and voted for our own equality.

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“

Society

Intentional or not, such comments can be hurtful. However, New Zealanders can address this issue, stop it in its tracks, and uphold the rights of the elderly – this must be everyone’s central concern.

”

The assumptions behind age-based discrimination are largely false as well; older workers are not less adaptable, often possess rare and complex intellectual capital, provide longer and more reliable service to their employers and have fewer accidents, injuries and occasion fewer workplaces losses than their younger and often more expensive colleagues.”

Addressing ageism While ageism is on the social issues radar, prevalence is hard to determine as victims of age-based discrimination may not articulate their concerns; meaning it is difficult to develop a definitive understanding about the scale of the issue.

When people are committing ageism, many of these offences can be readily identified by listening to general conversation as they are often quite overt acts.

Once identified, ageism can be dealt with through education. Victims of ageism can also seek out support on their own accord through organisations like Age Concern.

Age Concern focuses on advancing positive ageing and the wellbeing of older people. The organisation endeavours to assist older people who are subjected to ageist attitudes.

Addressing and eradicating ageist ideologies is not just about reducing inequality. The wealth of experience and skills possessed by the elderly often go unrecognised although they are invaluable to the betterment of society.

It is on the moral conscience of our nation to address this problem through understanding and support.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of ageism you can contact Age Concern by logging on to www.ageconcern.org.nz. This website contains a list of regional office numbers you can ring. Alternatively, talk to a friend or family member who can help you address this issue.

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 25

Creating a home office that works for you As working from home is a viable and realistic option for many of us, it makes sense to include a home office or home-based workspace as part of your building, renovation or home upgrade plan.

It’s not really all that long ago as computers started to infiltrate our home lives, you might have created your ‘office’ in what was perceived as otherwise ‘wasted’ space under stairs or in cupboards.

Light fittings - The trend for light fittings these days tends to be downlights, however they are not always positioned in the best place for computer screens.

If you are planning to install these, see if you can get LEDs with a wide angle and have one positioned above where you are planning to put your desk, so that light goes onto your screen, not into it. Otherwise, you may need to take up space on your desk and use a desk lamp.

Colour schemes - Walls which are painted a dark colour make a room feel smaller and like they are soaking up the light; this makes the room feels dark, which is not ideal for working in, and if the room has a lot of sunlight, lighter colours can make it feel too bright.

These spaces were fine if all you needed to do was check a few emails (possibly via dial-up!) or briefly logon to look up some information, but they were definitely Head for something which is neutral, warm and feels good to you. You can always not designed for you to be at your desks for long periods of time. increase the colour feel in your workspace with art work.

Usually cramped and deliberately tucked ‘out of the way’ so that you could close the door on ugly computer ware and printers, they were less than ideal for setting Furniture - Many built-in desks in new or newly renovated homes (often seen up an efficient workstation. as a space saver) are frequently built-in too high, and don’t allow for any flexibility of positioning.

As long as we’ve got decent internet access, we can easily work from home - so realistically, with real work to be done, you don’t want to be tucked under the Some beautiful old desks - used as computer desks - are usually designed for stairs or stuck out on the landing! writing, not typing.

There are quite a few things to consider when creating a study or home office Buy a specific computer desk, and if it’s within your budget, preferably one that’s though, and it is well worthwhile doing some planning with your builder/ electrically height adjustable so you can work both sitting and standing. architect, to optimise this space.

A decent office chair is also important and these days, can blend in nicely with the rest of your decor. Look for a chair with good padding, adjustable height and back Things to consider include: angle, and one which is easy to adjust.

Location - Consider which room to use for your office, particularly in terms of the lighting. For instance, to reduce glare and heat from the sun at different times of the day, a room with windows which faces east, north or west will need good light control. The size of the window as well as aspect should be considered.

Computer cabling - Make sure that you’ve allowed for appropriate cabling, particularly if you are likely to have high computer use, or more than one computer in your workspace, either now or in the future.

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In conclusion - Finally, if you’re building a home office, even if you only use it occasionally, make sure to create a space you enjoy being in.

Not only will it look great and function well, getting elements such as the lighting, furniture type and placement right, means that you will also be more productive in what is your very own work space.

It’s your home, and it’s about living, so with a little bit of thought and planning, you can make your office work for you!

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Goal Setting

Setting yourself up Many of us have good intentions or some idea of where we would like to be in 10 years, but only three to five percent of people have clearly defined, established goals set in place.

It is crucial to set definitive long-term goals for ourselves to ensure we have the appropriate sailing attire ready for when that sunset finally arrives.

If you haven’t yet written your goals down (and it’s the writing down that’s the critical bit) use these steps and get started – it’s easier than you think:

Toptips on creating a safer home

forsuccess

2. Think as far into your future as you can.

At least a year out and ideally much further ahead. What do you want your life or business to look like in five or 10 years?

3. Write your goals down. Many people question the significance of this, but the reason for it is that putting your thoughts down on paper forces clarity. Similarly, there is nothing more rewarding or motivating than physically ticking off your goals one by one.

When writing goals many people tend to focus on only the professional aspects of their lives. It pays to look at the bigger picture, as for many of us, our work and home lives are intertwined, especially if running a business from home. Structure helps us think.

4. Don’t limit yourself. Forget ‘realistic’ for now. Nothing 1. Find a quiet spot. Whether it is your office or bedroom or favourite park, you need to be somewhere you feel comfortable and where the ideas will flow. Limit interruptions; don’t attempt it while other people are trying to engage with you, and remember to turn off your phone.

is too small or too large. Dream big. It isn’t your imminent tasks or relatively easy projects we’re interested in at this stage.

5. Be very specific. Goals need to be specific and larger goals should be broken down in to small, achievable blocks that you can work towards on a weekly or monthly basis.

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Your Place

House orientation - Your home should ideally be positioned as far as possible away from neighbouring buildings that might block north sun.

Note that in winter, objects cast shadows up to three times their height, blocking out sun light. It is also important to decide which rooms you want to be the sunniest, typically living spaces are chosen.

Heat friendly home design

Shade protection - Wide eaves are a useful feature to help shade from the harsh sun in summer and provide increased weather protection in winter.

Insulation - Well insulated homes are capable of using the heat from the sun more effectively to retain heat and also slow the flow of heat loss.

Plus it maintains a more constant internal temperature to reduce the need for heating.

Homes can be designed to be naturally warm in winter and cool in summer, if they’re built using passive heating concepts.

Window placement - Larger windows should face the sun to capture the warmth while south-facing windows, which receive minimal sun, should be small to avoid heat loss. All windows should be double glazed as a minimum standard.

The idea behind passive heating is to maximise a home’s ability to absorb and retain the sun’s natural heat to create a more comfortable home and minimise energy bills.

Colour consideration - If you live in a cooler environment use dark coloured roofing material to absorb heat, and likewise if you live in a warmer environment use light coloured roofing to reflect the suns rays.

Its aim is to control the temperature and ventilation of a home without the use of appliances that consume energy.

Embrace these simple concepts when you build for a much more comfortable and energy efficient home.

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Draughts - Once a house is well-insulated and appropriately glazed, the biggest potential heat loss is through draughts around windows and doors.

Use weather-stripping and high-quality sealants to reduce air leakage.

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When you hire a Laser Electrician, you’ll receive our ‘Totally Dependable’ service!

Ventilation - Use window joinery with security catches which allow windows to remain partially open to help ventilate the home and remove condensation.

Power up Palmerston North Laser Electrical Palmerston North Central is a trusted electrical services provider in the region, offering a wide range of solutions for residential and commercial needs.

Their expertise spans across various domains, making them a one-stop destination for electrical requirements.

inception to completion, making them an ideal partner for new home construction or renovations.

For homeowners, Laser Electrical offers an array of services including:

Additionally, they emphasise the importance of preventative maintenance to reduce future repair costs, offering electrical health checks to avoid unexpected issues. Whether it’s a heated towel timer installation or any other home maintenance task, they’ve got you covered.

• Electrical Repairs • Residential Lighting • Home Security Systems • Solar Panel Installation • Electric Vehicle Chargers • Heating and Ventilation Solutions • New Home Electrical Design and Installation • Home Automation.

They ensure your home’s electrical needs are met from

Laser Electrical Palmerston North Central extends its expertise beyond residences, catering to reidental and commercial clients.

For all your electrical needs in Palmerston North contact Laser Electrical today on 06 355 2944.

Your Place

Smart storage solutions Stairs - Ever thought of storing items in the stair risers? Or place drawers inside the steps so you can pull them out when you need something? It’s a great way to hide items and a bonus that it adds visual interest to your home.

Furniture - Ottomans, window seats with a lid, sofas with drawers in the bottom, beds with in-built storage, and trunks. These furniture pieces not only work as storage but it adds character.

Find storage in the stairway wall and under the stairway by adding shelves or a shelving unit that can be pulled out from under the stairs.

Closets - Build rows of shelves inside the closet and additionally, add rows of hooks to hold handbags or jewellery on the inside of the door. Hang an overthe-door rack or hook to keep things organised and out of sight.

Ceilings - Overhead storage is not always the most obvious place you would look to store items, but it’s surprisingly suitable. Narrow hallways are ideal and if you don’t mind a bit of DIY, attach shelving onto the ceiling to make the most out of your ceiling space.

Under floor storage - If you’re not looking up, look down. Find storage under the floor boards where you can store everything from precious possessions to jewellery and clothes.

Walls - Fringe your hallway with shelves or cabinets, particularly if you have a wide hallway. For something creative, add character with a wall decal.

Want to store some books on a shelf? Apply a tree wall decal and attach the shelves high up in the tree.

Remember: look up, look down, look inside and look behind for unused storage solutions around your home.

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● Trellis

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www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 31

Asbestos Specialists in Wellington, NZ

Are you planning a demo or renovation project?

We work on a variety of jobs from high-end fit-outs to full site demolition. We assist you throughout the process, from the initial asbestos survey, sampling, and asbestos management, to the final removal clearance report.

With a focus on quality surveying, communication, and our knowledge of the New Zealand asbestos industry, we are the company for your next project.

Air Monitoring and Removal Clearance

Asbestos Management

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos Testing

Trace Asbestos Ltd Pinehaven, Upper Hutt, Wellington Steve Elden-Gray 027 477 8673 Steve@traceasbestos.co.nz

Home Life

Wasteless ways

Did you know that every Kiwi produces 3,200kg When you visit the deli or butcher’s, bring your own containers to take your meat home in. That way, you can drastically reduce the amount of of waste per year? In total, that’s 12.5 million plastic you’re collecting from the supermarket alone. tonnes of waste each year, according to Recycle Repair your things NZ. As a nation, we only recycle 28 percent of Back in the good ol’ days, our parents would make sure they got the this waste. most use out of something before throwing it away.

One of the biggest ways you can lessen your impact on the planet is reducing your waste and reusing – or upcycling – the things in your home. With that, we can minimise our impact on the planet and keep New Zealand beautiful, especially as China stopped accepting our recycling in 2018 due to China’s National Sword policy banning the import of most plastics and materials heading for recycling processors.

Bring your own containers

In the era of the disposable, we’ve lost this way of thinking and instead have been throwing out things that could be easily fixed instead of repairing them.

Be it your clothes – a hole in your pants, a button pops off – or your clock stops working, spend a few minutes checking to see if you can fix it rather than throwing it straight in the bin.

All the supermarkets in New Zealand have moved to a zero plastic bag policy, reminding shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to take their groceries home.

Remaining conscientious and aware of the waste you create every day is the best way to reduce your waste and impact on this place we call home.

However, there is still a lot of plastic waste from the way meat is packaged to the way we bring home vegetables in little plastic bags.

Did you know you can also bring your own containers?

This paradigm shift can take a bit to get used to, but being mindful of how we interact with objects and waste is the best way to keep New Zealand green.

Looking after your pets

FLEA TREATMENT, WORMERS, SUREFLAP, SUPPLEMENTS & MORE! sales@jenspetsnz.com 021 117 0483

www.petsupplies.nz 34 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Jen’s Pet Supplies is a small New Zealand business that caters for all cats and dogs.

From microchip cat doors, feeders, flea treatments and much more!

Jen graduated with a diploma in veterinary nursing in 2005 and worked in a veterinary clinic in Palmerston North for ten years until deciding to start a family. Jen started off with a Facebook business page in 2015, and by 2019 Jen had established a healthy client base and decided it was time to take the next step and finally make a website. The business gives her the opportunity to be both a stay at home mum and small business owner.

“Excellent service. Prompt responses to my questions about a product, much cheaper than competitors and shipped the next day after ordering.

Definitely recommend.” - Lucy “Absolutely wonderful service.

Question answered straight away - even on a Sunday!

Package arrived the following day. Heaps cheaper than vet, dog is very happy! Will be a regular customer. Thank you Jen.” - Keely “Jen is absolutely fabulous to deal with, and very prompt in processing orders or responding to emails or messages. I have bought it twice from her, and have already recommended it to a friend.” - Jaime For more information on Jen’s in stock products, visit her website at www.petsupplies.nz, or call her today on 021 117 0483!

Number one cabs

in Whanganui

River City Cabs, a reputable taxi service in Whanganui, has been providing reliable and efficient transportation solutions to its customers for over two decades.

River City Cabs is more than just a taxi service. It is a commitment to ensuring that every ride is a pleasant experience. With their extensive fleet and customer-centric approach, River City Cabs continues to be a preferred choice for transportation in the Whanganui region.

With a fleet of vehicles that caters to a variety of needs, River City Cabs is a trusted name in the industry.

"First class service involving a three-stop return shuttle. Timing spot on and on both trips drivers sent a text message advising of their anticipated arrival. Friendly, courteous service".- Doyle.

Call 06 345 3333 today to book your ride with River City Cabs!

The company prides itself on its competitive pricing. For instance, the tariff for standard vehicles is 4.60 dollars per kilometre. This pricing structure is designed to provide value to customers while maintaining the company’s commitment to quality service.

"Friendly, reliable, honest and trustworthy. Booking was super easy and the taxi was exactly on time. The safest, most honest taxi company in Whanganui". - Rebecca.

Another aspect that sets River City Cabs apart is their commitment to customer service. They believe in making the customer’s journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. This is reflected in their waiting time policy, which charges only one dollar per minute.

“Great service. Even when they are overwhelmed with calls, they make sure to get to you as fast as is safely possible. Eco friendly cars and all the drivers I’ve been with have been friendly and took the fastest route to the destination saving money, for passengers.” - Karl.

CAR SEATS, TOTAL MOBILITY VANS, LUGGAGE TRAILERS, SEDANS & VANS

12 Hardy Street, Wanganui www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 35

Home Life For the DIYer, the internet is a hive of information. Websites containing links, videos, pictures or audio of some basic projects can enable you to capitalise on the expertise of others.

For the building project, major stores such as Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10 offer online brochures and ‘how to’ guides to simplify the process, and staff are trained in what tools are best for what job.

While just about everything looks good with a paint job, the colour you use, the type of paint needed and the tips and tools necessary to add quality to the job may make the difference between a good job and one that was best before it was started.

Since the 1950s, do-it-yourself or DIY projects have become a growing part of the Kiwi lifestyle. Our number eight wire mentality coupled with a fiercely independent attitude have crafted a DIY culture, and it’s yours for the taking.

DIY home improvements, in particular, involve fixing, renovating or adding to a house without the expense of professional contractors.

Many homeowners may have a basic understanding of how to use common tools and complete general tasks, and for small projects this is often enough because giving your home a spruce up may be as simple as slapping on some paint or throwing up some curtains.

Major paint stores such as Resene offer colour consulting services and pamphlets on just about every type of paint job, the tools to use, instruction manuals and what paint system to use on what substrate. Note to self: test pots are always the way to go!

Landscaping advice can be obtained from most leading garden supply stores and magazines such as Home and Garden can prove invaluable when it comes to planning your dream garden.

For the truly passionate, most areas offer DIY classes or more in-depth courses. Community education centres are often a good source, as are local colleges or tertiary institutes. Or you may discover a friend knows how to re-wire a house, or simply has a way with colour consulting, while you are the master of plumbing – and then everyone wins. The best advice is to start simple, get advice and very soon you could have the house of your dreams, for a dream price.

SPECIALISING IN PRE-NAIL FRAMES & GANG NAIL TRUSSES FOR NEW HOMES ALTERATIONS EXTENTIONS

WILLIAM ADIN

027 249 7723 ALL WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED 36 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Mini-makeover Remodelling a room can be a big undertaking for the inexperienced DIYer. But even a mini-makeover can be just what you need to spruce up a room or two.

The bedroom is always a good place to start. Often thought to be the sanctuary of the home, it has the ability to refresh your mind, body and soul.

The first thing to do before the mini-makeover of any room is to de-clutter.

The second thing to look at is colour; a powerful tool which can shape moods and emotions and there are many variations of the basic colours.

Some colours are more appropriate for particular rooms within a house and should be treated with care. Blue for example, is a calming, relaxing and healing colour which would be perfect for a bedroom. Yellow known for stimulating mental activity would be great in a study, but its ability to keep our minds switched on means it may not be so favourable in a bedroom.

Tim McColl Contracting Ltd METAL AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

06-323 8889

•

You may prefer to stick to neutral colours. These allow you to jazz up and change the feel of the room with just some new cushions or a throw rug, think deep warm reds cushions in winter or cooling blue or green hues in summer.

When decorating an area, the complementary colours and their variations should be remembered and combined with our main choice of colour by way of soft furnishings and art works.

Changing handles or knobs on furniture is a simple way to update a room.

Keep in mind the ‘era’ or style you want to convey in the room.

For a contemporary look add simple stainless-steel handles, or for a more traditional look consider a more opulent look of fittings.

Maybe you’re not ready for a complete over-haul of your entire house.

But by adding one, some or all of these mini-makeover tips, you can get the fresh, new room you’ve been waiting for, or even just that little pick me up to get you through the winter blues.

• Sand • Mulch • Topsoil • Compost • Aggregate • Greenwaste • Decorative Riverstone

17 SIMON STREET, FEILDING

OPEN 7 DAYS www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 37

Wall to wall

choices

For many homeowners, the different walls that make up their homes are blank canvases used to create a sense of familiarity.

Linen Wildflower wallpaper by Carol Robinson at Wallsauce.

Photo by Wallsauce.com.

We cater for all your business and financial needs For accounting advice contact: John Furness – johnfurness@coombesmith.co.nz Mark Chamberlain – markchamberlain@coombesmith.co.nz

Phone: 06 327-7139 Specialists in dealing with superannuitants

38 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Home Improvement

There are many ways to fill these vertical spaces, but before you pick out your photos and wall décor, how are you going to surface the walls?

The first instinct for many of us in New Zealand is to reach for the white paint. Using the same white paint throughout a rental property is expected, but it’s a bit drab when a house is absentmindedly doused in it.

It says: ‘yeah, this place is just one rung on my way up the property ladder’. Even if it’s true, that doesn’t really translate to ‘home sweet home’ does it?

Plus, it’s a shame to leave so much potential untapped. Sometimes we go for the safe choice because we don’t want to have to think about all of the possibilities.

Overenthusiastic and eager to get their colour choices on the wall, DIYers often have their bubbles burst when their paint job doesn’t turn out the way they’d hoped after skipping necessary preparations.

Wondering about wallpaper Gone are the days of pasting wallpaper onto the wall. Nowadays DIYers have the choice between pasting wallpaper or adhesive wallpapers.

Also, homeowners can further personalise their wallpaper choice with high resolution photos which can be blown up to fit the wall space.

Patterns and textures are easily integrated into a space with wallpaper available in a variety of colours and materials like paper, vinyl, fabric and more.

Brainstorming, however, is half the fun. With new technologies available to us the options are practically endless. Of course, it doesn't stop with paint, there’s wallpaper too.

Nevertheless, whether pasting or adhering wallpaper, wrinkles and misalignment show up easily. Also, hanging photos and wall décor is a bigger decision since holes aren’t patched in the same way as paint. Also, wallpaper, like paint, requires proper preparation before application.

Playing with paint

Decisions, decisions

A bucket of paint is a portal to colours galore. Paint can be altered to match or complement the statement piece in your room, whether it’s a bold, hot pink couch or the intricate pattern of a family heirloom, faded with time.

It’s not so much about which one is superior, but which is right for the space you’re creating. Both have their pros and cons, but who said you had to choose one or the other?

Paint doesn’t have to be applied in any one way either. Different techniques, patterns and finishes can add visual interest as well.

On the flip side, it’s important to remember that painting is a process. There’s the prep work, primer and dry times to consider before applying your new paint colour.

Manawatu Concreting Ltd

With the use of paint and wallpaper samples, you can really make a statement by using a bold wallpaper for a feature wall and then paint the other walls with a colour found in the wallpaper to create a cohesive look.

FREE QUOTES

LADY trADie

3 INTERIOR PAINTING

We are here to help you with all your concrete needs.

3 EXTERIOR PAINTING 3 GUTTER CLEAN 3 HEIGHT WORK re

After

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Contact Sebastian Maciel 027 552 6769 sebastianmaciel@yahoo.com Manawatu Concreting Ltd.

|

Call Kodi on 022 532 5006

tradie.ko@gmail.com

Feilding

Lady Tradie

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HAWKES BAY & MARTINBOROUGH WINE TOURS

GREAT FOR

Hens Party Stag Party Staff Team Building End of Year Function

TOURS INCLUDE Pick up and drop off from Palmerston North and Wellington Drop off with bikes in Hawkes Bay or Martinborough Burger and Refreshments during tour Pick up of any purchased Wine Information on Wineries and full support during tour FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT LYNDEN ON

027 217 4531 Follow us on

@moosebikes

OR EMAIL moosebikes17 @gmail.com

de icious Simply

By Jamie Quinn

Baked feta pasta

Method

Serves 4

2. In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Place the block of feta into the middle of the baking dish. Pour over olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

This baked feta pasta has it all, bold flavours, creamy comfort, and carbs! * This dish is easily adaptable and can be tweaked to suit your preferences. Add spinach for extra vege or try adding a cooked protein of your choice before serving. Some good options are chicken, bacon pieces or even grated tofu.

Ingredients • • • •

500g cherry tomatoes 4-5 garlic cloves 1 block of feta ½ cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste • 350g (approx) pasta of choice • Fresh basil, sliced or torn

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.

3. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting nd the feta is browning.

4. While the feta and tomatoes are cooking, cook your pasta of choice in a pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain and reserve.

5. Once the feta and tomatoes are cooked, remove from oven.

Add the fresh basil. Stir, and mash tomatoes slightly to combine all ingredients together into a sauce.

6. Add your pasta. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Enjoy!

Easy pesto eggs Serves 1

These easy pesto eggs are a savoury and delicious breakfast or lunch option!

Ingredients • • • •

2 tablespoons pesto • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) 2 eggs • 2 pieces sourdough bread Pinch of salt • 2 tablespoons herbed goat's cheese Pinch of ground black pepper

Method 1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat.

Once hot, spread the pesto in a thin layer across the pan.

2. When the pesto is warm, crack the eggs into the pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the eggs for 4 to 5 minutes or until the whites are set and no longer translucent.

3. Meanwhile, toast the bread and spread with the goat cheese.

4. Remove the eggs from the pan and place them on the toast.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipes

Curried kumara soup Serves 4

Best described as a soul-warming goodnes.

Method

This soup is super easy to make and is a great winter warmer, perfect for the cooler months.

2. Add onion and garlic and stir over a medium heat until the onion softens.

Ingredients

3. Add curry powder or red curry paste and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.

• • • • • • •

1 tsp oil 2 medium onions peeled and chopped 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tbsp curry powder or red curry paste 2 medium orange kumara, peeled and chopped 4 cups chicken stock 2/3 cup evaporated milk.

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

2. Add kumara and chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes or until the kumara is soft.

5. Puree the mixture, and add evaporated milk and heat through without bringing to the boil. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serving suggestion: Serve sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander or parsley.

Ingredients Easy minestrone soup Serves 4

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup made with tomato-y broth and pasta or rice.

There is no set recipe for minestrone, which can usually be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand.and is a great winter warmer, perfect for the cooler months.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

¾ cup (135g) pasta spirals or shells 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 6 cups chicken stock 1 x 500ml jar tomato pasta sauce ½ tsp dried oregano 1 tbsp sugar 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and chopped 1 large potato, peeled and chopped 1 large carrot, scrubbed and chopped 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 x 425g 4 bean mix, or red kidney beans (drained) 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped.

Method 1. Combine pasta, onion, chicken stock, pasta sauce, oregano, sugar, pumpkin, potato and carrot in a saucepan.

2. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes.

3. Add peas and 4 bean mix and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Add parsley, stir until hot.

Serving suggestion: Serve sprinkled with parmesan or grated tasty cheese and bread.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 43

Cost of Living

Inflation breakers

Top online grocery shops Ever since the pandemic hit, people have been working on finding more ways to shop online. From gifts to outdoor gear and electronics

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett to stationery - people are enjoying the ease of shopping online.

During the height of the pandemic, online grocery shopping became a hit and has continued to prove useful for many people, especially those who work from home or have extremely busy schedules.

We’ve compiled a list of some excellent online grocery stores (that aren’t the usual of New World, Pak’n’Save or Countdown) to make your life that little bit easier.

These stores all stock fresh foods as well as dried goods.

There are plenty of other online grocery stores that stock a huge range of non-perishable food or dried products such as flours and nuts but we wanted to focus on those that offer fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and more. If you’re someone who can’t find the time to pop into the supermarket or you want a little more range in the products you can purchase, consider checking out some of these fantastic online grocery stores.

They carry a great range of products, deliver quickly and efficiently and take all the hassle out of grocery shopping.

Simply sit back, relax and shop to your heart’s content.

The Market The Market is a massive New Zealand online store that sells pretty much everything from groceries to games and much more.

They deliver everything, straight to your door. It stocks all the pantry essentials while also making sure you have access to some treats.

It has everything from pastas and rice, marinades and sauces to canned food and nuts.

Not only this, but depending on where you’re based, The Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables. They also sell a cheeky beverage or two. www.themarket.com

Soul Food Soul Food, based in Queenstown, is another great supplier of fresh goods and organic supplies.

Farro

They offer a great range of fruit and vegetables as well as Fruit and Vege Boxes which are great if you don’t want to muck around choosing your produce.

Farro supplies artisanal quality foods across the country. They’re committed to protecting the environment and less than one percent of their food waste goes to landfill.

Instead, these boxes have a great selection of fruits and vegetables, designed to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients and delicious flavour you need.

Over 80 percent goes to stock feed through Eco Stock,10 percent is composted through We Compost and five to eight percent goes to people through their work with Fair Food. From fresh foods to deli goods and bakery delights, Farro has something for everyone.

They stock meat and poultry, seafood, dairy products, beer and wines, pantry essentials and more.

Soul Food also sells meats, breads, eggs and a good range of dry food such as flours, grains, nuts, pulses and more.

Farro also has meals, ready to eat, ranging from cottage pie to meatballs to make dinner time a little easier. And, as the cherry on the cake, they also have a delicious range of desserts. www.farro.co.nz

Eat Local Eat Local is a Christchurch based online grocery store catering to the South Island. It prides itself on delivering fresh, quality foods that are delivered quickly and efficiently.

Customers can choose from a huge range of goods such as apples, avocados, sourdough bread, broccoli, cheese, chocolate, cordials and so much more.

To top things off, Soul Food carries a great range of eco-friendly and useful wellbeing products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip balms, soaps and much, much more. www.soulfoodorganic.co.nz

Huckleberry Huckleberry is all about wellness and stock a huge range of organic and wholefoods. Based in Auckland, they do stock fresh fruits and vegetables, but if you’re in the South Island, they warn it could take up to five days for delivery.

Nevertheless, if you’re someone who enjoys the very best in organic and wholefood-based groceries, Huckleberry is the online grocery store for you.

They stock products that don’t harm the planet and have a great range of gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian and free-range products.

With great prices and a focus on ethical, sustainable goods, Eat Local is great for everyone.

From Ceres Organics to Manfuso Organics, this store combines ease of shopping and organic goodness to create a fantastic online experience.

www.eatlocal.nz

www.huckleberry.co.nz

44 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

OUR SERVICES • Hot water cylinder replacements • Gas infinity installs • Gas fires • Wood burners • Drain clearing • Renovations & new builds • General maintenance

GIVE US A CALL! WE ARE HAPPY TO PROVIDE A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE M: 022 695 4569

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www.levinplumbgas.co.nz

Real Estate

What to look for in a real estate agent

By Jen Baird, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand

Your home is often your largest personal asset, so selling it can be both exciting and stressful at the same time.

That’s why having an agent that you can trust to help you achieve the best price and conditions possible for your home – all while being transparent and ensuring all parties are comfortable and aware of the processes, will make a big difference.

Certain attributes differentiate a great agent from a good agent. We recommend that you look for agents who demonstrate a great deal of professionalism, local knowledge and have a good reputation.

Look for someone who understands the kind of people who will be interested in your home. This will help with the marketing of your home and communicating the benefits of your property to potential buyers.

Local agents often have a network of potential buyers that they have been working with or regularly communicate with, who are ready and able to provide the best price for your home.

Great real estate agents are well connected, therefore asking family and friends if they know an agent they would recommend is a great start;

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referrals are often the best way to find an agent with a proven track-record, and not just someone who knows how to say the right things at the right time.

When asking for recommendations, remember to ask what factors their recommendation is based on. Did they get the level of communication they wanted? Did they think the agent used the marketing spend effectively? Did they manage any challenges through the process well?

Agents are usually more than happy to come to your property, share their knowledge and talk you through your options for selling. We recommend meeting a few agents before you choose who to work with.

Try visiting open homes they are hosting to understand how they present their vendor’s property. This will help you get a feel for how they will work to get the best for your property.

Take a look online and see how agents are using social media and digital marketing to increase coverage for the properties they are selling, and therefore see what you could expect for your home. Many agents will also use advanced technology to help market and sell your home, which can often reach a broader audience, for example: • Virtual Reality tours or 3D walkthroughs are one of the options that increase the accessibility of an open home to a wider range of potential purchasers in the first instance, particularly out of town buyers • Augmented Reality is another option that can help potential purchasers rework the layout of furniture in the home, so they can better picture themselves and their belongings in the home.

Try not to select an agent based solely on their commission fee, but it is important to understand what the fees are. While these do vary by agency, our advice is to choose an agent you trust and whose previous work gives you confidence.

0800 486 329 46 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Great agents can achieve a better price for your property by understanding the best strategies according to different market conditions.

At the end of the day, the person you choose is going to be a big part of your life while you sell your home, so it is important that you feel comfortable with them and that you can trust them to get the job done.

Focus on Real Estate There is one Company that stands out from the crowd throughout the provinces when it comes to anything and everything real estate.

From a small beginning almost 40 years ago, Property Brokers has built a family business into a company that stretches from Northland to Southland, and it has been built in the provincial way: through hard work, discipline, friendships and a powerful sense of family.

“In the provinces, it’s all about relationships – with our clients, with our families, with our communities.

We want to see them thrive. We are a positive and active contributor to growth. Right from the start, provincial New Zealand has been the place we feel most at home. Here, relationships and trust count for everything. A deal is done on a handshake, and locals judge you on how long they’ve known you. No one knows property in the regions better than us. To know a market, you need to live in it. You can’t service it from a distance. Our heartland connection means we have the insights to bring the right people together so you get the most value out of your property”.

Tim Mordaunt – Chairman At Property Brokers we recognise we are going to do business together with you, having the shared objective of positioning your property to attract the best possible price, within the best possible time frame. When you enlist a PB sales consultant, you engage the whole local and national team. All of our sales consultants are free to introduce their buyers to your property, creating competition at a scale that is simply not possible with most of our competitors. Behind every sale, there is a powerful machine. With the collective ability of our sales team, state of the art marketing, technology and systems, we can provide a service offering that we believe is unrivalled across New Zealand.

The Feilding Office of Property Brokers was established in February 1987, and to this day remains a thriving hub of activity across the wider district. Offering the full range of real estate services, the Feilding Team comprises a mix of talented individuals working together to produce second to none results every day. Leanne Dryfhout is one of the longest serving members of the team, having begun her real estate career with Property Brokers in 2003.

Originally from the Manawatu, Leanne enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up on the family farm in the scenic Pohangina Valley, spending her formative years actively involved in many aspects of the farm business. She went on to live and study in various NZ locations, attaining professional qualifications in Law, Management and Marketing, and earning first place throughout Australasia in her specialised field of Trust Law. The relationships established, and range of experience in the corporate world has given Leanne a distinct advantage in her real estate business. A regular recipient of Property Brokers’ awards, Leanne’s results speak for themselves. She is often sought out for her impeccable eye for detail, creative flair, innovative marketing ideas, and ability to negotiate the very best outcome for those who engage her services. Her ‘clients for life’ individual approach is her clear priority, resulting in high levels of repeat and referral business.

Leanne is known for her integrity, and tenacity in the service she provides.

Leanne and husband Marius, together with their two children, moved from Auckland to Feilding in 1999. They are a busy family with a zest for life, and are involved in a number of local organisations. Positive about the opportunities, growth and prosperity of the region, they support local enterprise and enjoy promoting the benefits of living in one of NZ’s most beautiful towns.

For every real estate decision, whether buying, selling, or just researching the market, Property Brokers has it all covered.

We welcome your call.

Leanne Dryfhout Residential Sales Consultant

M 027 277 7250 E leanned@pb.co.nz LeanneDryfhoutPBROKR W leannedryfhout.pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Real Estate

A decade of dedication now your real estate solution Highly professional and responsible, Akbar Fazal, has experience of more than 20 years in business development and sales management. Akbar brings to the table a history of success, achievement and enthusiasm in everything he undertakes.

Having moved to New Zealand with his wife over a decade ago, Akbar enrolled at the Faculty of Humanities & Business at UCOL, in Palmerston North. While studying, he supported himself working at The Warehouse as a checkout operator, within a short period of time, he made his way up and took on a role as a duty manager for the retail company.

During that time, the couple had a beautiful daughter and as a family they set about making a life in Palmerston North City. In 2014 Akbar was thrown a major curveball when a car accident took his wife’s life.

After a period of downtime Akbar made the decision that he would continue with the plan that he and his wife had made and that life in Palmerston North was what he would settle down with as a solo dad.

After establishing a successful restaurant business for the past five years, Akbar has decided to pursue a career in real estate. His passion for the real estate industry is commendable. He is highly diligent and tenacious.

Over a decade living in the city Akbar has built strong relationships with people around him. He is very reliable and trustworthy.

A major strength of Akbar is that he is an active listener, a good communicator and he has absolute focus on effective negotiation.

Akbar is determined in providing his clients a stress-free buying and selling experience.

Contact Akbar today for all real estate enquiries in Palmerston North, whether that is buying or selling. Call him today on 021 066 1234.

Highly professional and responsible.

Akbar, has experience of more than 20 years in Business Development and Sales Management. Akbar brings to the table a history of success, achievement and enthusiasm in everything he undertakes.

I look forward to providing a quality service where you are able to trust my Process’s and knowledge all while with the support of a strong team you will be assured of the best price on today’s market.

AKBAR FAZAL RESIDENTIAL SALES CONSULTANT

M 021 066 1234 | E akbar@pb.co.nz

48 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Real Estate

Helping you start your real estate journey Wilton & Co based in Levin is conceived out of a team that is wanting something different, something that makes you feel at home and comfortable when dealing with them.

That’s why they adopted a boutique approach, where they aim to have quality sales people, not a huge quantity. They love their small, go-ahead team, Wilton & Co in Levin all think alike and their one goal is to keep you happy and achieve great results as you are their number one priority. They believe that local knowledge, proven results and working in partnership with their clients is key to achieving amazing results.

Selling

Marketing

The clue to how they work is in their name. Real estate has traditionally encouraged a culture of individual success, but they believe it’s only by working together that Wilton & Co can reach their full potential. It’s about you and them growing and improving all the time.

They achieve maximum appeal to buyers with their comprehensive campaigns. From presentation, premium photography, signage, marketing. They know their listings stand out from all the rest.

Wilton & Co’s team of local experts are dedicated to providing a different kind of service. By working in partnership with you, your home can achieve premium results through their ability to expose your home to more buyers than ever before.

Culture

& Buying

From classic coastal retreats, farmland gems, family homes or lifestyle dreams. Whether your family is searching for a forever home or a smart investment, their team service all of the Horowhenua region.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can rest assured knowing that the Wilton & Co team will provide a service that is second to none. Get in touch and they’ll get you where you want to go.

Call them today on 06 367 2552 or to view their listings online at www.wiltonandco.nz.

Wilton & Co Realty Horowhenua

We work harder, so you achieve fantastic results! Wilton & Co was conceived out of wanting something different, something that makes you feel ‘at home’ and comfortable when dealing with us. That’s why we adopted a boutique approach. We believe that local knowledge, proven results and working in partnership with our clients is key to achieving amazing results. So call us anytime, you’ll be pleased you did!

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can rest assured knowing that our team will provide a service that is second to none. Get in touch, we’ll get you where you want to go. office@wiltonandco.nz 06 367 2552 530 Queen Street East, Levin www.wiltonandco.nz Licenced under REA 2008

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 49

LW Electrical 2013 Limited is a locally owned and operated electrical contracting business who specialise in the electrical installation and maintenance services to residential and commercial clientele throughout the greater Manawatu, Horowhenua and Whanganui regions.

Locally owned and operated we pride ourselves in delivering top quality installations on time and on budget. We only install high quality electrical components sourced from reputable suppliers and stand behind all our work.

We have long standing relationships with other top service companies enabling us to provide the “full package” when required. These add on services – including Data and Comms installations, Fire & Security Alarm Installations and Mechanical Engineering – are supplied by experts in the relative fields.

We have an uncompromising dedication to the wellbeing of not only our staff but the community as well. As such we are constantly reviewing and improving our Health and Safety practices, engaging all staff along the way.

GET A QUOTE www.lwelectrical.co.nz

Residential & Commercial

Electricians Our services:

• Domestic electrical servicing and maintenance • Home ventilation and heat transfer systems • New builds and renovation work • Caravan and camper van EWoF's • Electrical Inspections Phone

Palmerston North: (06) 353-3355 Wanganui: (06) 281 3695

Email

accounts@lwelectrical.co.nz 12 Andrew Young Street, Palmerston North

Property Management

Unlocking build-to-rent housing

The Property Council, whose members are some of New Zealand’s largest property developers, owners and investors, has come out in support of the government’s Build to Rent tax exemption boost.

Property Council New Zealand chief executive, Leonie Freeman, says the initiative could mark a key turning point towards unlocking the potential of Build to Rent.

“By enabling Build to Rent, the property sector will be able to deliver thousands of new high-quality, high-density rental houses, supporting New Zealand’s urban intensification and climate ambitions.

“Our members share the government’s view that enabling Build to Rent will provide warm, dry rental homes that offer Kiwis long-term security of tenure.

“Kiwis will hopefully soon have many choices to access to a warm, dry and climate friendly Build to Rent home.

“It is encouraging to see that the government has listened to our sector and acknowledged Build to Rent as a unique property asset class.

“Over the past 18 months, the Property Council has been working closely with the government to highlight the untapped potential of Build to Rent and explain the legislative actions required to enable it.

“The government’s announcement is a major step towards boosting New Zealand’s emerging Build to Rent sector.

“As part of this, we have collaboratively resolved the unintended consequences of last year’s interest deductibility changes.

“Build to Rent will transform the experience of renting in New Zealand.

“While the announcement has been a fantastic step in the right direction, there are a few remaining speedbumps to truly unlock the concept.

“Property Council research shows that our members stand poised to deliver over 25,000 Build to Rent homes in the next decade, with the right policy settings.

“Build to Rent refers to multi-unit residential developments, typically located in city centres within walking distance of key transport links.

“For Build to Rent to flourish, access to large institutional investment via the overseas investment act and commercial depreciation is also required.

“The Property Council looks forward to continuing our engagement with the government to support the roll out of the world’s fastest growing residential sector in Aotearoa.”

“These developments are professionally managed, with brilliant amenities available onsite, offering residents bespoke lifestyle options for as long as they want to stay.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 53

Professionals Unique Realty are locally owned and trusted, serving the Manawatu/Horowhenua Region for over 30 years Many more private landlords are choosing to engage full time support and property management services, due to the introduction of the healthy homes standards and change of regulations and compliance.

We provide free, no-oblication rental appraisals which also identify areas for improvement to optimise returns and ensure compliance.

Our Property Managers are located in Palmerston North, Feilding and Foxton. We are committed to taking care of your rental property and providing you with a hassle free property management solution.

Whether you’re new to the property investment game or you already have a portfolio of properties, you’ll find that managing and maintaining investment properties is timeconsuming. Keeping up with constantly changing investment and tenancy legislation

can be difficult. But an investment property can be a good financial nugget to have in your pocket, so long as it is managed properly.

We understand that placing your property in the hands of a Property Manager requires a huge degree of trust and confidence. We take pride in ensuring that your property is fully cared for. We will professionally and personally look after your investment and we invite you to take advantage of our expertise and reputation in this demanding service.

Unique Realty Limited is an Award Winning team, having been recognised as Professionals New Zealand Property Management Office of the Year 2022 & 2023, as well as REINZ Finalist for Residential Property Management Large Office 2022. With us, you know you are getting the best possible service and experience.

Rentals

We juggle it all • Compliance • Marketing • Inspections • Maintenance • Legislation • Communication • And More...

Call Jodi-Anne to arrange a consultation today We provide complimentray rental apprasials and can discuss your goals together.

027 711 9950 email: jodi-anne@uniquerealty.co.nz web: professionals.co.nz/offices/manawatu/unique-rentals address: 214 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North

Funeral Directors

I don’t want a fuss

By Gillian Boyes, Funeral Directors Association CEO.

Shortly after I began in this role I spoke to my parents about their wishes for a funeral.

“I don’t want a fuss,” said my mum. “And it’s so expensive,” dad added.

It’s a common refrain and as a newcomer to the industry was one I was initially challenged to respond to. But over the last few months I’ve come to understand why some kind of farewell is essential to those of us left behind.

They can involve people near and far Many funeral homes now offer livestreaming of services reducing the cost and burden on physically attending.

Traditional, scripted services are no longer the norm

Some of the early healing can help when you’re preparing for a funeral

Modern funerals are personalised and can encompass whatever a family needs to help them farewell their loved one in a meaningful way. Venues these days, for instance, range from churches and chapels to sports clubs, theatres, or the local club.

And families are encouraged to add their own touches and tributes – both to save money but to also make it meaningful for them.

Going through old photos and reminiscing and sharing stories can be a powerful way to remember the significance of the life of your loved one. There will be laughter as well as tears and it can be an important bonding time for your family.

Your needs are just as important as those of the person who died

An ‘event’ helps a family move through the grief process

Finally, people often think they must ‘respect a person’s wishes’.

But what about your own? You’re the one left behind so it’s important for you and your own wellbeing that you get that chance to say goodbye, and to have support around you.

The funeral ‘event’ can help you begin to acknowledge the reality that someone in your life has died. Grief is a biological reaction, and it can be externalised though the event – something that will help with your immediate and future mental wellbeing.

If you genuinely fear disrespecting their wishes, have ‘that’ conversation. It doesn’t have to be morbid or difficult – after all you’ll be talking to the person you love most, and they’ll understand you will need help to carry on without them.

Funerals help us recall and remember – and even learn about a loved one How many times have you sat through a funeral eulogy and realised you didn’t know a certain fact about someone? Sharing unique memories and stories helps provide support to all those who attend.

56 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Luckily, my parents were already planning to use a Funeral Directors Association member so I don’t have to have that conversation. But with my new found knowledge I’ve also been able to talk to them about what I need from the funeral itself.

And at least a little bit of fuss is what’s right for me.

Walking with you every step of the way From the moment you contact us, and continuing on even after you’ve said goodbye, we’ll guide you through one of the toughest times of your life.

Easing your worry, and letting you have time to grieve and celebrate your loved one with family and friends.

ONLY ONE PHONE CALL AWAY

5 Roy St, Palmerston North t. 06 357 8143 w. lychway.co.nz PROUDLY SERVICING OUR REGION FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Life is full of choices. So, before the end comes, take the time to talk to those closest and dearest and make some wise choices around your funeral.

Consider pre-arranging your funeral. This is where you record the outline of your funeral wishes; From music to pall bearers and everything else that makes up the funeral service. The good thing here is that this simple step removes any doubt from those left behind as to what you wanted or even what you did not want for your funeral.

What about pre-paying towards the cost of the funeral and what does that mean? This is where you can put funds into a recognised Funeral Trust Account to go towards the cost of the funeral. Why towards the cost? Simply with inflation and rising costs it is impossible to give an exact costing of a funeral in the future, hence why we say it is towards the cost of the funeral. When being assessed eligibility for a subsidy for long-term residential care you can get relief on the first $10,000 of assets, in a recognised funeral trust plan.

Another area that you should check is regarding Power of Attorneys and Trustees of your Estate.

Most of us know what Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) does.

However, most of us have not got our head around that fact, that once the person who gave the EPOA passes away - with them goes the legality around that given EPOA. A small point which can be a large point as well. Your lawyer is in a far better situation to advise you about this process should you be in any doubt.

By pre arranging and even pre-paying towards the cost of your funeral helps eliminate the financial burden your family. It will also be helpful to your family to know that your wishes have been recorded and are kept here at The Lychway Funeral Directors and that those wishes will be carried out professionally and with dignity. It is the last gift you can give anyone - your family will thank you.

Funeral Directors

Thoughtful endings lasting legacies

&

Life is full of choices. So, before the end comes, take the time to talk to those closest and dearest and make some wise choices around your funeral.

Consider pre-arranging your funeral. This is where you record the outline of your funeral wishes; from music to pall bearers and everything else that makes up the funeral service. The good thing here is that this simple step removes any doubt from those left behind as to what you wanted or even what you did not want for your funeral.

What about pre-paying towards the cost of the funeral and what does that mean? This is where you can put funds into a recognised Funeral Trust Account to go towards the cost of the funeral.

Why towards the cost? Simply with inflation and rising costs it is impossible to give an exact costing of a funeral in the future, hence why we say it is towards the cost of the funeral.

When being assessed for eligibility for a subsidy for long-term residential care you can get relief on the first $10,000 of assets, in a recognised funeral trust plan.

Another area that you should check is regarding Power of Attorneys and Trustees of your Estate. Most of us know what a Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) does.

However, most of us have not got our head around that fact, that once the person who gave the EPOA passes away - with them goes the legality around that given EPOA. A small point which can be a large point as well. Your lawyer is in a far better situation to advise you about this process should you be in any doubt.

By pre-arranging and even pre-paying towards the cost of your funeral helps eliminate the financial burden on your family.

It will also be helpful to your family to know that your wishes have been recorded and are kept here at Chester Burt Funeral Home and that those wishes will be carried out professionally and with dignity. It is the last gift you can give anyone - your family will thank you.

A Name You Can Trust, A Tradition That Endures

Your Trusted Funeral Partner 3 Eases Emotional Burden 3 Peace of Mind 3 Relieves Family Financial Stress

Not all funeral homes are created equal, and Chester Burt Funerals sets the standard for funeral care in Pahiatua region. As members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ, the team is dedicated to providing the very best in personalized funeral care, available 24/7. From the moment you contact them, through the funeral process, and beyond, their commitment to client satisfaction is unwavering.

Contact Glenn or Ryan

Call 06 376 8268 | 125 Main St, Pahiatua | chesterburt.co.nz 58 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Funeral Directors

The final gift to honouring a life Kelly Funeral Home is 100 percent family-owned and locally operated by local identity Elisha Hart.

They are proud to be assisting the Tararua and surrounding districts.

The caring and experienced professionals at Kelly Funeral Home are here to support you through this difficult time. They offer a range of personalised services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements.

Elisha is new to the funeral industry, but believes this job is what she was meant to do.

Elisha spent 14 years working at a rest home in Dannevirke and she believes that it is a massive privilege to care for someone who has passed and that family spending time with their loved ones is hugely important.

Elisha lives on a rural property just out of Dannevirke with her partner Cole; they have two cats who they love dearly and they both enjoy getting out into the beautiful bush that the Tararuas offer.

You can count on Kelly Funeral Home to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one.

They will carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

“Elisha Hart was absolutely wonderful, helpful and supportive during our difficult time. I would recommend Kelly Funeral Home through and through. Elisha was wonderful, I cannot praise her enough. Thank you for all you do, it certainly takes someone special to do what you do.” - Lara Walker.

Providing comfort, support and professional guidance to the bereaved in their community, Kelly Funeral Home offers funeral services and a cemetery in Dannevirke.

You are welcome to call 06 374 7971 or 0800 24 80 24 any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit Kelly Funeral Home at 9 Gordon Street, Dannevirke.

MEANINGFUL FUNERALS HONORING LIFE

TALK TO ELISHA

0800 248 024 or 06 374 7971 9 Gordon St, Dannevirke kellyfuneralhome.co.nz

You can count on Kelly Funeral Home to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. We will carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

We offer a range of personalised services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 59

Super Gold

Super savings with SuperGold SuperGold helps you stretch your money further, offering instant discounts, special offers on everyday essentials and more.

Explore the many ways you could save locally and nationwide.

What is the SuperGold Card?

SuperGold - or the ‘gold card’ as some people know it - gives you golden opportunities to stretch your money further.

There are thousands of instant discounts and special offers.

You will find all sorts of ways to make instant savings every day near you across New Zealand and in Australia.

The card gives you:

Applying for a SuperGold Card If you do not receive or are not eligible to receive New Zealand Superannuation, you can still apply for a SuperGold Card. You must be 65+ years old and be a New Zealand resident. Simply fill in the SuperGold Card application and return it to us.

Call: 0800 25 45 65 (Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm) Email: information@supergold.govt.nz SuperGold Centre PO Box 5054 Wellington 6145 www.supergold.govt.nz

Veteran SuperGold

• Instant savings on everyday essentials like electricity, insurance, food and healthcare

Veteran SuperGold is a specially branded SuperGold Card to recognise service to our country in the Armed Forces.

• Discounts on entertainment, travel and in retail stores

Once your Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail. This usually only takes a few weeks, but you may have to wait a month or two if you apply for New Zealand Superannuation prior to your 65th birthday.

• High value special offers • Free off-peak public transport.

Getting the SuperGold Card Getting an automatic SuperGold Card

Get the SuperGold app

Once your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail.

The fast and easy way to find discounts and offers when you’re out and about is to use the SuperGold app. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the SuperGold app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

This usually only takes a few weeks, but you may have to wait a month or two if you apply for New Zealand Superannuation prior to your 65th birthday.

Office for Seniors

SuperGold is one way the New Zealand government and business communities can say ‘thank you’ or ‘tēnā rawa atu koe’ to older New Zealanders for the work they have done raising families, supporting communities and contributing to Aotearoa.

The Office for Seniors is working to improve the lives of older people across New Zealand. Their website and regular email newsletter provide helpful information, news, and stories for older people.

Visit: www.officeforseniors.govt.nz

Call: 0800 25 45 65 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) Email: information@supergold.govt.nz

Frequently asked questions about SuperGold Can I use my SuperGold Card to travel free on public transport?

How does the Community Services Card work with SuperGold?

Yes. Most areas off-peak is usually 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays. In most areas you will also need a smart card from the Regional Council to access free off-peak travel.

If you have a current Community Services Card at the time you are granted New Zealand Superannuation, and you may continue to qualify for a Community Services Card, you will need to complete a Community Services Card application form to get a new SuperGold/Community Services Combo Card. It will have the initials CSC on the back and an expiry date.

How do I order a replacement card?

If your SuperGold Card is lost, stolen, damaged or if you change your name, call or email us to order a replacement card. You will need to let us know your full name, date of birth, current residential and postal address and SuperGold Card client number if you have one (found on the back of your SuperGold Card). You should receive a replacement card within three weeks – free of charge.

When will I receive my SuperGold Card?

You will be automatically issued a SuperGold Card when you’re granted New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension or a main benefit at age 65 or over.

Your New Zealand Superannuation will need to be approved at least three weeks before turning age 65 if you wish to receive your SuperGold Card by your 65th birthday.

Is SuperGold connected to my New Zealand Superannuation?

Once your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension has been granted, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will automatically send your SuperGold Card in the mail.

If you do not receive or are not eligible to receive New Zealand Superannuation, you can still apply for a SuperGold Card.

What if I am already receiving a main benefit?

If you are turning 65 and receiving a main benefit from the Ministry of Social Development, your SuperGold Card will arrive at least three weeks after you are granted New Zealand Superannuation on your 65th birthday.

If you are not applying for New Zealand Superannuation then you will need to call or email us to advise you have turned 65 so the MSD can send you a new SuperGold Card.

www.supergold.govt.nz

Your new combo card’ replaces your Community Services Card. You can use this card for both health subsidies and SuperGold discounts.

Does my SuperGold Card have an expiry date?

Since May 2010, the only SuperGold cards with an expiry date are those which double as both a Community Services Card and SuperGold Card. These ‘combo cards’ have an expiry date because entitlement to a Community Services Card can change over time.

If the back of your card includes an expiry date (EXP) and this date has expired, call 0800 25 45 65 or email information@ supergold.govt.nz to arrange a replacement card.

Can I still get SuperGold if I am not a resident?

If you are not normally a resident in New Zealand and do not intend to stay here, you will not qualify to receive a SuperGold Card.

Information provided courtesy of and copyrighted to the Ministry of Social Development: www.supergold.govt.nz.

Count on Steve’s Tyre Service to repair and maintain your wheels and tyres in a quick and efficient manner. We provide a range of tyre services that will keep your vehicle roadworthy.

Vehicle Safety Inspections

DTM MAGWHEELS

NEW TYRES

SUSPENSION SPECIALIST

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

PUNCTURE REPAIRS

Get in touch with us today for premium tyre service in Palmerston North.

Steve’s Tyre Service is always happy to help with your tyre and wheel needs.

0800 787 897 | info@stevestyreservice.co.nz | www.stevestyreservice.co.nz

BIG OR SMALL

WE TOW IT ALL

WE ARE VERY DIVERSE IN WHAT WE TOW:

All Vehicles, Bikes • Industrial & Machinery Central North Island ,Taranaki, Manawatu & Wellington Vehicle transport All Insurance towing, Accident and Breakdowns

Whatever your needs may be, get in touch with us today

06 241 7266 | M: 027 443 5449 (24-7) info@wanganuitowing.co.nz 1 Liffiton Streeet, Gonville, Wanganui | www.wanganuitowing.co.nz

Dave’s Homekill We offer professional homekill and butchery services We specialise in slaughtering, butchering, cutting and processing.

From sausages, roasts and mince to chops, steaks and more!

40 Russell street Marton Phone: 06 327 5551 Mobile: 0211 46 7778 Operating in Whanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatu areas.