Inspire Create Design, August 2019

AUGUST 2019

Home is where

your story begins

For nearly 10 years we’ve been helping Kiwis make more of their homes with windows and doors that keep the cold out, keep the warmth in, change the feel of a space, and provide breathtaking views out to the place we call home.

From simple renovations, and residential new builds to bespoke architectural homes, we understand that every project is different; and every one is uniquely personal.

Our dedicated and experienced team are here to help on all projects - big and small.

And our combined years of expertise are available to you today.

For ideas, advice, and information about our exceptional windows and doors talk to us we’re here to help.

Fairview Window Creations P 09 407 7156 E paul@fairviewcreations.co.nz fairviewcreations.co.nz

Contents 4 6

Building better into the future

7

Don't you just love that feeling when you get into a hot bath or shower?

8 9 12 13 14 15

Every house needs storage

09 406 7271 or 027 288 7687

James & Miranda Dickinson | E: localrefrigeration@hotmail.com

• Heat Pumps / Air Conditioning • Milk Vats • Automotive • Commercial Refrigeration • Hot Water Heat Pumps • Ice Makers • Freezer I Cool Rooms • Marine • Machinery

Making our homes healthier Polishing your assets

Get in NOW Winter is here...

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Trade Qualified

Double glazing's double benefits Green Trends The Landing @ Marsden

E.S.T. Registered, I.Q.P. Registered Fujitsu Accredited Installer - so that we can offer you a 6 year warranty

BRAND NEW PREMIUM UNITS AVAILABLE NOW

Beating the Chill Bill 34 Rewa Rewa Road Whangarei

16

From boring to beautiful; how to transform a home office

18 19

What home buyers should know about insurance

Only storage facility in Whangarei with high stud up to 3mtr, insulated and fire retardant.

Controlled entry, 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

Unit accessible from 6am to 9pm Convenient location with easy access off Rewa Rewa Road Monthly Rates from $110 with Units in a range of sizes

The importance of insulation Contact the team or visit our website for more information (09) 438 8390 • E: info@storageHQ.co.nz • www.storagehq.co.nz

SHOWHOME OPEN – Western Hills Drive

40 years building homes in Northland.

“You can depend on us.”

SHOWHOME: 401 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei Open 6 Days: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm

• • • • • •

We have our own design team who will help bring your ideas to reality.

We build every style of home on any kind of site.

Fixed price contracts – no hidden surprises!

We build anywhere in Northland.

Find inspiration in our display homes and discuss options with our experienced consultants.

Home & Land Packages available.

0800 86 89 86

www.homeworld.co.nz Everything you want in a Building Company

Building

D

esigning and building a home is still an integral part of our traditional NZ values and aspirations but undoubtedly in 2019 this journey

is much more complex than for previous generations. New technologies and inventions have made our homes much more high tech – our ovens now clean themselves, robots can

do the vacuuming and you can even buy smart paint that activates your light switches. However there are still many challenges and choices facing New Zealanders today when putting a roof over their head. Rising building costs and land values, lack of space coupled with a desire to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably and simply means that the building and design industry is changing and trying to offer solutions to these issues.

In addition to our growing environmental responsibilities, there are many socio-economic factors to consider when designing or upgrading our homes. People are living longer and being cared for by families, our offspring are living at home and saving to get on the property ladder or in other cases returning to live with family meaning multi-generational designed homes are becoming popular. The daily juggle of commutes,

5

better into the future children and career now means we have far less

developments in the industry, consumers have

time to spend in the garden or maintaining large homes so many of us are downsizing and seeking

a huge range of options available to design and create a healthy, warm and sustainable home

smaller and simpler spaces with far less “stuff”.

along with efficient use of power, water and low

The ‘tiny house’ movement has grown out

impact building materials. Heating and cooling

of this mind-set and here in Northland we have

our homes – especially here in Northland with

a growing number of tiny homes with owners enjoying more financial freedom, a lighter

our tropical climate – is the foundation of an

carbon footprint, far more free time and best of

there are many sustainable options to suit all

all the opportunity to pack it all up easily and

budgets and scenarios. Solar heating, thermally

energy efficient home and despite the perception

relocate elsewhere. In the same vein the growing

broken joinery, high level density insulation and

popularity of kitset homes is another indication

heat pump hot water systems are examples of

that the traditional methods and perception of building a home are changing. Kitset homes offer

how today’s new builds are designed with a view to improved energy efficiency and lower running

a very hassle free option of letting you design a

costs.

custom built home using one team instead of

On a smaller scale using LED lighting, having

dealing with a host of different sub-trades, quotes

a rainwater collection system and choosing

and timelines. They’re usually manufactured off-

appliances with a high energy efficient rating

site and indoors ensuring a higher quality build and zero chance of bad weather interruptions

reduces our impact on the wider environment and our carbon footprint. In today’s world we

meaning you’ll actually move into your new

all know how living in an energy efficient home

home on time and on budget.

can be of endless value to our wallets, our

Here in our region we’re lucky to have

health and most importantly our planet and

plenty of suppliers passionate about giving Northlanders the very best in future proof

future generations. Thanks to technology and innovations becoming more accessible and

and environmentally sound building and

mainstream everyone can do what they can, with

design materials and innovations. Thanks to

whatever budget they have.

Live The Dream!

With a Stonewood Home & Land Package

BUILT WITH HEART

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Artist Impression

By Niamh McCarthy

Every house needs storage

Every house needs the services of Innovative Interiors.

I

nnovative Interiors has been designing

customised wardrobe and storage solutions in New Zealand for almost

two decades. The company provides a

complete service from creating initial concepts through to manufacturing and installation.

“We oversee everything from measuring

and design, through to installation. We pride

The perfect finishing touch for any wardrobe,

ourselves in our high level of service and

office or storage space. We manufacture and

communication to ensure our clients are

supply Whisper Sliding doors, with fluid

informed of the process” says design consultant Sheryl Clinch.

engineering and quality componentry to ensure these glide through the tracks with the

This is important as wardrobes and storage systems have become integral parts of a house

lightest touch.

The Innovative Interiors team works closely

build or renovation, stylish elements of the home.

with architects, builders and home-owners to

“They form an important part of a well-planned

develop the best solution for your wardrobes.

and functioning living environment.”

Clients have many options within the three

The knowledgeable and experienced team offers innovative solutions for all areas of the

Innovative ranges:

home, including bedrooms, cupboards, office,

•

The Traditional is ideal for less complex

garage and laundry. The team build bookcases,

storage options, offering exceptional

entertainment units and office desks. With insight

value without compromising quality or style

that maximises space and efficiency in the most challenging areas, increasing usability, enjoyment

The Classic is an elegant, floor mounted

and value of any property.

•

wardrobe system which comes with an •

Importantly Innovative Interiors offs a

extensive selection of accessories

personal, FREE in home consultation service

The Euro is a premium wardrobe solution

that comes with a no-obligation quote. Its

suitable for contemporary walk-in

range of high quality products are made in

wardrobes and dressing rooms, it includes

New Zealand and have a 10 year guarantee on

the ultimate range of sophisticated

workmanship and componentry.

accessories.

In addition to shelving, Innovative Interiors provides Sliding and Bifold door solutions.

We provide free consultations in your home or visit our showroom: Inside GUTHRIE BOWRON, 34 POROWINI AVE, WHANGAREI

Visit our showroom inside Guthrie Bowron, 34 Porowini Ave, Whangarei.

From wardrobe structures and interiors to the home office, laundry and garage, we design, build and install bespoke storage solutions.

0800 80 30 50 INNOVATIVEINTERIORS.CO.NZ northland@innovative-interiors.co.nz

SEE US AT THIS YEAR’S HOME SHOW N O R T H L A N D

7

Don’t you just love that feeling when you get into a hot bath or shower?

It’s the same in a spa pool, after a stressful day a soak in your very own spa is the best way to unwind. Your own spa pool is ready for you whenever you want 24/7, 365 days of the year.

D

eep End Spa & Pool have just landed

Have you been thinking about a swimming

the newest spas in town!

pool?

We have a spa model to suit everyone; for those wanting a hot

pool owners since 2009.

Whether its computerised water testing,

Deep End are the Northland agent for Leisure

Bio Guard spa and pool chemicals, mobile

Pools. We can install your new swimming pool for

servicing, pool valets or a new spa or pool,

soak, targeted hydrotherapy to full on training in

you. From a smaller plunge pool to the 12 meter

our swim spa range!

Elegance, let Deep End Look after the whole

Deep End can assist you for what ever you require.

We sell New Zealand made Trueform spa pools and our newest range, My Spa has just

project for you.

We can offer you energy efficient pumping and

Call in and see the friendly team from Deep

landed from Sapphire Spas in Australia.

filtration along with mineral sanitation, come in

End Spa and Pool at 59 Hannah Street today

From a fantastic patio spa for smaller areas to hydrotherapy spas for the whole family to swim

and talk to us about your new swimming pool!

Deep End Spa & Pool in Hannah Street has

or call them on 09 438 9536.

Deep End 59 Hannah Street Whangarei.

spas for training/ exercise and recreation – Deep

been providing the Whangarei & Mid-North area

End has a spa solution to suit everyone!

a professional service for spa pool & swimming

Your Specialist Spa and Pool Store!

Some benefits of having your own spa pool: Relieve stress – as the warm water soothes your body it relaxes the blood vessels enhancing circulation.

Improve sleep – having a 15 minute soak 60-90 minutes before bed can aid in a better nights sleep.

Muscle and joint relief – targeted hydrotherapy on muscles and joints aids in supplying more oxygen to the targeted area relaxing muscles and relieving body pain.

Aids Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers – The improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation from soaking in spa pools greatly helps reduce joint pain.

Quiet family time – a great way to spend time together without the distractions of technology.

Exercise – a swim spa is a great way to exercise without stress of weight on your joints

Go on take the plunge………

We have a fantastic range of luxurious spa pools Starting from just $5699!

Make plans now for your new swimming pool and make the most of next summer!

The Deep End

Your Specialist Spa & Pool Store 59 Hannah Street, Whangarei

ask@thedeepend.co.nz

(09) 438 9536

Making our homes healthier

O

ur homes are killing us.

Every year, thousands of Kiwis are admitted to hospital and many die as a direct result of living in cold, damp, unhealthy homes. Even brand-new homes often don’t meet internationally recognised standards for healthy homes.

The issue of healthy homes is a much broader concept than simply increasing insulation, adequate ventilation and heating and reducing injury hazards, says Philippa HowdenChapman, professor of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington.

Howden-Chapman and fellow authors of the 2018: Stocktake of New Zealand’s Housing report found that many factors contributed to the issue.

For example, the lack of secure tenure for tenants means that they are often rushed into choosing a home with insufficient space for occupants to live healthily. Crowding increases the risks of the spread of infectious diseases.

A lack of affordable heating means many Kiwis are living and sleeping in rooms that are not insulated or adequately heated and therefore

colder than World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Tenants inhabit homes that are statistically less likely to be healthy and are more likely to use unflued heaters.

One of the big problems, say both Howden-Chapman and housing and urban development minister Phil Twyford, is that there is no independent system of evaluating the health of our homes as there is overseas. This means the evidence is anecdotal and may not necessarily identify the full scale of the problem.

The consequences of our unhealthy homes can however be documented well through health statistics.

Every winter mortality rates rise compared to the warmer months, with 1600 mostly older New Zealanders dying premature deaths.

Still not insulated Despite previous government-led insulation programmes, only 300,000 New Zealand homes have upgraded to adequate insulation, says Twyford.

“There remains something in the order of 800,000 that are still not insulated.”

In order to move forward and make our housing stock healthier, says Howden-Chapman, a whole host of

co-ordinated changes need to happen, such as updating the Residential Tenancies Act and the Building Code, as well as strengthening regulatory action and accountability.

The new government’s first step towards improving the health of our homes was the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act (HHG), which brings in higher standards for rental properties.

Twyford says the HHG is the single most important public health reform his government can make.

Landlords will be asked to guarantee that any new tenancy from July 1, 2019 is either properly insulated or contain a heating source able to make the home warm and dry.

This is instead of requiring individual landlords to have three-yearly WOF inspections.

Investigations will be “risk based” and run the by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), says Twyford.

The move may not be popular with landlords but Twyford likened it in parliament to the butcher who isn’t allowed to sell meat that will make their customers sick. Yet in New Zealand, he said, a landlord is allowed

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to rent out a house that damages the health of its occupants.

When the HHG is fully operational, tenants who believe their landlord is breaching the rules will be able to take a case to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Although the details have yet to be nutted out, Twyford says the tribunal could send out an inspector in disputed cases.

The HHG will have minimum standards, but these will be implemented through supplementary regulations that will be developed after public consultation.

Building Code beneath standard New houses often aren’t up to standard in New Zealand. Howden would also like to see changes made to the Building Code to ensure new homes and renovations provide for healthy living and meet a certain standard of thermal efficiency and heating.

According to the New Zealand Green Building Council, the Building Code is the equivalent of a 4 Homestar rating on a scale from 1 to 10. A 6 Homestar rating is about the equivalent of standard of new homes in other OECD countries.

Twyford says the Building Code will be reviewed but says he hasn’t committed to a date. “It is something [that] in time we will do.”

Filling our hospitals Healthy homes aren’t just of concern to the wider housing industry.

The Ministry of Health is also very concerned and launched Healthy Homes Initiatives (HHIs) between 2013 and 2015 in 11 District Health Boards (DHBs) that recorded a high incidence of rheumatic fever.

The initiatives began in the Auckland region and more than 9600 families have been referred to HHIs, collectively receiving over 24,000 housing-related interventions to make homes warmer, drier and less crowded.

Interventions given to these families include help them get insulation,

By Diana Clement

curtains, beds, bedding, minor repairs, floor coverings, ventilation, heating sources, Full And Correct Entitlement assessments through Work and Income, support with power bills, and finding alternative accommodation as needed.

Training the salespeople One of the many issues New Zealand is facing is a lack of training of salespeople who advise how to make our homes healthier, says Vicki Cowan of Beacon Pathway, an incorporated society committed to transforming New Zealand’s homes and neighbourhoods. “[It] is quite well recognised there is aggressive marketing of some products to households. “For example a house may have damp issues caused by something such as a broken pipe, but the private companies will attempt to sell products that don’t address the problem, she says.

As a result, Beacon Pathway, Toimata Foundation and Community Energy Network, have launched a Home Performance Advisors initiative to ensure that practitioners giving households advice on how to improve home performance have robust training and an ongoing professional development pathway. So far, 87 practitioners have passed the training.

Good news It’s not all bad news on the healthyhome front. Howden-Chapman sees some improvements. In the case of Housing New Zealand, the government is providing additional funding to ensure that new social housing is healthy and older properties can be retrofitted to an acceptable standard. concrete The government has also in man announced $2000 subsidies (details loving it. to be announced) for insulating, ventilating and heating homes. It noisy, me has also announced a $140 monthly of house w winter power payment for all NZ day vacu Superannuation recipients and you could beneficiaries. mop for a

W

9

POLISHING your assets W

hen you think of concrete flooring, your mind may be drawn to warehouses, garages, industrial showrooms — what you may not realise, however, is that the polished concrete floors are now a serious design feature in many homes around the world, and people are loving it.

Picture this: you have 2 large dogs, a cat, a few noisy, messy kids, a hectic life and a constant load of house work. Instead of spending half of your day vacuuming and spot- cleaning spilled drinks, you could simply sweep for a clean look, then mop for a deeper clean. Simple,

easy, allergen-free and ultra-hip, the concrete floor is fast becoming the first choice in designer flooring. And did I mention how cost effective it is?

For Northland based General Manager and the team at Concrete Grinding New Zealand, outlining the benefits of ground and polished concrete flooring is second nature. A true believer in the products and services he offers, Luke is constantly adding to the companies range of services and equipment; enabling him to deliver world-class services right here in Northland. His latest acquisition, the vapour encased media blasting unit, is a true step

Concrete Grinding NZ forward in environmental care and cutting edge technology. This unit is able to remove coatings such as old house paint and graffiti, containing up to 96% of the contaminants in the vapour.

This makes the unit ideal for use with hazardous coatings and when working in office buildings or in homes. The machine is also able remove graffiti from delicate surfaces; etch concrete and masonry, while retaining an eco-friendly edge.

Concrete Grinding NZ has been in operation for over 18 years from its Kamo base, carving out a name for itself throughout Whangarei, Northland and Auckland and recently into the Hawkes Bay. There are three fully equipped trucks

in the Concrete Grinding NZ fleet with their own 3 phase generators to power large planetary grinders. Block honing, coatings removal, prepping floors for carpet, wood, or vinyl, right through to beautiful diamond polished floors; the services are broad and the end results are as stunning as they are functional.

In an industry that offers more selection than many people know what to do with, Luke and his team at Concrete Grinding NZ have you covered — or should that be polished!

Learn more about Concrete Grinding NZ online at www.grindingnz.co.nz

Concrete Grinding NZ 0800 611 616 info@grindingnz.co.nz www.grindingnz.co.nz PREP - GRIND - POLISH

A PLACE TO CALL HOME At A1homes we’re here to make things easy and it couldn’t be easier when using all the good stuff from home. So whether it’s your first home, second home, or home away from home, call A1homes or visit our website and discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

Show homes: Cnr of Sandford Road & State Highway 1, Ruakaka Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm

13 Puroto Place, One Tree Point Tues, Wed, Thur & Sat 10am - 2pm

Contact Steve Hart T: 09 433 0200 E: a1northland@a1homes.co.nz

New A1homes Show Home One Tree Point

We’ve been proudly building Kiwi homes for Kiwis for over 15 years Over that time the Kiwi dream has come a long way since the elusive quarter acre. That’s why we’re proud to still be able to provide a Kiwi solution for your first home, second home, a home where you need a bit more home, or even your home away from home.

We offer a range of plans from 60 to 250 square metres.

These can be built straight from the plans, or we can use them as inspiration to create your own Kiwi dream.

Call A1homes and discover the easy way to get the home you want.

0800 A1homes www.A1homes.co.nz

DOUBLE GLAZING’S DOUBLE BENEFITS

separate the glass panes to reduce heat loss and condensation at the glass edge.

If you’re putting skylights in your new home,

secondary glazing on the inside of the existing glazing.

• Attaching heat-shrinkable thin plastic film to

it’s critical to choose ones with good thermal

the window sash or frame using double-sided

performance characteristics to avoid heat loss in winter and overheating in summer. If your

adhesive tape.

• Magnetically attaching an acrylic sheet to the inside of the existing window sash or frame.

By Raewyn Court

EECA advises checking with a professional

T

before purchasing, as not all of these options

he vast majority of New Zealand

are suitable for every glazing situation. Also

homes have single-glazed windows.

consider how opening windows will operate.

Ceiling and underfloor insulation needs to

We’re accustomed to using thermal-

be up to standard, windows in good condition

lined drapes to block out the winter

condensation and finding nasty spots of mould

and you must have an effective heating system.

Check also that it will cost less than installing

on our curtain linings.

new double glazing, remember the installation of

chill, waking up to windows dripping with

new windows, may require new architraves and

But it doesn’t have to be this way, even in older homes. Double glazing is standard in most new

painting and or wallpaper! And make sure you

houses these days, but there are various ways to retrofit double glazing to reduce condensation

shop around and ask for independently verified performance guarantees.

and heat loss through existing windows, as well Cost Benefits

as benefiting from reduced external noise -

The Building Research Association of New

handy if you live under a flight path.

Zealand (BRANZ) recently conducted research

We know it’s important to insulate our homes, and double glazing is basically a way of

to assess whether secondary glazing is a

insulating our windows. It creates an insulating

cost-effective alternative to replacing existing

gas layer between two panes of glass, with the

single glazing in older houses.

gas being either normal air or heavy gases such as argon - which are better insulators than air.

They tested four common systems - heatshrinkable thin plastic film, magnetically

New double glazing

sliding-sash secondary glazing, and that same

attached acrylic sheet, aluminium-framed heat than windows with

Double glazing lets in as much sunlight as

glazing with low-E glass. All of the secondary glazing systems tested provided a significant

standard aluminium frames.

• Low-emissivity (low-E)

skylight is installed through a roof space, make sure the light shaft

Building Code effectively require higher glazing

glass. This allows light and

between the roof and the ceiling is

window but the low-E aluminium-framed

thermal performance in new homes. But it’s

heat in, but reflects some

well insulated. Solar control is also

secondary glazing provided the largest

worth installing double glazing in older homes if existing windows need replacing, because

of the escaping heat back inside the room. Double

important for sky lights to reduce heat gain, typically Low E double

improvement. And although this was the most expensive option, it produced the greatest cost

double glazing can halve heat loss through

glazing with low-E glass

glazing used to do this while

benefits.

windows and eliminate or reduce condensation.

cuts window heat loss by

reducing heat loss in the winter.

It can also reduce outside noise. If budget is a

20-30 per cent compared to

Retrofit alternatives

single-glazed windows, but is better at holding in heat. Recent changes to the New Zealand

problem, prioritise installing double glazing to the main heated areas of the house as well as to large

ordinary glass.

• Low E can also be used to

windows.

If you’re installing new double glazing, EECA

Secondary glazing works by forming a sealed, insulating air

reduce heat gain from the

gap on the inside of existing,

Sun during summer, to keep

single-glazed windows. There are

the home cooler.

• Multiple layers of good seals. These will keep

a number of options available in New Zealand, including:

• Frames that have a thermal break (a plastic or

draughts, moisture and noise out. The joint

• Installing a new double-glazed glass unit into

resin section in the centre of the aluminium

between the glazing unit and the frame also

recommends you look for the following to ensure best performance:

needs to be well sealed.

joinery) or are made of insulating materials such as uPVC or wood. These are less likely to attract condensation and will lose less

• Spacers made of plastic or stainless steel (instead of aluminium). These spacers

the existing sash.

• Replacing existing sashes with new, doubleglazed sashes.

• Installing separate aluminium-framed

increase to the thermal resistance of the

Low-E film is a low-cost, DIY option. The micro-thin, transparent metal coating on polyester film reflects heat back into the room, reducing heat loss.

However, because it can increase condensation it works best in houses that rarely experience condensation on windows.

The BRANZ research shows that while low-E window film reduces heat loss by up to 25 per cent, double glazing and secondary glazing are more effective and permanent options as they reduce heat loss by about 60 per cent

NO OBLIGATION FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

www.retrodg.co.nz 0800 658 658

Want to enjoy the comfort and lower energy bills that come with double glazing? Talk to us today about how we can help you improve your home comfort levels to provide a healthier, warmer, drier, quieter home for you and your family.

13

GREEN TRENDS

DID SOMEONE SAY ARBORIST?

T

hink Trees, they think differently about tree care.

Arborists are tree-lovers by nature.

They are tree designers, tree artists,

tree caretakers and tree health and safety gurus.

A large part of caring for the environment

tree care and tree maintenance management

your trees, Think Trees is here to help. Actually,

around us involves health and safety. Tree care

activities such as climbing, pruning, trimming,

you’ll find that the team at Think Trees take caring for the environment much further than

accidents, risky heights, chainsaw injuries, falling trees… It goes without saying that tree

maintaining and removing trees. Think Trees

arboriculture – they have a pretty holistic view

work is dangerous – Think Tree’s have made it

work to an arboricultural code of best practice, meaning that they take the time to complete

of things (perhaps that’s what comes from being

their mission to have a zero-hazard workspace

extensive tree and hazard assessments before

up trees so often). The Think Trees team are

keeping the community, and the trees safe. Of

deciding on a course of action that will provide

more than just experts at tree pruning, crown

course, working outdoors is much like working

the best solution for you, your family and the

lifting, thinning, felling, hedge trimming and treescaping, they’re all about the big picture.

with animals and children. Anything can happen, and often does! That’s why Think Trees has strict

trees!

Don’t risk it, avoid disaster, and call in the

It all starts with the community we live in.

health and safety management plans. Don’t

professionals.

We all know that neighbourhoods need

worry – they’ve got this.

When it comes to the health and wellbeing of

green spaces – it’s better for the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents, and provides

Scott Burgess owner of Think Trees

Arboricultural work involves a wide range of

Think Trees: They’ll make the cut!

clean, fresh air for our city. In fact, in the early 80’s, the Japanese coined the term ‘shinrin-yoku’ which loosely translates to ‘forest-bathing’, and this is now an officially recognised Japanese natural health remedy. The Japanese people were simply putting a name to what most of us already knew: humans need to be around trees.

New Zealanders are becoming more supportive of the important role our trees play, and our communities are embracing their green spaces like never before. Northland’s landscape is dominated by trees and Think Trees want to do all they can to keep it that way.

Think Trees are staunch supporters of conserving the environment! They may not be chaining themselves to the trees, but they’re as close as any respectable Northland business can get: they’re friendly green activists with arborist qualifications. They have recently added several battery powered tools to their kit, replacing gas-powered options. They also use BioPlus chain oil for protecting soil and waterways, and they’re always looking for ways to ‘green-up’ their business.

We love trees and are passionate about being arborists. Northland’s landscape is dominated by trees and we do all we can to keep it that way!

We provide Northland with a friendly and professional extensive tree management arboriculture service. We place a strong emphasis on conserving, preserving and promoting the true value of trees and their importance for our planet.

The Think Trees team are experts at tree pruning, crown lifting, thinning, felling, hedge trimming and more.

0800 THINK TREES | 0800 844 658 www.thinktrees.co.nz

The Landing @ Marsden The minute you experience The Landing @ Marsden, you will want to call this location home.

A

property surge in Northland has seen median house prices rise more than

Landing @ Marsden enjoys the protection of the Whangarei Harbour, plus the much sought

and the government is considering plans to upgrade rail infrastructure to link Northport to

three times what is being experienced

which will meet the future needs of a growing community.”

after views north towards Mount Manaia on the

Auckland.

nationally.

Figures from the Real Estate Institute of New

Whangarei Heads.

This seaside location offers a relaxed

Road infrastructure works are already underway, including the Puhoi to Wellsford

bedrooms, start from $625,000, and you’ll find the right style for your new home from one of

Zealand (REINZ) show Northland’s median

approach to life, and is an easy 36km from

motorway extension, which will encourage

Generation Homes nearly 80 architecturally

price rose by 17.5 per cent and it is one of the strongest performers of New Zealand’s regional

Whangarei city centre, or a scenic 140km from Auckland CBD.

further growth in the region, putting Northland within easy reach of Aucklanders.

designed house plans to choose from. Envision your new home located only 2km from Marsden

centres.

House and land packages, including 3-4

Infrastructure improvements in Northland

Managing Director of Generation Homes

are giving Kiwi first home buyers and investors confidence in the long-term future of

Northland, David Skudder, says the sites for sale at The Landing are developed to maximise

company, Generation Homes, is offering house

Whangarei’s housing market, offering better

sun and views, with the majority of them north-

including a primary school at One Tree Point

and land packages at the Landing @ Marsden.

Surrounded by the clear blue waters of

returns than many other markets.

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15

BEATING the Chill Bill

by Raewyn Court

T

he first power bill of winter can come as a shock, but with a bit of forward planning, strategies to reduce heating costs can be put in place before the chill of winter really bites.

Freya Wall, Technical Expert at EECA Energywise, recommends checking ceiling and underfloor insulation if these areas can be accessed safely.

“Insulation makes your home healthier and easier to heat,” she says, “but if you don’t have insulation or it’s old, there are Government grants covering at least two-thirds of the cost of insulation for eligible homeowners. In some areas, such as South Auckland, funding from community organisations means there is no or minimal cost to the homeowner.”

You can find out if you’re eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant by visiting energywise.govt.nz or free calling 0800 749 782. Grants for heating appliances will be available from July. Wall also recommends doing a quick check using the Green Building Council’s HomeFit tool (homefit. org.nz) to make sure your home is warm and dry.

Wall has a few good tips for saving money

while keeping warm this winter. “If you use a heat pump, make sure you regularly clean the filters. It’s an easy job you can do yourself and clean filters mean your heat pump can run more efficiently.

Filters clogged with dust don’t run well.”

She also suggests that if you’re using a wood burner, use dry firewood because it burns efficiently and reduces air pollution.

She notes that DIY window insulation kits can cut heat loss through windows by half and are a fraction of the cost of double-glazing. “These kits are really easy to use. Also, ensure heated rooms are protected from draughts by closing doors and using draught-stopping tape around windows.”

A simple way to keep the day’s heat in is to draw curtains at dusk. The best curtains have a separate lining and are fitted close to the window, wide enough to generously overlap the window frames at the sides and long enough to touch the floor.

Save on Lighting Lighting is one of the easiest places you can save energy around your house. An obvious solution is to turn lights off when you’re not using them, but replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient

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LEDs can save $100 or more a year.

Beat Heating Costs ?Use a heater or heat pump only in the room you want to heat, keep the door closed (unless you have central heating), and turn it off when you don’t need it.

• Set your heater thermostat at 18C to 20C. • A heated towel rail left on 24/7 can cost $170 per year to run. You can buy timers for towel rails that come on automatically at certain times of the day.

Cut Down on Water Heating ?Use an efficient showerhead - it still gives you a great shower, but uses much less water.

• Reducing shower time can make a big difference - a 15-minute shower costs around $1, a 5-minute shower around 33c. A family of four could save around $900 a year just by taking shorter showers.

• Use cold washes - unless you have an especially dirty load. Modern washing machines and detergents clean well using cold water. A hot-water wash can use 10 times more electricity than a cold wash.

Get Rid of Humidity and Dampness The average New Zealand family produces up to eight litres of moisture in the home each day from activities like cooking and showering. Humidity affects home energy savings by requiring heating and cooling systems to work longer to overcome the negative contribution that moisture brings to the interior of a home.

Ways to manage humidity and dampness: • Fix any broken or leaking pipes, and clear blocked gutters to reduce dampness and mould.

• Lay down a plastic sheet on the dirt under your house, keeping dampness in the ground.

• Check the outside of the house to make sure underfloor vents are clear of plants or other blockages. This helps to move damp air out from under your house.

• Get rid of moisture inside the house with externally vented extraction fans. If you don’t have these, open windows during cooking, showering and washing dishes.

• Dry clothes outside or in a clothes dryer (costs about $1 per load) that is vented to outside. Try not to use indoor airing racks or clothes dryers that vent into your house.

• Open windows and doors several times a day to let moisture escape.

• Sleep with your bedroom window open a crack to let out moisture that builds up overnight.

• Air duvets and pillows outside when it’s sunny.

• Avoid unflued gas heaters, which release toxic fumes and moisture. Cheap portable electric heaters are safer and cost less to run.

Turn off Appliances Appliances left on standby can cost more than $100 a year. Major culprits are home entertainment appliances such as TVs, stereos, game consoles and computer equipment. Plug them into multi-plug boards so they can all be turned off at the same time. Turn off whiteware at the wall.

If you have a second fridge to chill drinks, it could cost you $200 a year to run if it’s an old, inefficient model. Consider turning it off or getting rid of it.

Check your fridge door seals - if the door doesn’t seal properly, your fridge will use more energy.

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FROM BORING TO BEAUTIFUL;

A

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A home office often brings connotations of stark and stale interiors resembling a bleak office cubicle. However, there’s no reason why your study can’t rival the beauty of other rooms in the house. It’s extremely easy to create a home office that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are four easy ways to help spruce up a soulless study into a productive place where you’ll actually want to spend time!

1. Let science influence your paint colour Long gone are the days of bland office walls in shades of beige, white and grey. It’s time to choose a paint colour that gets your motor running.

Here are a range of colours that are known to have different effects on people’s moods and behaviours when used in the home: Red: Red has the ability to evoke adrenalin like no other colour, which is needed when deadlines are looming! This fiery hue has also been found to enhance performance on tasks requiring a high attention to detail.

However, it’s important to use this bright colour sparingly to avoid overwhelming a small space.

Therefore, choose to paint a stand-alone wall in a bold, pink-tinged red such as Resene Smashing.

This bright shade demands centre stage and is the perfect choice for stirring up motivation.

Paint other walls in a calming neutral white such as Resene Half Black White. This subtle shade is also a great backdrop for red accessories if you’re not quite ready to commit to a full wall. Think accompanying red artwork, rugs and storage

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17

How to transform a home office components.

Blue: Shades of blue are known to lower stress levels and provide a sense of calmness - perfect for those tougher days in the office. Studies have also discovered that blue is the best colour for boosting creativity and generating new ideas.

Due to blue not as being so in-your-face as shades of red, homeowners may find it easier to incorporate into a home office.

A pretty, delicate pastel blue such as Resene Quarter Frozen is the perfect dose of tranquillity.

Pair with warm, wooden furnishings and gold, industrial lighting fixtures for a masculine meets feminine look.

Yellow: Introducing cheery colours into a home office is a great way to evoke feelings of happiness in a place that can often be mentally draining. Yellow is the perfect choice, as it’s a colour that’s both energising and uplifting. Bring in your own dose of sunshine by colour-blocking.

This painting technique is a fun way to showcase a combination of complementing colours through the use of geometric shapes on a wall.

You can use as many colours as you prefer, but if you choose a fun, vibrant yellow such as Resene Wild Thing, you may just choose to pair this shade with an off-white hue such as Resene Half Bianca to tone down your interior. Create a thick band of yellow running horizontally across walls. This is a great way to add a pop of colour and interest to a space without it being overwhelming. Accessorise with black, deep grey or bright furnishings in the form of stationery holders, frames and artwork.

2. Let there be light Lighter and brighter office spaces have been proven to produce happier workers and in turn, reap increased productivity. An American study found that office workers with more natural light exposure enjoyed better sleep quality and

duration, had more physical activity and overall, a better quality of life compared to those who received less light exposure.

With this in mind, you too can enjoy these benefits by enhancing your own natural light options. Simply introduce sheer drapes to let in ample light, position desks and computer screens near windows and remove intrusive objects that block the flow of light. Take care with screens to

3. Keep it cosy When transforming your home office, ensure that comfort is at the forefront of your design scheme.

If you’re spending a considerably long time in one room all day, you’ll want to look for ways to make your space feel as cosy as possible. Warm paint colours are ideal for those wanting to create an inviting workspace.

Choose a soft, hazelnut-inspired shade

make sure the light isn’t glary.

such as Resene Bone for a feature wall. Place a complementing plush, blush pink armchair in the corner and adorn with a snug, shaggy cream throw for ultimate comfort. Softer furnishings like this exude feelings of relaxation and offer a calm retreat to read over reports, for example.

Similarly, wooden furnishings such as an oak desk can also contribute to a cosy, rustic space.

Adorn with photos of family and friends, and

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hang inspirational mood boards above to add personality. Using a balance of different textures can also add interest to a home office and make it feel more complete. Think glass fairy lights, shaggy rugs and resin vases.

4. Use your walls Walls are handy spaces to hang reminders, notes and to do lists. Use Resene Magnetic Magic as a basecoat under your final colour, to create a magnetic board. Or finish your wall with Resene Blackboard Paint or Resene Write-on Wall Paint so you can use your wall for all your reminders and to do lists and rub off and change as needed.

Remember to always invest in a good chair too – if you’re comfortable and happy in your office, you won’t mind spending time there getting work done.

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What home buyers should know about INSURANCE

For most Kiwis, your home is probably the single biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It’s a stressful process and it makes sense that you’d want to secure insurance to protect yourselves and your new home from natural disaster, fire or any other accidental events.

R

eal Estate Authority (REA) chief

means that the cost of premiums may increase,

executive Kevin Lampen-Smith, says:

exclusions may be added, or insurance cover

“Adding ‘insurance’ near the top of

may be withdrawn for some properties as the risk changes. EQC doesn’t cover damage to land from

your checklist when hunting for a

house is now very important as the insurance

coastal erosion (although it does cover storm and

market is changing. A bank or lender will want

flood damage to land) or damage to residential

proof that you have arranged property insurance

structures or contents from storms, floods or

before settlement, even if you have conditional

coastal erosion.

“While earthquake damage is covered by EQC,

pre-approval with your finances”.

To work out if a property can be insured, contact different insurance companies to get

you must have private home insurance first to qualify for it,” Lampen-Smith says. The premium

a quote. It can also be a good idea to talk to

you pay is broken down into the cover that goes

an insurance broker. They are independent

to the company and a levy that goes to EQC and

insurance experts, who work for you and are not

Fire and Emergency NZ. From 1 July 2019, EQC no

attached to an insurance company. They will give you advice on what might be best for your

longer covers contents – affecting policy holders on the anniversary date of their existing policy,

situation – identifying risks and recommending

which is generally the annual renewal date, or if

cost-effective solutions.

you take out a new policy.

“If you already have contents insurance, get in touch with your insurer first to see if they’ll offer

“If an insurer agrees to cover a property you wish to buy, let your lender know immediately.

you property insurance,” says Lampen Smith.

You will need the insurance to start on settlement day, when the property officially becomes yours,

Insurers often ask lots of questions about your

even if you aren’t moving in that day. In most cases you can set the insurance up around 6–8

personal insurance history and whether you (or anyone who will be living at the property) have any criminal convictions. “This is because they want to be sure that you are a ‘good risk’,

reinsured in the future,” Lampen-Smith says.

“If you are aware of other risks to the property

“I also suggest seeking legal advice before

weeks before you settle – arranging it early means

signing a sale and purchase agreement as you

one less thing to do close to your settlement day.”

especially since this will be your first home.

that an insurer is unlikely to know about, such

may need to make confirmation of insurance an

“If you can’t find an insurer willing to insure

Having an existing relationship with an insurer means that you have already been assessed in

as landslip issues – even if there has not been any damage to the home yet – you need to tell

important condition of your offer,” says LampenSmith.

the house you are keen to buy, it may be safer to walk away. If you do find an insurer for the

this way,” Lampen-Smith says.

the insurer when applying for a quote or for

There are a few different types of insurance

property, make sure you read and understand the policy. And, don’t leave any insurance matters

cover. For example, if the house is in an area that

– ‘sum insured’ is the most common in New

possible about the property you want to buy – its

has been flooded before, an insurer may limit

Zealand. The Insurance Council of New Zealand

to the last minute or fail to read the fine details in

address, age, condition, size and the materials it is made from. If the house is being sold by a

or exclude any cover for flood damage. If this is the case, it’s better to know as early as possible,”

(ICNZ) has a great guide to house and contents insurance, which runs through the options.

documents the insurer sends you once cover has been arranged,” says Lampen-Smith.

licensed real estate agent, they should be able

Lampen-Smith says.

An insurer will want to know as much as

to help you out with this information. “You can

“You can contact the Earthquake Commission

Insurance companies are reassessing how they cover coastal or clifftop properties or

ask the agent if the property is currently insured and whether there have been any issues with the

(EQC) directly to see what information they might have on record regarding potential damage to the

properties in low lying areas that may suffer from seawater inundation due to the increasing risk of

property that could affect its chances of being

property from natural disasters.”

environmental damage or rising sea levels. This

For independent guidance and information on buying or selling, check out settled.govt.nz.

19

E

THE IMPORTANCE OF INSULATION

2004, all new-builds must have a certain level of

haven’t had any insulation up until now must

thermal resistance (R-value), which is determined by their location. As you might expect, the

meet current standards for new builds.

With the valuable role of insulation now widely

amount of insulation required in Dunedin or Invercargill is greater than for properties in

acknowledged and understood, many New Zealand home owners are retrofitting their older

Auckland or Northland.

In 2015, then-Minister of Building and

properties with ceiling and underfloor insulation.

Unfortunately, it’s very tricky to retro-fit insulation

Construction, Nick Smith, announced that by

into wall cavities although it is possible if you’re

uropeans have generally always kept

fact that suitable materials had to be imported - at

their homes warm and dry, cognisant of the need to keep inhabitants healthy,

considerable cost - from overseas, meant that their use was largely confined to the properties of

prepared to replace wall linings.

Luckily, there are other ways of improving

yet here in New Zealand, particularly prior to World War II, very few homes had any

well-off people.

By the early 1970s, the process of insulating

the insulation quality in an existing property, such as double-glazing, which will reduce heat

kind of insulation installed and coal fires were

new dwellings in order to keep heat from

loss through windows. It can be retro-fitted

a common but inefficient, pollution-producing form of heat; releasing green-house gasses

escaping during winter was not only more widely understood and accepted but was actively

reasonably easily - at a price - but it will change the appearance of your windows and they will

and fine particles into the atmosphere. This is something we’re all very aware of now, but it

promoted by local and central government.

Midway through that decade, an interest-free

become heavier, which means hinges might need to be replaced.

wasn’t widely considered back then.

loan programme was implemented to enable

Of course, being stoic Kiwis, our parents and grandparents simply donned another layer of

home-owners to insulate, thereby making their homes much healthier.

clothing and got on with things - while around

Thermal films, which are stuck on to the glass have some effect but they’re nowhere near as effective as double-glazing. Heavy

Television advertisements at the time featured

thermal-backed curtains are another important

40 per cent of the heat in their homes escaped through the ceiling. As a result of this, health

a creature called “sneaky heat”, who had a habit of slipping out of the house when nobody was

form of insulation and can play a significant part in keeping thermal radiation from the day

problems caused by the resultant mould and mildew, which is fuelled by human breath,

watching, and since there was only one channel at the time, everybody quickly became aware

inside and minimising heat loss as long as you remember to pull them closed at dusk in winter.

steam from cooking and bathing in colder temperatures, meets cold air and condenses,

of the pink fibreglass insulation that was being promoted.

causing respiratory illnesses.

Eventually, in 1977, insulation became

July 1, 2019, all rental properties must be fitted with under-floor and ceiling insulation and that landlords will be ordered to specify what level

While the value of insulation cannot be overstated, it can be expensive, and EECA Energywise offers support to members of the

Eventually, around the 1940s, it became better-known that many of these issues could be

mandatory in new houses and over the past 40 years, minimum levels have gradually been

they have provided.

The minimum will be the 1978 standard for

community who live in homes built before 2008, and have special needs in terms of age or

alleviated once insulation was installed but, the

raised. These days, under the Building Act

already-insulated dwellings, while properties that

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