Plus Living+ Magazine, Greater Wellington Issue #1 by Markat

GREATER WELLINGTON E DITION: 1 | 2022

Dollars and sense

7 steps to emotional health

The big financial mistakes older people make

Simple ways to improve your headspace

Mind over matter How to connect with your inner creativity

Staying

connected online

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Inside REF#P22W1 GREATER WELLINGTON EDITION: 1 | 2022

LIVING WELL AND AGEING GRACEFULLY IN A MODERN SOCIETY

Navigating change There’s good reason why old sayings survive to be ‘old’ and that’s because they tend to be true. One such utterance is “The only constant in life is change”. If Heraclitus was still with us, he’d probably be a big fan of the last two years due to the constantly moving goalposts, which has resulted in the majority of us, at some point or another, having to adjust some of our most basic, ingrained behaviours. So, in the spirit of another old saying, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” this first Wellington issue of Plusliving looks at ways you can act, and things you can change, in order to better navigate your way through days of change. We look at simple ways to improve your headspace, how to connect with your inner creativity, the art and craft of goal setting, breaking bad habits, the big financial mistakes older people make, easy ways to stay connected to friends and family online, and much more. Enjoy.

this issue

JonathonTaylor

Editor

Quaterly distribution: FREE distribution maximises readership Publisher: The Job Agency Ltd T|A Markat 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Managing Director: Gary Collins GM of Operations: Kylie Palermo Sales: Angela Elley (03) 961 5184 | sales@markat.co.nz Editor: Jonathon Taylor (03) 961 5098 | editor@markat.co.nz Production: Amber Mundy (03) 961 5075 | amber@markat.co.nz Accounts: Jo Pritchard (03) 961 5161 | accounts@markat.co.nz

4 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

The 13 traits of persuasive people

Four ways to improve your health

Seven steps to emotional health

Connecting with your inner creativity

Financial mistakes older people make

The art and craft of goal setting

Staying connected online

Breaking bad habits

Hidden destinations in our backyard

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 This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency Ltd T|A Markat 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 T|A Markat 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 T|A Markat. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Lifestyles

By Natasha Parrant

Angelo Ceramic Face Vase The Angelo Ceramic Face Vase is an interesting and unique sculptural face statement. The ornament can be placed on a dining table, above the TV cabinet, outside on the patio/balcony/by outdoor furniture, or on the bedside table. The vase is 18 cm wide, 18 cm deep and 33 cm tall. Hurry, there are only two left! RRP: $99.00 www.loftfurniture.co.nz

Bianca Lorenne New Zealand Long Wool Bean Bag Cover An awesome bean bag cover as it’s fluffy, comfortable, and made from New Zealand wool. Sit back and relax while feeling cosy on the high-quality natural lambskins - providing an eye-catching addition to the house. The bean bag cover will suit any sort of home, traditional or modern. The best thing is there are 12 colours to choose from. Roughly 93 cm by 92 cm.

Costa 4 Piece Outdoor Lounge Set This awesome four-piece outdoor lounge set is great for your backyard. Made from high-density foam, covered in high-quality polyester, make it perfect for lounging outdoors. The armrest and coffee table offers a relaxing touch! Best features: suited for coastal areas, low maintenance, keep under cover when not in use, teak armrests and coffee tabletop, and rust-resistant frames. RRP: $2,199 www.targetfurniture.co.nz

RRP: $1,795 www.teapea.co.nz

Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Dual-band Mesh add-on Satellite This handy technology will give you faster, more reliable internet at home or in the office. The Netgear satellite exhibits four streams of Wi-Fi including six connections, speeds of up to 1.8Gbps, multi-user/multioutput technology capabilities, and two handy gigabit ethernet ports. You can install and customise the Netgear Orbi RBS350 by using the Orbi app.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4 Piece Combo Kit The four-piece combo set is great for someone who likes to D.I.Y. You get a drill driver and impact driver for drilling and fixing applications, a circular saw and angle grinder for cutting and grinding applications, and two high-capacity 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries for high-draw applications. The batteries can be used with any tool in the kit.

RRP: $223 www.harveynorman.co.nz

RRP: $549 www.bunnings.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: Please note prices listed here are recommended retail pricing. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. The information on this page is for information purposes only. The Job Agency Ltd T|A Markat assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 5

Wellbeing

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.

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.

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

Wellbeing 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

CAPITAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

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 worksafe.govt.nz

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

Healthy Living

Sittingitis

- the new taboo

Despite numerous health warnings on the negative effects of prolonged sitting, people continue to sit too much. It is known that sitting too much increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, poor mental health and even certain cancers. Some 78 percent of office workers feel they sit too much, but only 41 percent of office workers actually stand for more than 30 minutes per day at work. The term sittingitis is the new taboo; most people know they sit too much, but the majority do nothing about it. This may be down to work-placed habits and routine leading to sedentary repetition, or the lack of understanding on solutions to break the taboo.

There are three steps that will help turn inactive days into active days. These include:

1. Taking phone calls and meetings standing up It not only gets your blood flowing faster, it increases your confidence and you’ll actually get through the call quicker than taking it sitting down.

2. Have a walk and eat lunch in the open air Fresh air really picks you up, your step count will increase and that little walk back to the office will help your blood sugar decrease, reducing afternoon dips in energy.

3. Adopt a standing desk Using a standing desk has been proven to help reduce blood sugar, improve mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and using a standing desk for just 30 minutes per day can reduce your body weight by a staggering 5.2lb per year.

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 9

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.

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.

Y ou can choose who you use

If there is one thing that Cheryl Simes, director/lawyer at Kiwilaw, wishes more people knew, it is this: you do not have to use the lawyer who holds the will.

Before agreeing to anything, ask them for a clear estimate. Most charge from $1000 to $3000 just for probate, not counting the rest of the estate administration. Based in Oxford (North Canterbury), Kiwilaw offer a nationwide no-nonsense, empathic approach to probate. With low overheads and advanced document automation that saves time, these savings are passed on to you - the client. It really is straightforward. An initial no-obligation screening checks the will and any complications. If extra fees are required, you are told at that point. To go ahead, you answer a simple online interview. Courtready documents then arrive at your door, complete with instructions

10 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

on what needs to be signed, how, where, and by whom, and how to send everything to the High Court for processing. Usually, Kiwilaw’s fee is $490 and you pay the $200 High Court fee direct.

Kiwilaw offers a unique online approach to create the legal probate documents you require.

Evolving from a lifetime’s interest in computers and systems, communications and the law, not to mention Cheryl’s commitment to ‘doing things better’, Kiwilaw offers a unique online approach to create the legal probate documents you require. If there’s no will, no worries, the online process is similar, but the documents are slightly different and cost a little more to prepare. But this is explained up front so there are no nasty shocks. Following the loss of a loved one, Kiwilaw is there to make your legal paperwork easier, less expensive, readily accessible, and still legally accurate. With Kiwilaw there are no hidden costs.

Save on estate administration costs with Kiwilaw... It is difficult coping after losing a loved one. Taking care of the estate administration can seem overwhelming and expensive. But Kiwilaw’s online, nationwide probate service is there to make things easier.

Do you need probate?

Probate is the High Court’s approval of the Will and executors. You will need probate UNLESS there is no land (except Māori land) and no more than $15,000 in any one financial institution.

Read the reviews...

Don’t take our word for it, read the reviews and testimonials online at: www.kiwilaw.co.nz/grateful-clients

Does another lawyer hold the will?

Before agreeing to anything, ask them for a clear estimate. Most charge from $1000 to $3000 just for probate, not counting the rest of the estate administration. Remember, you do not have to use their services

even if they do hold the will.

Kiwilaw offer a cost-effective probate service - nationwide

It really is straightforward. An initial no-obligation screening checks the will and any complications. If extra fees are required, you are told at that point. To go ahead, you answer questions in a simple online interview. Courtready documents then arrive at your door, complete with instructions on what needs to be signed, how, where, and by whom, and how to send everything to the High Court for processing. Usually, Kiwilaw’s fee is $490

and you pay the $200 High Court fee direct.

For more info: www.kiwilaw.co.nz/probate

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 11

Self-Improvement

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:

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.

Phone 04 567 0043 www.huttcity.govt.nz Winner of the 2020 Swim School Innovation award presented by NZSCTA (NZ Swim Coaches and Teachers Association) Swim City runs swimming lessons at Hutt City Council pools in Lower Hutt. We’re here to help the community learn to swim and be safe in the water.

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.

One-stop aquatic facility Huia Pool+Fitness is Lower Hutt’s one-stop-shop aquatic facility. We cater for everyone, from lane swimming, aqua jogging and families having a splash, to a learn to swim programme from infants to adults. We’re here to cater for the health and wellness needs of all our community, offering recreation, fitness and learn to swim lessons. We do our best to make sure our facilities are accessible to all ages and abilities and offer specialist facilities for individuals with disabilities. Open all year round and centrally located, Huia Pool+Fitness have aquatic and fitness facilities available, and are the home of the Swim City swim school. We have a no-exceptions policy and welcome people of all abilities. Our staff are always on-hand to answer your questions and ensure pool safety.

12 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Our pool facilities include: • A 25-metre main pool which caters for lane swimming, aquatic sport, aqua jogging, and recreational use • Kids pool heated to 31°C with ramp access. This pool caters for recreational swimming by children under ten years old • A 25-metre dedicated learn to swim pool. This purpose-built pool is the venue for Huia’s highly successful Swim City lessons • A 25-metre hydrotherapy pool designed for people with disabilities, those rehabilitating from injuries, and those with less mobility who will benefit from low-impact exercises such as water walking and slow-lane swimming. A 15-metre ramp and a full hoist makes access easy • Private and poolside spas • Shower and changing room available for families and people with disabilities • Playzone which includes the inflatable and the flying fox.

Maintain to Profit Maintain to Profit is a company which offers renovations and maintenance in the country. Whether you’re planning, already have plans, or need support from a reliable company, Maintain to Profit can help you find the right solutions that are trustworthy, affordable, and efficient. The team at Maintain to Profit are highly qualified, certified, and experienced experts able to do any job, big or small, residential and commercial.

Kapiti Coast

Our services cover everything from the original design ideas and concepts to seeing the completion of the project by managing the process for you every step of the way. The team is there to ensure the project is stress-free and meets your budget. Find more information on the services offered, about the team, testimonials from previous clients, examples of projects, queries around maintenance, and more by visiting the Maintain to Profit website here: www.renovations.nz. The Kapiti Coast licence owner Marise Mettrick has 15 years of experience in projects, facilities, and asset management.

Services include concept and design, home extensions, internal restructuring, bathroom and kitchen renovations, decks and fences, exterior and landscaping.

She makes sure there’s a lot of detail involved in every project to ensure everything is delivered on time and that the team shows exceptional workmanship on the job.

The Maintain to Profit team can help you with all of your renovations, remodeling, rebuilding and general maintenance work and repairs.

Marise is passionate about customer service and communicates very well with all her clients so they have a pleasant experience.

You may need help renovating a small part of your house like a kitchen or bathroom, or with renovating the whole house!

To get in touch and make a general enquiry call Marise on 021 227 8197, or email marise@maintaintoprofit.co.nz.

MAINTAIN TO PROFIT RENOVATIONS | MAINTENANCE KAPITI COAST

Your Renovation starts with Maintain To Profit

021 227 8197 marise@maintaintoprofit.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 13

Self-Improvement

Breaking bad habits

Five steps to break free

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Money Matters

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

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 as

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.

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.

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Safe Living

Staying safe around the home The old expression ‘home is where the heart is’ is well and good, just so long as you watch your step! Injuries in and around the home are the biggest cause of ACC claims – accounting for over 40 percent of all new claims received in 2011. What may surprise many is the risk associated with seemingly benign objects, such as rugs and power cords, which can cause a fall-related injury at any time of the year. It’s not just older and younger people who fall at home – over 40 percent of all home falls happened to people aged 25-64 years. An injury can completely change your life for a while. It can stop you from doing the things you enjoy, like catching up with friends or playing with your children. People often need to take time off work too, affecting their income. ACC figures show 10,000 people are off work for a week or more because of a fall at home. The good news is there are some simple things you can do around the home to greatly reduce the risk of you or someone in your family having a fall.

Inquire at Reception regarding joining or get more info on the Membership page. The main features of the Palmerston North Cosmopolitan Club include the Restaurant and Bar areas, 18 Gaming Machines, TAB facilities, Pool and Snooker Tables and Dart Boards. There are also function/meeting facilities, with full catering and bar options that can be supplied if required.

(06) 357-6022 admin@pncossieclub.co.nz www.pncossieclub.co.nz 22 Linton Street, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui • FREE DELIVERY ON MEALS • 16 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Toptips

on creating a safer home

Remove moss • Waterblast, scrub or spray mossy areas with moss removal products • Cut trees and shrubs back to prevent shade – conditions which moss thrives in • Build new decks with grooved timber. Secure power cords • Get cords out of harm’s way, with cord clips, quick-release power cords or multi-boxes • Secure loose cords or wires to the wall. Fasten rugs and mats • Secure them with anti-slip tape, or spray on a non-slip coating • Use carpet grips for mats • Repair damaged carpet on stairs • If you’re buying a new rug, look for one with a non-slip backing. Avoid using chairs as ladders • Use a ladder or step ladder to reach high objects • Store heavy, regularly used objects down lower • Use long-life smoke alarms and light bulbs so you don’t have to change them often. Wipe up spills • Wipe up spills as soon as they happen, with mops, sponges or cloths • Use floor mats to absorb excess water • If renovating, install non-slip flooring in wet rooms (bathroom, kitchen and laundry).

56 Heads Rd Gonville Whanganui

Whanganui’s Best Value for Money Motel Contact us today

Ph: 06 345 8209

Wellington Long Run Roofing

A quick snapshot of our services: Re-roofing When your residential or commercial property roof has come to the end of its life, we can remove and replace it with a quality new roof.

We’re Nick and Wilson, your one-stop long run iron roofing & cladding experts in Wellington.

New roofs We can take you through the whole roofing process with our project management service.

For over 10 years and growing we have helped Wellington homeowners, business owners and property investors create and maintain their metal roofing and cladding to the highest standard with our expertise.

Maintenance & repairs If your roof is leaking even just a little, or parts of your ceiling are beginning to look weak or worn in some areas, please call us immediately.

Long run roofing and cladding is our expertise so we’ll provide the best options, and a solution for your requirements and budget.

Chimney removal We provide a full chimney inspection, assessment, and removal service.

We have a great team of guys working with us who take pride in their work and respect our clients’ properties (they won’t be leaving their coffee cups in your garden).

Spouting & gutters It is important to ensure spouting; gutters & rainwater systems are in good condition or there may be significant internal & external damage.

Everything we do is to deliver the best value roofing product and installation for your valuable property investment.

Skylights If you are looking at installing a new skylight to let in more light, or an opening skylight to improve air flow we can project manage the job start to finish.

We are proud to say that over 95 percent of our roof products are made right here in New Zealand.

Asbestos removal As licensed asbestos removers we plan for the safety of our clients, neighbours, and our roofing team.

Get your roofing project started today. Call us on: 027 4495 000

www.wellingtonroof.co.nz

Roofing SeRviceS Re-roofing and Roof Replacement • New Roofs Maintenance and Repairs • Skylights • Chimney Removal Spouting and Gutters • Asbestos Roof Removal

CALL US

ANYTIME:

Phone: WILSON 027 44 95 000 Phone: NICK 027 20 14 744 info@wellingtonroof.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 17

Technolgy

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.

Get in contact with us for all your Commercial and Residential Electrical needs throughout the wider Wellington Region

021 166 5294

ellettelectrical.co.nz 18 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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. 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

Auto Repair Services Looking for an affordable car repair specialist in Lower Hutt or Wellington city? A mechanic capable of handling ALL automotive repairs and servicing on ALL makes and models? Book in with Sparkle Auto. • Mechanical • Inspection • W.O.F • C.O.F

• Electrical • Vehicle Service • Tyres & Wheels

Technolgy

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.

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.

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. 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

KAPITI COAST & WELLINGTON

03 2513

www.ckandco.nz Diane is a highly experienced award winning agent who has a reputation for managing the sale process with an open and warm personality whilst providing professional, accurate and honest advice on selling or purchasing a property.

CIVIL CONTACTORS Demolition • Excavation General Contracting

www.renshawcivil.co.nz Diane Cummings

Diane Cummings Managing Director / Salesperson

Phone: 04 589 9612 | Mobile: 027 603 2513

www.ckandco.nz

Managing Director / Salesperson

Phone: 04 589 9612 | Mobile: 027 603 2513

027 697 4854 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 19

Design your own The team at Wairarapa Dream Clean understand that a tidy home is indeed a happy home. Established in 2017, Wairarapa Dream Clean has a team of amazing cleaners, who provide an honest and trustworthy service throughout Wairarapa. So, whether you have a property in Tora or Eketahuna (or anywhere in between) we can service your property. We use a variety of eco-friendly products including Bar Keepers Friend, Ecostore and Norwex, and we even sell the products we use so that you can keep your house sparkling in between your regular cleaning visits. We can tailor our services to suit you using our professional cleaning services and our friendly and approachable cleaners. Let’s meet to discuss your needs and tailor a clean to suit you. We can come to your home or office and make a plan that suits your requirements. Get in touch with us today to design your own dream clean and book a time.

The process • Book a time for us to come and visit you to see your home and your needs • A quote will then be sent to you • Once agreed to, you will be given a contract to sign with terms and conditions agreed on by both parties • Meet your cleaner and arrange a time for the cleaning to commence Regular cleaning will be approximately the same time each clean • Keep in touch, we are here to help.

Our domestic services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

We can tailor our services to suit you to provide your “dream clean” using our professional cleaning services and our friendly and approachable cleaners.

Bathroom Kitchen Lounge Bedrooms Vacuum Mop Dust hard surfaces Remove visible cobwebs Wiping all surfaces including whiteware Clean toilet, shower, bath vanity and mirror Polish taps Light switches Door handles Skirting boards Wall spot cleaning Windows inside and out (single dwelling only).

One-off or custom cleaning: • • • • • • • • • •

Oven cleaning Spring cleaning Exit cleaning Window cleaning (single dwelling only) Professional organisation Minimising of clutter Work one-on-one with client Drop off or arrange pick-up and delivery of laundry In home laundering and ironing Holiday home / air bnb cleans.

Realty cleaning

*minimum two weeks’ notice required

• Exit cleaning • Pre-inspection cleaning • Rental cleaning.

Our services Below you will find a list of the services we provide to our clients. If you want a service and you can’t see it on the list, please contact us to see if we provide it.

dream clean

Construction cleaning • • • • •

Full house dust removal Surface clean Vacuum Mop Windows.

Light commercial cleaning Domestic cleaning We offer domestic cleaning services on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. This includes residential dwellings, as well as holiday homes, Airbnb’s and rental properties.

20 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

• • • •

Offices Schools Retail Churches, plus more!

• Domestic Cleaning • One-Off Cleaning • Construction Cleaning • Realty Cleaning • Light Commercial Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Oven Cleaning • Holiday Home Cleaning/ Air B n B Cleaning www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 21

Home Life

Home hacks

rag with some salt on top. Rub it on your copper item and repeat until you’ve covered the whole surface. Rinse it off and it’ll look brand new!

A life hack is a clever technique adopted in order to manage life’s tasks in a more efficient way. Below are some life hacks for your home to give you some much-needed short cuts to free up your time.

Some people like their wine glasses face up, while others like theirs facedown. Why not both? By alternating your glasses by top and bottom, you can nestle a lot more wine glasses closer together.

Remove small furniture scratches with toothpaste

To keep your ventilation and air conditioning fresh and clean, put your HVAC vent registers in the dishwasher. Put them through a quick rinse cycle and then dry them thoroughly before reinstalling.

Instead of getting your couch refinished, try using toothpaste to get the marks out. Use a pea-sized amount of non-gel toothpaste and rub the scratch in a circular motion until buffed out. Clean the remainder up with a damp towel.

Polish copper with tomato sauce When your copper is looking tarnished, put some tomato sauce on a

Flip your wine glasses for more space

Clean HVAC vent registers in dishwasher

Suspenders to keep a fitted sheet in place Your fitted sheet slipping off the corners of your bed is an annoyance that can be perplexing to fix. An easy way to solve the problem is to take a pair of braces for your trousers and clip each end to each corner under the mattress. That way, you sheet will definitely stay put.

Plumbing Gasfitting Maintenance Given the dangerous nature of gas, it is essential that you call a trained professional to repair, service or install all gas appliances. Fortunately, over at Plumbing Gasfitting Maintenace Ltd – Wellington’s leak detection, repair and plumbing maintenance specialist – we’ve got you covered.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICES Gas and Electric Hot Water Systems ■ Kitchens ■ Bathrooms ■ Renovations ■

CALL US NOW

021 607 658

info@pgm.co.nz

22 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

We’re locally owned by Steve Ackley, and operate throughout the Wellington region. From maintenance and repairs to new installations and renovations, we’ll give you honest advice and get your job sorted quickly. Whether you need scheduled maintenance, are due for an appliance upgrade, need something removed or installed, or just simply want a check-up – you can be rest assured, we will thoroughly assess and solve your plumbing and gas fitting problems.

With over eighteen years of industry experience, we’re here to help with all your essential plumbing needs. If you have no hot water, a burst pipe or suspect a gas leak, we’ll make it our priority. We ensure complete safety and compliance when fitting, installing or repairing the gas fittings in your home. Indeed, our clients are able to rest easy knowing that their property is in safe hands. If you’re wanting the best service possible, and a plumber Wellingtonians trust, contact us today for all your plumbing & gasfitting related needs in the Wellington region. Our services: • Gas servicing & installation • New & replacement hot water cylinders & gas systems • Bathroom & kitchen renovations • General plumbing repairs

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Colourscape Decorators Colourscape Decorators is a house painting company that offers quality interior and exterior painting for residential or commercial properties. Colourscape Decorators was established in 2021, so it’s fairly new, yet going strong.

Across all of its locations, the company makes about $2 million dollars. If you need advice and support before going ahead, contact the team as they can help you every step of the way. Affordable pricing, various services provided, a passionate and reliable team, and support throughout the way, what more could you want? If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch with the two main principals behind the store.

The company is well known in the wider Wellington area, which is based in Upper Hutt and is part of the Building Finishing Contractors industry.

Reach out to the directors Stuart William McArthur and Samantha Jayne Phillips.

The company also falls in the category of speciality trade contractors, construction, including painting services.

Get in touch today by phoning 022 354 8640 or emailing office@colourscapedecorators.co.nz.

If you need any help with painting your house or your business this is the company for you.

Check out the team’s Facebook page for more information via the link: www.facebook.com/colourscapedecorators

Whether the job is big or small, nothing is too challenging for the team.

The passionate, helpful and experienced team would love to help you with all of your painting needs.

There are three knowledgeable and well-experienced people in the team at Colourscape Decorators in the Upper Hutt team.

Your trusty team of painting experts looks forward to your enquiry!

EXCELLENT INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING FOR RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

office@colourscapedecorators.co.nz

022 354 8640 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 23

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Best Blokes Decorating If you are in need of elite renovators and decorators, then Best Blokes is the company you need to call.

Here at Best Blokes, our friendly team of experts have all the skills, expertise, and equipment necessary to complete any painting, redecorating or home maintenance work with maximum results and minimum fuss. Consider us your one-stop-shop for renovating and redecorating! With years of experience behind us, we take great pride in delivering our clients premium service and quality workmanship, setting out to surpass any expectations with each and every job. When you hire Best Blokes, you can rest assured that you are working with a company who will go the extra mile to ensure you receive the absolute best results possible. Whether you require professional painting, redecorating, light building work or even maintenance, Best Blokes have what it takes to complete all work to the highest of standards. Stay in touch and give us a call today for a free quote.

Our services: Commercial Our highly experienced professionals have been working in the Wairarapa region for over 10 years. We can cater to all clientele small and large. Domestic We specialize in quality interior and exterior residential painting for new and existing homes in the Wairarapa area. Wallpaper hanging We have specially trained staff to take on even the trickiest wallpapers. We take great care to make sure we do things right the first time. Roof painting We take care of your roof to make it look like new again. We can paint new and existing roofs to spec. Plastering Plastering to a master painting standard is key to the overall finish of the job at hand. By taking great care we create amazing results.

If you are in need of elite renovators and decorators, then Best Blokes is the company you need to call. Contact us today for a FREE Quote!

027-421-1093

24 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Connie’s Angels Homecare

Connie’s Angels Homecare is a boutique care service provider who prides ourselves in providing care to our clients in a consistent and personalized manner. We take time to really understand how to provide the best for our clients, to follow the everyday routine that clients prefer. We are not like the big agencies who have lots of different carers. We commit to our client and take time to find the best match, looking at skills, training, expertise and personality. As the owner, Connie often provides initial care herself to fully understand what is required and she is always there as a back-up. We are locally owned business based in Kapiti Coast. Connie’s Angels was born on February 2016. It is a locally owned company. Connie has 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry in NZ. Now that her children have their own families, she lives alone with her husband.

Connie is a medical doctor by profession in the Philippines. She decided not to pursue her medical career in New Zealand. Instead, she studied and finished a postgraduate diploma in Health and Sciences major in Gerontology (study of the elderly) at University of Auckland in November 2014. She provides good quality care bearing in mind the rights of the elder people. She is culturesensitive as she has worked with various cultures in NZ. She uses her medical profession to explain about their condition and the medications they are taking. She can be an advocate when discussing with the GP during consultation. Connie’s Angels Homecare Ltd aims to provide an excellent standard of care by promoting successful ageing in place. Whatever your condition or situation may be, we ensure that we can pair you up with a caregiver who is best suited for you. Our services include: Personal cares including companionship and de-cluttering. We also offer home management services. Phone: 0800 10 24 63 Email: mconniedesilva@gmail.com www.conniesangelshomecare.com

WE PROUDLY SERVE THE WELLINGTON A REAS INC LUD ING THE HUTT VA LLE Y. A DD I TI ONA LLY, WE CATER TO RE SIDE NTS FROM KAPI TI C OAST UP TO OTAKI.

If you need the help of a reliable and professional care service provider or know someone who does, feel free to call us. Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

www.conniesangelshomecare.com Phone: 0800 10 24 63 Email: mconniedesilva@gmail.com

A CALL AWAY FROM QUALI T Y CARE www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 25

Destinations

South

Hidden gems in With international travel off the table for the foreseeable future, there’s never been a better chance to explore our own backyard. New Zealand is home to a diverse range of climates and microecosystems, from subtropical places in the far North Island during the summer to snowy alpine areas inland on the South Island during the winter. We all have our favourite haunts, but how many times have you stepped off the beaten track to find some place new? We’ve curated a few suggestions for you below.

Motunau - Located in the Hurunui district just over an hour north of

Curio Bay, the Catlins - The Catlins, located at the bottom

Christchurch, Motunau is a sleepy village with a beach unlike those seen on postcards and in travel magazines. It’s less tamed, with giant cliffs and rock fragments, as well as the Motunau River that runs next to its only campsite.

tip of the South Island, boasts stunning views in a remote region. With abundant wildlife and a wide range of waterfalls, forests, beaches and farmland, the area has a lot to offer with less foot traffic.

Nearby sits Motunau Island, a crucial refuge for many creatures including seabirds, geckos and over 5,000 little blue penguins. Access to the island is restricted to research only – permits issues by DOC – but you still view the island from afar on the beach or by boat.

Curio Bay in particular showcases lush marine wildlife and glimpses of the past – like yellow-eyed penguins, Hector’s dolphins, fur seals and sea lions – as well as a 180 million-year-old Jurassic fossil forests. It’s one of only three accessible fossil forests in the world.

For more information about the area, camping grounds and more, visit: www.hurunui.govt.nz.

For more information about Curio Bay and the Catlins, visit: www.southlandnz.com.

our own backyard

North

Whangaroa Harbour - Located in Northland, Whangaroa in

Putangirua Pinnacles - In the southern Wairarapa area

the Bay of Islands is a staggering place to explore by boat or through the various walkways and trails.

only a short drive from Wellington sits the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, the “badlands erosion” where the Putangirua Stream has exposed ancient layers of gravel through rain and flood, forming “hoodoos” or individual pinnacles.

The Whangaroa Harbour is an old river system, drowned when the sea level rose about 6,000 years ago. Ancient volcanic rocks make up its steep rocky outcrops. You can visit the harbour two ways – by land or by sea – and it has three wharves, as well as two boat launching ramps. It’s home to small but important areas of mangrove and saltmarsh wetlands, as well as tidal rivers. For more information on Whangaroa Harbour, visit: www.whangaroa.co.nz.

26 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

The Putangirua Pinnacles also feature as a backdrop in the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King film, where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride to meet the Army of the Dead. For more information on the Putangirua Pinnacles, visit: www.wairarapanz.com.

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Umbrella Group

Abby’s got you covered Deciphering insurance, policy documents, what you’re covered for and how to navigate a claim can be an overwhelming task and experience. Having an Insurance Adviser can really help with ensuring you are covered correctly and have a “go to” person when a claim arises. It’s important to have a relationship with an advisor because you know they have your best interests at heart and will support you through reviewing different cover options and assisting you through processes, like setting up policies and claims.

However, the call for home was strong and Abby had the opportunity to work with her father who has been working as an Insurance Adviser for over 40 years. Growing up with her dad meant she has heard about insurance all her life and saw the industry as a not only a great career choice but also because it meant she got to work with people, helping them when they were in need.

Abby Esler has been an insurance adviser for 3 years but has a long history with insurance and a clear love for her job. After working as a Claims Case Manager and then a Team Leader in Superannuation Insurance for a large super fund in Melbourne for 8 years, Abby has a wealth of knowledge from the claims perspective and knows the importance of having the right covers in place when things go wrong.

Abby is passionate about people having the right covers in place to ensure that when bad things happen, her clients will be looked after, and money is one less thing to worry about. If you are wanting to review your current insurance covers or discuss taking out insurance cover, give Abby a call.

ABBY ESLER INSURANCE ADVISER

(W) 06 378 2502 (M) 021 637 537 (E) ABBY@UMBRELLA-GROUP.CO.NZ

WWW.UMBRELLA-GROUP.CO.NZ www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 27

Retirement living made easy with

Enliven

Moving into a retirement village is a great way to make life a little easier as you get older, and now Enliven is adding another option for lower North Island retirees. Enliven positive ageing services operates eight retirement villages and 14 rest homes across the lower North Island. Enliven’s newest development, Levin War Veterans Village, will offer 59 villas, with the first 10 villas ready by the end of the year. “The villas are set next to Prouse Bush Reserve with beautiful views of Tararua Ranges and will be hard to pass up,” says Michelle Day, Levin War Veterans Home and Village Manager. “Retirees moving into Levin War Veterans Village can enjoy their retirement while being part of a supportive and caring community. I am really looking forward to welcoming them into our Enliven family.” The villas have been modelled on the successful Kandahar Village in Masterton where Enliven is currently selling stage three villas.

“They’re proving really popular and the feedback from residents has been extremely positive,” says Enliven’s General Manager, External Relations Alisha Kennedy. “They’re enjoying the spacious open plan living and modern features. The villas also have Lifemark 4 status which means they’re accessible and designed specifically for retirees who are planning for the future.” The offer of maintenance-free living combined with support being on hand if needed, does make it an attractive offer for a lot of retirees. Trish Boswell, who manages Enliven’s Kowhainui and Abingdon Village in Whanganui, says retirees are opting for a lifestyle which leaves them free of the hassles of household maintenance but retains the freedom and independence which comes with living in your own home. “Of course, for those thinking about the future, Enliven is also a popular option as we offer quality rest home, hospital and dementia care as well.” To find out more about Enliven’s retirement villages or our other services such as rest home, hospital and dementia care, short-term respite, health recovery care and engaging day programmes, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 0508 ENLIVEN

free phone

0508 ENLIVEN Enquire today

Feel at home with Enliven Some things make for happier, healthier living, no matter your age or ability. As your needs change, so too can the support we provide. This includes: Boutique retirement villages • Vibrant rest homes Specialist hospital and dementia care • Engaging day programmes Short-term respite & health recovery care • Tai Chi • Continence services New Plymouth

Whanganui

Feilding

Palmerston North

Levin

Paraparaumu

Masterton

www.enlivencentral.org.nz 28 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Wellington & Hutt Valley

frankenergy.co.nz | Power, Gas & LPG | 0800 086 400 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 29

Super Gold Card

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 (PDF 255KB) 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

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

30 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.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.

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.

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 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 31

Super Gold Card

Regular eye exams What is an eye exam for? An eye exam is to examine the health of your eyes and how they function. While your vision ability is tested, the exam also enables detection of Eye Diseases and Conditions. Regular eye exams help to detect these Diseases and Conditions in their early stages. This increases the chances of successful management so reducing the affect they may have on your vision in the long term. During an eye exam other health issues may come to light as well.

How often should I have an eye exam? It is recommended that glasses wearers should have their eyes examined every two years. Contact lens wearers however should have their eyes examined every 12 months because they are putting foreign objects in their eyes regularly. This is only a guideline of when you should have your eyes examined; everybody has their own personal needs so if you feel that your eye sight has deteriorated then it is recommended that you see your optometrist.

What symptoms should I watch out for between eye exams? If you experience symptoms such as headaches; blurred vision; sore eyes or double vision it is important that you see your optometrist to have an eye exam. Please ensure you discuss your symptoms with your optometrist as these symptoms could suggest an underlying problem.

What happens if my eye health is not 100%? After your eye exam your optometrist will discuss your vision with you if any signs of eye disease or health problems are visible your optometrist will refer you to your GP or an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a doctor that specialises in eye health and surgery.

What do I do now? If you have not had an eye exam in the past two years; or you are a contact lens wearer who has not had an eye exam in the past 12 months, come in and talk to our well qualified and friendly team. Or ring us on (06) 378 7672, Or book on-line.

stuarthendersonoptometrist.co.nz m 06 378 7672 k enquiries@stuarthendersonoptometrist.co.nz 1 9 0 Q U E E N ST R E E T, M AST E RTO N ( N E X T D O O R TO FA R M E R S ) 32 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Goodwin Tax and Accounting Services My name is Tina Goodwin I am married with three grown up daughters and three grandchildren.

My pricing plans are straightforward and affordable – I’m not just saying that, I mean it. So, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for all your tax and accounting needs today.

I have worked in a Chartered Accountancy environment for over 25 years in both small and large practices. This has developed my knowledge and practices in all things accounting and tax to a high degree. I understand how hard it is for small and medium size businesses to get things right when it comes to tax and accounting; sometimes it seem too hard. I enjoy seeing clients develop from relying completely on their Accountant, to taking control of their own business needs only requiring the Accountant for annual work & tax and specialised help. That is why I offer a variety of services and at times that are suitable to you. I’m local so I can come to you, so long as your location is anywhere in the Wellington Districts & suburbs. I can install, train and provide you with ongoing support in the usage of the software for MYOB, Xero & Banklink.

What clients have to say about Tina: “Tina makes everything easy to understand and gives me information on how to keep my books simple and less time consuming. I previously used a bigger accounting firm and looked around at pricing and her rates are so much more affordable and because I pay a monthly fee I don’t have to worry at the end of the Financial year about another bill I need to pay. I am self-employed and try where ever I can, without losing quality of service, to use other local businesses and Goodwin Tax and Accounting is one I would recommend to anyone!” - Tessa Russell, MoeMoeā Collective Owner/Photographer

Goodwin Tax & Accounting Services Ltd • Fixed fee plans and monthly payments. • Accounting system set up, training & on going support. • On site assistance at a time suitable for you. • Calculation & processing of all tax types. • Audit insurance.

• Anytime telephone support if required • Company Office Compliance. • Online filing of all GST, PAYE, FBT, RWT and income tax returns. • Tax query support through CCH.

M: 027 2705 685 E: goodwintaxandaccounting@xtra.co.nz

www.goodwintax-accounting.co.nz

3 AFFORDABLE, 3 RELIABLE, 3 EASY ACCOUNTING & TAX www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 33

Kapiti Coast

Kapiti Coast receives age friendly funding The Kapiti Coast is set to become more user-friendly for older residents. The Office for Seniors funds grants of up to $15,000 for projects that promote the inclusion of older people and help cities and communities prepare for their ageing populations, and the Kāpiti Coast District Council is one of eight organisations to receive funding in the latest round of the age friendly fund. Kāpiti Coast District Council received $15,000 towards employing their Toiora Kaumātua – Elder Welbeing Project, which seeks to create an age friendly environment for kaumatua, focused on addressing the needs of Māori in the Kāpiti District.

“Becoming an age friendly district is important to us, we have been working alongside Kāpiti Greypower and local kaumātua to develop a plan for wellbeing,” says Kāpiti Coast District Council, manager of Connected Communities, Tania Parata. “This funding will help us put that plan into action,” Tania says. “The Toiora Kaumātua initiative is action based and is part of our Age friendly Kāpiti workstream. We will be planning a wellbeing expo and workshops for kaumātua on important issues in a way that works for them.”

The project aims to develop aspects of the Kāpiti Age friendly plan that meet the needs identified by Māori kaumātua living in the district.

Office for Seniors director, Diane Turner, says initiatives like these were even more important in the wake of COVID-19. “Age-friendly projects like this one will help with the recovery from the pandemic and strengthen community connections for the future,” she says.

This project brings together providers of senior services to develop culturally appropriate communications and engagement planning targeting kaumātua.

“With the right planning and support, we can create age-friendly environments where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued, connected and able to actively participate in the community.”

Funding will also go towards establishing and trialling a kaumātua coordinator role to liaise and work with Māori kaumātua to implement activities and events as part of the district’s age friendly plan.

For more information on the projects, the recipients and the age friendly fund go to: (officeforseniors.govt.nz)<https:// officeforseniors.govt.nz/our-work/age-friendly-communities/ funding-for-age-friendly-communities/>

GET THE PERFECT FINISH WITH THE MASTER PAINTERS We provide a full range of painting services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers

Business Hours: 7.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday

0800 144 288 | WWW.KAPITICOASTPAINTING.CO.NZ 34 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Green Acres

What’s better than coming home after a long day? Coming home to a clean house and garden! Clearly. See how happy a clean home can make you with a free quote from Green Acres. We’ll be sure to put a smile on your face, and your kettle. Allow us to help you reclaim your quality time. It’s your home, so setting the housekeeping program is entirely up to you. You’ll be able to define which areas of your home you want cleaned, how often you want Green Acres to visit, and any special jobs you may want carried out – our oven cleaning and window cleaning services are both popular. From rose pruning to extensive section clearing, Green Acres’ professional sub-franchisees do it all – and can tailor services to suit your individual needs. If you’d like more information about us and our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

We offer a range of services to help you come home happy: Home cleaning Let Green Acres take care of your home cleaning chores, giving you quality time for all the things you’d rather be doing. Lawn & garden We’ll take care of your backyard like it’s our own! Commercial cleaning We provide tailored, professional cleaning services within business settings. Repairs & renovations Hire A Hubby covers off all of your repair and renovation needs. Our Hubbies are talented professionals who can help you with any jobs you may need.

How it works: Request a quote Ask for a quote online to set the wheels in motion. We’ll come to you A Green Acres representative will visit your property and give you an idea of cost, based on the number of hours and frequency of work required. Sit back and relax Once you’ve approved the cost, there’s really nothing more to do (other than forget about those chores and get on with your life).

Tailored, professional cleaning services Home & Commercial in Horowhenua, Kapiti COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC CLEANING  Window cleaning (internal & external)  Move in/out cleaning  Strip & polish  One off/regular cleaning  Building washes  Fogging

LAWN MOWING       

Hedge trimming General gardening Weeding & spraying Tree pruning & removals Section clearing/maintenance Security checked & fully insured Free/online quotes, local operator

CARPET CLEANING  Local professional carpet cleaning  Move in/out carpet cleans  Carpets restored, refreshed, deodorised & sanitised  Carpet stain treatment & ﬂood restoration  25 years of industry experience

GREEN ACRES KAPITI & HOROWHENUA FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR 2020

Contact Ian McKenzie 021 375 727 | Email: ianmckenzie.greenacres@gmail.com www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 35

Roundhouse Electrical Here at Roundhouse Electrical, best believe no job is too small or too big!

A quick snapshot of Roundhouse Electrical’s services:

Owned and operated by Jamie Eades, we are proud to provide the wider Wellington region with quality electrical services.

LED lighting LED Down light installations and replacing light fixtures. Upgrade your old down lights to new energy efficient LED lights.

Jamie has recently returned to his hometown of Wellington after completing an electrical apprenticeship in Auckland. He has been registered as a qualified electrician since 2015 and during this time has worked for several electrical firms. Jamie has a variety of electrical experience from rewiring old houses and safety checks to completing switchboard upgrades and carrying out designer lighting at top end housing. Jamie can handle it all. Roundhouse Electrical are qualified electricians based in the Wellington region and Kapiti coast, offering quality services and competitive prices. Roundhouse Electrical offer a range of services from residential homes to commercial fit outs. You will receive certification and satisfaction. If you are looking for a reliable, flexible, trustworthy, and professional electrician contact Roundhouse Electrical today.

Internet & data cabling

Efficient data cabling systems for business or residential properties.

Renovations We do kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and full house renovations. We can look after all your electrical needs. Outdoor lighting Outdoor lighting or security lighting, we can help you install your domestic lighting requirements for your property, our team can help provide you the best solution. CCTV, security, and alarm systems We can install CCTV, security and alarm systems for your residential property or business. Switchboard upgrades Along with switchboard upgrades, we also provide rewiring services for old properties to ensure you meet insurance policy standards.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND REPAIRS Offer a range of services from residential homes to commercial fit outs. You will receive certification and satisfaction. Get in contact now to speak to our friendly team for your needs and receive a free quote.

021 515 292 • www.roundhouseelectrical.co.nz 36 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Growing awesome From cooking healthy meals to participating in sports and recreational activities, there is something for everyone!! It’s all about having lots of FUN and your kids will have so much fun at our sKids Centre that they won’t want to leave. We’ll feed them, help them with their homework, let them play then do a fun activity with them so you can rest assured that they are safe, secure and having the time of their life.

Kiwi kids

Testimonials:

• “Thank you for a wonderful 4 days with sKids Kapiti Holiday Programme. You have opened a new world to my boys and our family. I will be in touch again when the need arises”. • “I love the variety of activities and the number of excursions. Saves me having to try and fit these into the weekends. Makes the kids feel like they get out and about and see all corners of the Wellington region. It’s awesome and takes so much pressure off parents who can’t be home with them. I love sKids Kapiti Holiday Programme!!” • “Because I was unwell and unable to drive, Jools arranged for a staff member to pick up the kids every morning and drop them back off home at the end of the day. This team always goes the extra mile”. • “My daughter has just started her first few days at sKids Kenakena and she has been super happy. Lovely kids and staff and she has particularly enjoyed the afternoon tea’s! Great communication when enrolling her and on her first day. A big thumbs up to sKids Kenakena!” We also have career opportunities for mature and energetic people to join our team of dedicated Programme Managers and Programme Assistants. Applicants must have a passion for growing awesome Kiwi kids! Hours of work 2.30pm-5.00pm (3-4 afternoons a week), plus additional hours during school holidays.

Specialises in delivering quality before school care, after school care and action-packed holiday programmes. From cooking healthy meals to participating in sports and recreational activities, there is something for everyone!!

WE STRIVE TO CREATE A FUN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT THAT OUR KIDS JUST LOVE!

• Locally owned and operated • MSD approved • WINZ subsidies available • Sibling discounts • Grandparent discounts • Teacher discounts CONTACT JOOLS DA SILVA TODAY!

TEL: 021 0254 3249 J O O L S @ S K I D S . C O. N Z

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 37

NZ Association of Optometrists

Don’t get

blind sided

by eye disease

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders needlessly live with vision problems that affect their everyday lives. Poor vision can lead to higher rates of depression, more falls and fractures, increased need for community and/or family support, and earlier need for institutionalised care.

The New Zealand Association of Optometrists wants people to know that visiting an optometrist does not mean you will require a new pair of glasses.

According to the World Health Organisation, at least 2.2 billion people around the world have a vision impairment, of whom at least one billion have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.

Optometry is about ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of people’s eyes. To find out about the nine-step comprehensive eye exam, talk to your local optometrist or visit: saveoursight.co.nz.

Some 85 percent of the world’s blindness is preventable and 20 percent of the people accessing services for the blind had lost their sight from preventable causes. In New Zealand the total number of people with severe to moderate functional vision loss is estimated to be 180,000 and increasing with the aging population. Eye diseases can often develop without early warning signs, making early detection a vital step in avoiding or limiting permanent damage to the eyes. For eye conditions that result in blindness, the only way to find them early is to have a comprehensive eye exam. New Zealand optometrists actively promote eye health to remind Kiwis how precious their sight is and the importance of a nine-step comprehensive eye examination for maintaining good eye health. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes are the main causes of impaired vision and there is a growing occurrence of these eye health issues as the New Zealand population grows older. Even children and young adults with perfect vision can find their eyesight and eye health changes as they get older. Those with gradual loss or change in vision can be most at risk as they do not realise what is happening to their eyes.

38 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Glaucoma Glaucoma NZ report that 10 percent of people over 70 will have glaucoma. Loss of vision occurs because of damage to cells in the retina.

Cause: The cause is not fully understood, but high pressures in the eye and poor blood supply to the optic nerve are part of the condition. Genetics and age are also thought to be important factors.

Symptoms: Usually glaucoma progresses gradually and painlessly without symptoms. Rarely, glaucoma may occur rapidly with blurred vision, loss of side vision, coloured halos around lights and painful or red eyes.

What you can do: Have regular eye exams and if there is a family history of glaucoma, see the optometrist for an eye examination every year. During the eye examination the optometrist will measure the internal pressure of both eyes and examine the health of the optic nerve.

The good news: If detected early, glaucoma can be managed and loss of vision prevented to a greater extent. Unfortunately, at least half the people with glaucoma are not having treatment because they do not know they have glaucoma. If glaucoma is not detected, it can lead to permanent blindness.

NZ Association of Optometrists

Regular eye exams What is an eye exam for?

What symptoms should I watch out for between eye exams?

An eye exam is to examine the health of your eyes and how they function. While your vision ability is tested, the exam also enables detection of Eye Diseases and Conditions. Regular eye exams help to detect these Diseases and Conditions in their early stages. This increases the chances of successful management so reducing the affect they may have on your vision in the long term. During an eye exam other health issues may come to light as well.

If you experience symptoms such as headaches; blurred vision; sore eyes or double vision it is important that you see your optometrist to have an eye exam. Please ensure you discuss your symptoms with your optometrist as these symptoms could suggest an underlying problem.

Offered eye care for locals, by locals, for more than 20 years.

EYE EXAM

EYEWEAR

CONTACT LENSES

Book an eye exam with Stuart Henderson Optometrist in Masterton today to join an eye clinic with a personal touch, or contact us to find out more about our designer eyewear range, corrective lenses, frames, prescription sunglasses and contact lens service. Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm | Thursday: 8:30am - 7:00pm

06 378 7672 | 190 QUEEN STREET, MASTERTON, WAIRARAPA www.stuarthendersonoptometrist.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 39

Experienced

property managers Hi, I’m Lisa Berryman the director of Berrymans Property Management and I come with over a decade’s experience in the Property Management industry and experience selling real estate. I have a team of experienced Property Managers who all love property management and own their own homes. This is important as a property owner is used to looking at the not so glamours parts of the home that get overlooked by tenants and inexperienced Property Managers.

What our tenants say about us speaks volumes:

We must know how to deal with any incident that can happen to the home or tenants. This maybe asbestos, rent arrears, contamination, floods, noise complaints and so the list goes on. Thinking on our feet is second nature to us.

• We were renting through Berryman for nearly 2 years and helped us out so much we would highly recommend renting through them they are the best land agents and landlords any one can ever ask for.

As a Property Manager our job for the owner includes keeping the rent in line with the market, making sure the property meets the standards required to make it a safe and habitable home and keeping up with the necessary maintenance to keep the home in good repair and protect your biggest asset.

• The team at Berrymans have by far been our favorite property managers we have ever had. As tenants they have treated us so well and always go above and beyond, would recommend them to anyone looking for a property manager.

At Berrymans we look after properties from Palmerston North, Levin, Kapiti, Hutt Valley and Wellington. We also have a wide range of contractors. To be one of our valued contractors we require good service, efficiency, and reliability. Here is a selection of our Google reviews, feel free to check them our for yourself at www.berrymansproperty.co.nz

• Vanessa is totally awesome, always shows up with a smile, always polite and a much pleasure to have her as my tenant manager, thank you so very much

What our owners say is pretty impressive as well: • Having just completed the formative stages for Berrymans to take over management of our rental property, we are now looking forward to a simpler life. Healthy Homes, meth testing, pre-tenancy inspection all completed - with a new tenant about to move in. A very professional, and efficient process with good communication throughout. • I had a disastrous situation with a tenant - living overseas and being so far away, it was very stressful. I can’t recommend or thank Berryman’s enough. Lisa handled the whole situation for me, sorted out the property and got a better tenant in there and went above and beyond in many ways - this would have been a far worse situation had I not put Berrymans in charge - very grateful! They are clearly passionate and dedicated to what they do and it shows in their service. Can’t recommend enough.

And even from someone who wasn’t a successful tenant: • Even though we didn’t get the whare, Lisa was professional and more importantly approachable and to top it off, she emailed us to tell us we didn’t get the rental. Very much appreciated and shows up all of those other property management places who cannot be bothered. Thank you Lisa, very cool indeed

40 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

WE LOOK AFTER YOUR PROPERTY As If It Were Our Own Berrymans Property Management ensures that homeowners and landlords receive professional and efficient property management services and you can feel confident that your property is expertly looked after by the best rental home agents in Kapiti and the greater Wellington region.

www.berrymansproperty.co.nz

CALL US TODAY 04 498 4188 www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 41

Property Management

Modernising our rental laws By Jen Baird, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) was introduced in 1986 when the world was a very different place. Most people owned their own homes and only a relatively small proportion of people rented. Fast forward nearly 20 years and more people rent than ever before (around 35 percent), which is why the government announced a number of changes via the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020, most of which came into effect on February 11, 2021. The amendments introduced a number of positive changes for those renting, including a ban on rental bidding, limiting rent increases to once every 12 months, and making rental properties safer and more liveable for tenants. This has given tenants more certainty than they had in the past.

The removal of the 90-day no-cause termination notice will influence landlords and property managers’ decisions around choosing tenants, including tenants who have caused only minor issues in past tenancies. In the vast majority of circumstances, landlords used “no-cause” termination notices as a way of bringing a tenancy to an end for serious issues. Competent landlords always prefer to have a property tenanted, and would prefer to fix problems raised by tenants and work through issues proactively, so in the past they would have only used the 90-day notice when absolutely required. The changes will have already caused huge administrative costs for property managers/landlords over the last several months, plus the time it takes to completely understand the changes, has likely meant that some landlords have been deterred from leasing properties at all. REINZ considers a better approach would have been to provide higher exemplary damages, to penalise landlords who abused the no-cause terminations. The other key change causing concern among industry professionals is the automatic conversion of fixed-term tenancies to periodic tenancies. Under this change, tenants have up until 28 days before the end of a fixed-term lease to let the landlord or property manager know whether or not they are wanting to stay in the property and convert to a period agreement.

However, as can be the case with new legislation, there are some changes which have caused concern.

Essentially, this decision is up to the tenant; the landlord no longer has the automatic right to end the tenancy at the end of the fixed term agreement – this can now only be done via the same processes that one would go through to terminate a periodic tenancy.

The most significant and controversial proposal was the recommendation to end the no-cause 90-day notice. For many landlords, the 90-day notice was only used as a last resort when there was antisocial, aggressive or threatening behaviour by a tenant (or those they associate with). Often that behaviour has a detrimental impact on others living in the neighbourhood.

REINZ continues to provide feedback on the implications of the changes to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and will continue to work with the appropriate government agencies to help streamline the transition and provide clear messaging on the changes.

form of advertising you can measure, then increase or decrease, so you can manage your workflow accordingly! You’ve probably heard people talk about digital marketing, Google AdWords, online traffic, SEO and social media. Then on top of all that, you need to have a lead generating web presence with good traffic etc. This can sound complicated – but it doesn’t have to if you talk to the right people.

Let’s start with the basics Right now there are people looking for a business just like yours. However, if you don’t have AdWords, there’s a very good chance they’ve just clicked one of your competitors’ websites. Most businesses would benefit from Google AdWords. It’s simple to set up, it’s fast, you set the monthly budget, and you can see the results immediately. Included is a complimentary call tracking service to measure daily results, plus you get a monthly report that’s explained in as much detail as you like.

42 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

We have many success stories where people have thought marketing is a waste of money, but have finally found something that gives them a transparent Return on Investment.

This tool can make a massive difference to the FAT on your bottom line.

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We have offices throughout New Zealand and can discuss your needs over the phone or by Skype. Don’t let another year go by without truly discovering what digital marketing can do for your business. With years’ of experience and having delivered outstanding results, we have some of the best digital experts in the business. We are so confident, that if you aren’t 100% happy after the first month, you won’t pay a cent for the management fee. And if you mention this ad, set-up is free – a service other companies charge up to $3,000 for. FREE call tracking, which means you can actually hear recordings of the phone calls coming into your business to see if your staff are doing things correctly or if they need more training.

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Property Management

Results beyond expectations Diane is the Director of CK & Co Realty, a small and specialised team of like-minded, highly experienced salespeople who share one goal: to achieve for our clients the best possible result, delivered with the best possible service.

The team brings 30 years of experience to each and every sale. We know how to price, position, present and market your property to achieve maximum market impact (and maximum market return). We act in your interest, keeping you informed every step of the way, while still treating our buyers fairly.

CK & Co believe this is accomplished by having the right people and the right culture. Diane has achieved a vision of a business of being a little different to other companies in the area.

A testimonial from a happy client:

“We don’t want to be the largest; we just want to offer the best service possible which is friendly, honest, genuine and results driven!” Staying connected to and supporting the community has always been an integral part of how Diane operates personally and professionally. CK & Co are visible in many local events and organisations.

When you choose CK & Co, you don’t just get one agent; you get a strong collaborative team striving to deliver results beyond expectations. You can call any one of us and know that you are getting the best. We also offer free Home-Styling on all of our homes – ensuring each property we sell is well presented.

“Having had the pleasure in the last two years of buying a substantial home and selling it and two other properties with Diane, I have only praise and respect for Diane and the non-judgemental and informed professionalism she shows to all parties to effect results. Having had a long association with property transactions and real estate agents, Diane is one of the rare ones who has genuine experience and, a rare commodity today, integrity.” - Graham

Diane is a highly experienced award winning agent who has a reputation for managing the sale process with an open and warm personality, whilst providing professional, accurate and honest advice on selling or purchasing a property. Diane Cummings Managing Director/Salesperson 027 603 2513

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 43

A BC Masonry

If you’re in need of a brick, blocklaying or related maintenance or repair service in the Wellington region, you needn’t look any further.

At ABC Masonry, we specialise in residential and commercial brick and block laying work and we have a trusted reputation for the highest working standards in the construction industry. With over 15 years of industry experience under our belt, we have extensive knowledge of the trade – which is evident through our high-quality workmanship. From a house build or renovation, brick fence, retaining wall, or any other type of bricks and mortar service, you can count on us to complete the task to your exact specifications and expectations. Our guarantee is the highest quality finish always. Indeed, you can be rest assured, we always complete projects on time, within budget and exceed client expectations. We are fully committed to providing the highest quality service and always ensure our customers are 100 percent satisfied.

Our close attention to detail along with our commitment to quality and performance has allowed us to establish a strong reputation throughout Wellington over the years. This is why we have many satisfied customers who have used and recommend us. We would be delighted to discuss your current or future projects. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our expert team will work closely with you to understand your needs and achieve the best possible results. Give us a call today and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. For a quality professional service in Wellington, choose ABC Masonry – we look forward to hearing from you!

PROVIDING TOP QUALITY WORKMANSHIP TO THE WELLINGTON REGION

ABC Masonry Limited Brick and Blocklaying Maintenance and Repairs

027 725 8425 • abcmasonry@ abcmasonry@hotmail.co.nz 44 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Making your vision come to life Amos Construction Ltd has been successfully operating in the Wairarapa for over 20 years and became a Limited Company in February 2004.

Amos Construction Ltd has refurbished 3 x Kindergartens for the Rimutaka Kindergarten Association and is the preferred repairer for various insurance companies.

We have 9 employees’ 5 of which are qualified builders whom hold their licensed building practitioner’s qualifications being site one and site two. (These allow us to build residential and light commercial). We also have an apprentice.

Tracy is the administrator and Martin does the quoting, client liaisons and is overseer of operations.

We have successfully grown our business steadily and it is with our pleasure that we can offer our clients a comprehensive range of expertise in all aspects of the building process including million dollar homes. Martin and Tracy Amos own and operate the company.

We are also members of the Master Builders Association.

It is important to understand the building process before you start any project. As the process can be daunting, costly or timely if you don’t do research or work with the right crew. The team at Amos Construction can help you every step of the way, we have ample experience and knowledge and will give you our all in ensuring your build is as stress free as possible and your vision comes to life.

Our company is able to offer its clients a range of experience as we are able to co-ordinate and organise all qualified tradesmen for the various stages of the building process.

With many happy clients in the Wairarapa, Amos Construction have established ourselves as a trusted name in building and construction. Give us a call today to have a chat about your requirements.

We build new houses, alterations, villa restorations, pole sheds and various repairs and maintenance jobs.

Amos Construction Ltd BUILDERS

• New Homes

Phone MARTIN (027) 367 1635

• Alterations • Kitset Homes • Villa Restoration Office: (06) 379 5454 Email: martin.tracy@xtra.co.nz PO Box 127 Carterton • www.amosconstruction.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 45

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; 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.

Your Wairarapa agent Are you thinking of selling and wondering how much your home is worth? Damien is your go to guy. Ray White Masterton has Damien Pivac - an experienced licensee salesperson as your Wairarapa agent. He has won awards such as Alan White Elite Performer (2020/2021), Premier Performer (2020/2021), Premier Performer (2019/2020), and Executive (2018/2019). Feel free to have a look at his photos and videos on his Facebook page to see houses he’s sold, as well as reviews from Damien’s previous clients. Ray White offers more than 60,000 properties for sale each year with the widest selection of real estate of any group in Australasia.

46 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Ray White is known for helping clients with buying, renting, selling, real estate authority, and home loans. They also provide services such as virtual appraisals, private inspections and online auctions. A loan market and Ray White insurance can be provided if need be. Find a competitive deal regarding a loan and get a free noobligation quote on insurance. Ray White Media and News, and Loan Market News are also available on the website for those interested in checking out the latest real estate updates. Contact Damien now if you’re based in the region on (06) 370 0660 or 027 437 4822, email damien.pivac@raywhite.com, or get in touch by filling out an online enquiry. www.raywhite. co.nz/damien-pivac/109687/

Real Estate

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 47

Real Estate

48 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Real Estate

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 49

Real Estate

For experienced and professional service After 30 years in the industry Francie is a household name in Palmerston North.

Her friendly demeanour and passion for real estate and her clients is what sets Francie apart from your regular agent, she really goes above and beyond and this is what really shines.

This success has not happened by chance, her uncompromising work ethic and quest for knowledge ensures the advice she gives her clients provides them a solid foundation for decision-making.

“I understand that for most people the selling of their largest asset is a very daunting task and not one that should be taken lightly.

In addition to years of experience, Francie is a Legal Executive (2006), and an Associate Membership of the Real Estate Institute (2008). Her qualifications cover the full range of real estate from selling through to conveyancing. One of Francie’s qualities is her devotion to her clients. Her regular newsletters and vibrant personality ensure that her clients feel welcome to contact her at any time. Not surprisingly, many have enlisted her services on four, five, or more occasions.

“I take pride in helping clients achieve this goal by providing them with proven systems, innovative marketing - tailored specifically for their property - with accurate and friendly communication. I am determined to succeed and to do this. I want your property sold. “I will provide a service that will leave you wanting to tell others looking to sell, that they must speak to me. This has been my philosophy throughout my career and in my life.” Get in contact with Francie today and see her magic for yourself.

Uncompromising work ethic and quest for knowledge ensures the advice she gives her clients provides them a solid foundation for decision-making.

FRANCIE SCHWASS AREINZ Property Brokers License under the REAA 2008

Please contact me anytime if you would like to sell your home or investment property – I would love to help.

# 027 493 3559 m 06 354 2751 k francie@pb.co.nz 50 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Real Estate

www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 51

Real Estate

Kelly & Co Otaki If you are lucky enough to live in Otaki already you will probably understand our reasons for going boutique. Initially opened in July of last year by our director Derek Kelly; the time he has spent giving back to the Otaki community over the last six years and the strong relationships he’s forged during this period are an integral part of our success story.

Our small and friendly team provide a wealth of local knowledge and have one simple goal – to put you, our client, first. We understand the importance of delivering good old fashioned service in a community where word of mouth recommendations rule. Unlike our larger competitors, who have national and international offices, we make decisions locally so we can do what’s best for you.

Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength – with a newly appointed office manager and three new agents: Maureen Preeston, Te Ataahua Telford-Epiha and myself, Tracey Savage.

We are linked to a network of other successful boutique real estate businesses located throughout the Wellington region. The culture is positive, energetic and filled with quality people. Together we share selling strategies, upskill regularly and create a stream of buyer referrals for our sellers.

In the same way our beachy cafes and fabulous coffees fit the coastal lifestyle and large Starbucks franchises don’t, we believe our community is unique here in Otaki so our boutique service reflects that too.

If you want personal service, proven track records, excellent results and a fair and honest opinion then come and see us – you will be pleased that you did!

52 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Real Estate

Nicky Cooper Harcourts I am one of Harcourts Leading Salespeople. I have been selling residential and lifestyle homes since 2007. Let my experience in real estate put you at ease, as it comes with great knowledge of the ever-changing real estate market.

Successfully buying and selling property and personally experiencing myself what my clients are going through, I can easily relate and share my knowledge and expertise, while empathising with everything that comes with buying and selling real estate.

Selling homes is a passion of mine, and it shows in my work. I am an enthusiastic, ambitious, and hard-working agent giving honest advice and realistic expectations, talking you through the best way to get the best the results for you, while ensuring that the experience is seamless and stress-free!

If you’re looking for a friendly, reassuring, reliable and professional local agent that specialises in your area then look no further, I, Nicky Cooper, am your preferred agent.

Regardless of where you stand in your real estate journey – first home buyer or property investor – I guarantee to go above and beyond to support and guide you step by step to ensure your journey is a success!

Your home is your biggest asset, the sale of this asset can be overwhelming, therefore I prioritise ensuring that I am by your side every step of the way. I am in the business of people, making me a great listener, to ensure I am working to your needs.

My recent awards • No 1 Sales and Marketing Consultant for Harcourts Wainuiomata 2008 - 2019 • Top 20 Wellington Region, Harcourts

Over this period, I have fine-tuned my negotiating skills and as a result of this I have been a consistent award winning Real Estate Agent, this wouldn’t be possible without my hard work ethic and knowledge of real estate and your community.

• In excess of $85,000,000 in settled sales, Harcourts Team Wainuiomata Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Wainuiomata Service you can rely on for great results from “your trusted real estate consultant”

LICENSED SALESPERSON REAA 2008 - LICENSED REAA 2008

www.nickycooper.harcourts.co.nz # 027 307 2999 • k nicky.cooper@harcourts.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 53

Real Estate

Rachael Ayling

The Professionals

I have been with the Professionals for over 9 years now and constantly been a top performing agent within Professionals New Zealand, also being the Business Development Manager. I have built a reputation for excellent service and creating a personalised communication plan with each client establishes a top level of service.

“The Professionals team has become part of the family; I’ve been very fortunate to have found a career that I’m passionate about and absolutely love.”

My honest and go getter attitude ensures clients know that no stone has been left unturned. I have a true passion for finding people the home or property that ticks off all of their unique needs, leaving them content and happy for many years to come. Whether you’re selling or buying, I come in with solution based knowledge to get the best result for you.

I am relaxed and easy to talk to, no query or concern is to big or small for me to help you with. I totally understand that sometimes life can throw you into selling or buying when you least expect it, situations like this can sometimes lead to stress, and I’m here to take majority of the stress out of the situation so you can focus on what needs to be done in your life.

I have a sound knowledge of the region as Upper Hutt is my hometown. Also having dabbled in renovation and new builds at this point, I know Upper Hutt real estate inside and out, which gives me a true advantage in the industry.

There are a million different factors to real estate, and I’ve had experience in every level of it, so I’m happy to talk to you about them all so you can get to where you want to be. Call, Facebook message, or email me any time. I would love to hear from you.

There are a million different factors to real estate, and I can talk to you about them all so you can get to where you want to be.

RACHAEL AYLING Relaxed and easy to talk to. Call, Facebook message, or email Rachael any time.

E m 021 0230 8357 k rachael@bamre.co.nz C Q www.professionals.co.nz/agent/rachael-ayling 54 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Ever thought about subdividing? Could your back yard be working for you, rather than you always working to keep it tidy? Property prices are on the rise and land is at a premium, making it the perfect time to consider subdividing your property. You may be nervous to take on a large project where you have no expertise and there are likely to be hurdles along the way. Our experienced team at Platinum Homes will do all the work for you, taking away the hassle and guiding you through the subdividing journey. The size and shape of your section, access and local council rules will affect your options. Start with a no-cost initial development appraisal. We will scope your options and report back to you. We’ll always let you know upfront if subdividing isn’t feasible or cost-effective for your property. If everything looks good and you want to know more, we’ll progress to a detailed feasibility study that will outline all your options. Your only worry at this point will be how you’ll fill the time you used to spend gardening!

Platinum Homes work direct with development experts to work on your feasibility study – looking at things like zoning restrictions, wastewater and stormwater drainage, title constraints, vehicle accessibility, surrounding hazards and ground quality. If everything looks good and you want to know more, we’ll progress to contract a detailed feasibly study on your behalf that will outline your options (there is a cost involved in this). Next we’ll develop a scheme plan and design for your subdivision project. We custom design a plan just for you that fits your section, and your budget. At Platinum Homes it is important to us that you remain central to the design journey, ensuring your new home fits all of your needs and is designed with its specific purpose in mind.

Thinking of building?

Talk to us today! 027 759 2990 | platinumhomes.co.nz 113 Queen Charlotte Drive, Aotea www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 55

Windsor Industries Windsor Industries has been focused on manufacturing and supplying beautifully crafted caskets to the funeral industry throughout New Zealand for over twenty five years. They are committed to maintaining the reputation of excellence and reliability that has been earnt over many years. On offer is the largest range of caskets of any of the casket manufacturers in New Zealand, this includes both traditional and contemporary styles to suit the requirements of every family. The timbers used include sustainable pine, recycled rimu, heart rimu, macrocarpa, as well as imported timbers such as mahogany and oak. Windsor Industries do not sell direct to the public, but instead make their range available to Funeral Homes throughout New Zealand. They are proud of their connection with the industry and support both the FDANZ and NZIFH. Recently Windsor began including regular deliveries to Taupo and Rotorua – most of the range is now available on request from your local funeral home.

56 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

Windsor Industries is the only casket manufacturer in NZ to hold an Environmental Choice NZ licence – this was awarded to the Waterford Sustainable pine range with its non-toxic water-based finishes. To qualify for the certification was a rigorous process, the source of the raw materials was investigated and checked to ensure no hazardous substances were used in the processing or included as an ingredient. According to feedback from Environmental Choice, client feedback and a growing environmental consciousness amongst staff was essential in the company developing eco-friendly products. Not only that, but Windsor Industries plant a tree through Trees That Count for every solid timber casket purchased as a living memorial. There are also timber ranges suitable for natural burials, this requires that the caskets be made from locally sourced, untreated timber. The team are passionate about helping to build a sustainable New Zealand and are focused on waste reduction and reducing power consumption in their manufacturing processes. As the only manufacturers in NZ of the premium Buckingham couch – New Zealand’s most premium casket – Windsor Industries caters to customers to make sure their loved ones have the best of the best. Made from premium quality Sapele Mahogany, Heart Rimu, Dark Oak without knots or environmentally sourced River Rimu, it takes Ming a week to produce from raw timber to the assembled couch. It then has to undergo a further five processes, including grain filling and surface preparation, before the final high gloss coats are added. This process takes a further week. In addition to that, the Windsor team can create a custom painted casket or urn just for you, matching any memorabilia, be it a classic car, jewellery, clothing or anything you love. Just let your Funeral director know the colour you require. Most families choose to have the caskets painted in a high gloss finish with either a flat or raised lid. Located in Pahiatua, Windsor Industries strives on working together with funeral homes to honour you or your loved one in the best way they can – through creating pristine, premium caskets. Feel free to contact your local funeral home to discuss or visit the website to learn more at www.windsorindustries.co.nz.

we care about your family .... and the environment

THE DORSET

THE LINCOLN

THE BUCKINGHAM

solid featured rimu

solid river rimu

solid dark oak

THE DORSET

THE WATERFORD

solid knotty macrocarpa

PINE

Windsor Industries www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 57

ENQUIRE AT YOUR LOCAL FUNERAL HOME www.windsorindustries.co.nz

Funeral Directors

What to look for when selecting a funeral director By Gillian Boyes, Funeral Directors Association CEO.

The death of someone close is a time of sadness when a range of emotions are experienced. Having a meaningful farewell allows your loved ones to gather, support one another, remember, and celebrate your life and begin the journey of saying goodbye. Funeral directors have a complex and vitally important event to organise and run for a family who are highly emotional with grief. Funerals are a one-off event and cannot be rerun if something is not right and what is more, we are only just beginning to discover the long-term harm of a poorly run funeral or indeed no funeral at all. Mental wellbeing is not something we fully understand, and grief is one of the most powerful emotions that can negatively impact on our mental well-being if it is not managed well. A meaningful farewell makes a positive contribution to our grieving and our mental well-being. We need to remember that a funeral is for the living. It is the start of the process where a family comes to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one and starts to understand how life will now be different with that person not being physically present as they were. One of our most precious gifts to our family when we go is a meaningful farewell to help them along that journey. So how can we avoid the scammers, the cowboys, and also make sure that we leave our loved ones with the precious gift of a meaningful farewell. We find someone who knows what they are doing and ask them to do it. So how do we find such a person and how do we know if they do know what they are doing?

1. Find a funeral director who is committed to a written set

of standards with ethical principles and ask for a copy. This provides the evidence that they know what they are doing because it is written down. As part of that also ask to see a copy of their contract for service. This sets out what they will deliver and what you or your estate will pay for. Finally ask for a written estimate so you know the cost before the event and not have it as a surprise afterwards.

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2. Find a funeral director who is subject to a regular inspection process to make sure that they are complying with the standards they have.

3. Find a funeral director who is subject to an independent

complaints process. If something goes wrong or just isn’t quite right, you need someone you can go to, to get advice or help and who has the power to do something to make it right. That someone must be independent to make the process worthwhile and the funeral director must submit to that process.

4. Find a funeral director who is part of a national organisation

that provides training and professional development so that the funeral director keeps up to date with current legislation and the latest thinking on how to make a farewell meaningful. Quite frankly, there are no real surprises in this list, and it is what you should expert when dealing with any professional or trades person. You can find funeral directors who meet these four simple requirements and can be your assurance of a meaningful farewell. Make sure that precious gift is all you want it to be, and your family needs it to be. For your assurance of a meaningful farewell, visit www.funeraldirectors.co.nz, to find your local Funeral Directors Association member.

A meaningful farewell

Richmond Funeral Home has been serving the Southern Wairarapa communities in excess of 40 years. Owned and operated by Peter and Jenny Giddens, with a Funeral Home in Carterton, an Office and viewing Room in Featherston and the Clareville Crematorium owned and operated by the company and situated at the Clareville Cemetery Carterton, Richmond Funeral Home is truly a locally owned company with a history of commitment both personally and professionally to each and every one of the Wairarapa Communities they serve. The importance of saying goodbye and the farewelling of a loved one in an appropriate way can never be under-estimated, according to Peter Giddens. He and his team at Richmond Funeral Home are calling on people to take time to talk and consider how they want to be farewelled. “What do your loved ones need when you are gone?” asks Peter, pointing out a meaningful and appropriate farewell is your final gift to them. Saying goodbye is the basic need of a grieving person. Taking the time to talk to family/whanau and friends about your wishes and sharing your life story, while you can, is extremely important.

Sean, Blair, Kerry, Jenny & Peter

Richmond Funeral Home has a solid history of service and community relationship which Peter and Jenny are proud to uphold. “The way a family is cared for in bereavement, will have an enormous impact on how they grieve, and how they move forward in re-establishing their lives. Caring for people at this time is a tremendous privilege,” says Peter. Richmond Funeral home are members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ and offer the Pre-Paid “Funeral Trust” for those who wish to pre-pay towards their funeral. Get in touch today to ask any questions you may have or to arrange a time to meet with one of our team.

WHAT DO YOUR LOVED ONES NEED WHEN YOU’RE GONE?

A MEANINGFUL FAREWELL IS YOUR GIFT TO THEM Talk to one of the team at Richmond Funeral Home today to plan your meaningful farewell

Richmond

Funeral Home Peter & Jenny Giddens

Phone 0800 3797616

10-12 Richmond Rd Carterton 06-379 7616 ‘Richmond House’ 2 Fitzherbert St Featherston

www.richmondfuneralhome.co.nz Tried, Trusted and Proven www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 59

Funeral Directors

Funeral providers in Lower Hutt and Greater Wellington Region Croft Funeral Home is proud to be the longest serving Funeral Home in Lower Hutt and the Wellington region, owned by local Funeral Director, Robert Sinclair. Over the years Croft Funeral Home has directed every type of Funeral Service for Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington families, from Military and State funerals to simple private services. We respect and endeavour to accommodate the wishes of the bereaved family from the first point of contact. We believe our success as Funeral Directors is due to remaining true to our caring, traditional values and our dedication to providing a personalised and unique service and working within everyone’s individual guidelines. Through our experience in the industry, we can guide you, with integrity and discretion, through the legal requirements and practical details of organising a funeral.

Croft Funeral Home is a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and adheres strictly to FDANZ codes of ethics. We place a strong emphasis on staff training, ensuring staff are well ahead with innovative developments in the funeral service industry. Each person that walks through our doors, sharing sensitive memories, stories and emotions are never forgotten and hold a special place amongst our Croft family.

Robert Sinclair

Owner, Funeral Director and Embalmer I joined the industry as a Funeral Director and Embalmer 32 years ago. At Croft Funeral Home, we strive to adapt to all cultures and the ever-changing needs of families during the passing of loved ones. It is important to me that the atmosphere at Crofts is an approachable and honest one, where you can feel safe and secure during one of your life’s most vulnerable moments.

Helen Renor

Funeral Director and Business Coordinator Being able to guide you through the processes of designing a funeral that reflects your loved one’s life, loves, and wishes, whilst helping bring family and friends some release and closure is what I am here for.

Saying goodbye to a loved one requires delicate, thoughtful and loving decision making. Respecting the wishes of the person who has died as well as considering those left behind, allows precious memories to be created which can last forever. Robert and Helen are focused on carefully listening to your wishes, allowing us to provide a meaningful farewell for your family and friends. With confidence in the choices you make, you can grieve and celebrate a life lived; find solace in fond memories, whilst generating comfort and support to all family and friends.

“People in grief need someone to walk with them without judging them.” Gail Sheehy We understand some families are working within financial parameters, we are here to help explain all the options available when arranging a funeral, so you can obtain the wishes you have, whilst working within your guidelines. Croft Funeral Home promotes the FDANZ pre-paid funeral plan and recommends you consider the benefits to you and your family of pre-planning your funeral as well as removing the financial concerns of loved FUNERAL HOME ones left behind.

60 | Plusliving+ www.plusliving.co.nz

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Health For Life

Chris Torr and his team of professional natural health retailers have been supporting the natural health needs of the community for 25 years. With stores conveniently located in Fergusson St, Feilding, The Square Palmerston North, Coastlands in Paraparaumu, you are never far from a Health for Life Community Health Store. When you visit, the trained and certified natural health retailers will take time to discuss your individual needs and help you make the right choices for your supplement program. Our team of consultants are dedicated to their customers to give the very best advice so you can benefit from our unique range of cost effective natural products. Many of these products are found only at a Health for Life store. Everything we do at Health For Life is to help you to get the results that you need from your supplement program. We will invite you to become a member of our Customer Club. Customer Club membership is a valuable service that we offer. There is no cost to join and no card to get lost. Membership ensures that your

supplement program is securely recorded. This makes it easy if you forget what you were taking, or want to review your program. Your membership ensures that we always have your product in stock. All Customer Club members enjoy our weekly draw. If you are our weekly winner you will receive a reward voucher to the full value of your last purchase up to $50.00 to spend next time you are in our store. We provide a free delivery service. If you cannot get to us, we can do a contactless transaction and bring your products to you. Just simply contact your nearest Health for Life store and leave the rest to us. Join us on Facebook.

ESTER-C® PLUS IMMUNE COMPLEX SOFTGELS 9 Comprehensive immune support formula 9 Non-acidic Vitamin C and gentle to the stomach 9 Vitamins A, B6, B12, D3 and zinc 9 Elderberry, Echinacea and Astragalus

Health for Life Coastlands Coastlands Shoppingtown | P: 04 296 1227 | E: coastlands@healthforlife.co.nz www.healthforlife.co.nz www.plusliving.co.nz Plusliving+ | 61

Professional Soft Washing Solutions. The team at Absolute Housewash are passionate about providing our customers across the greater Wellington region with amazing service and the highest quality workmanship possible.

Why is it important to wash my house regularly? Washing your house regularly means that dirt, grime, salt and mould don’t have a chance to build up and damage your paintwork and your cladding. Keeping on top of the buildup reduces the chance of costly repairs to your asset. Washing the exterior of your home not only extends the lifespan of your paintwork, but it keeps it looking new and saves you money in the long term. We stride to deliver outstanding results that leave our clients delighted. We have over 20 years’ experience in the exterior cleaning industry and in that time, we have developed very effective methods such as our soft washing technique which loosens and removes any build-up without using harsh pressure for cleaning all surfaces and all types of properties, with the smallest environmental impact possible.

We know how important a well-maintained roof is. Using our soft wash technique, we can remove all build-up without damaging your home and will get your roof sparkling. Finishing with a preventative treatment which slows down the growth of mould and dirt in the future and keeps your roof cleaner for longer. Whether you have a deck to clean, a family home or a multi storey commercial property, we have the equipment and the know-how to complete the job to the highest standard. Integrity, honesty, reliability and punctuality are at the forefront of our business philosophy and as testament to that, much of our work now comes by way of referral or repeat business. We would love to work our magic on your home or commercial property and can provide you with a free quote. Visit our website www.absolutehousewash.com and fill out the quote request form. We will be in touch quickly to talk about what you need. Alternatively, call us on 027 572 0091.

OUR SERVICES:

Water Blasting

Gutter Cleaning

Roof Cleaning

P 027 572 0091

Exterior Cleaning

Path Cleaning

E wade@absolutehousewash.com

www.absolutehousewash.com

Commercial Building Cleaning

CONCRETE EARTHWORKS - FENCING RETAINING WALLS - TRAFFIC CONTROL Stapp Contracting provides high quality, solutions focused, earthworks, landscaping and building service for councils, schools, businesses, and homeowners throughout Wellington, Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast.

027 978 2111 www.stappcontracting.co.nz enquiries@stappcontracting.co.nz Aotea Porirua

PROUDLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED AS WELL

Ph: 06 370 1258

E: office@rosiesremovals.co.nz 4 Buchanan Place, Solway, Masterton 39 Cedar Drive, Paraparaumu Beach, Paraparaumu