Plus Living+ Magazine, Canterbury Issue #1

FREE CANTERBURY EDITION: 1 | 2020

Mind over matter How to connect with your inner creativity

Breaking bad habits 5 steps to break free

Dollars and sense

The big financial mistakes older people make

The 13 traits of persuasive people

7 steps to emotional health

Simple ways to improve your headspace

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

staying

connected online

Come for a swim, Aqua class, or to learn to swim! The Waimakariri District has two year-round facilities, Dudley and Kaiapoi and also a summer seasonal facility in Oxford

• Aquarobics classes • Adult swimming lessons • Learn to swim and water safety programme • Lane swimming • Masters swimming and More!

CONTACT US

Dudley Park Aquatic Centre 47 Church St, Rangiora

0800 924 7946

Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre 9 Cass St, Kaiapoi

Oxford Community Aquatic Centre

7 Burnett St, Oxford

A LIFESTYLE VILLAGE YOU WILL LOVE TO LIVE IN

PAVILLION BUILD HAS STARTED Finishing in time for mid–year Christmas celebrations in July.

Safe, secure and someone else responsible to mow the lawns and look after the gutters. Living at Woodcroft Estate with a resident relationship co-coordinator and a caretaker to take care of day to day external maintenance and resident welfare will take away your cares and worries freeing you to relax and enjoy life.

Woodcroft Estate will be a village with a true sense of community, think theme nights, bowling competitions, Melbourne Cup celebrations, book club, informative and entertaining speakers, pot luck meals, cards, craft groups‌ all this, and more creates the community at the heart of this village. When the village pavilion and bowling green are built this will form the focus for the village life with areas to meet and socialise inside and out. Woodcroft Estate is an easy 4 minute drive or 20 minute walk from the Rolleston shops, or a 30 minute drive into Christchurch. Priced from $425,000.00 for 2 bedrooms single garage 115m2.

Call Corinne to view show home Phone: (03) 421 7796 Mobile: 021 292 1141 34 Kendon Drive, Rolleston 7614, New Zealand Email: sales@woodcroftestate.co.nz www.woodcroftestate.co.nz

C o n te n t s

Inside

this issue

REF#P20C1 CANTERBURY E DITION: 1 | 2020

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 2020 due to it moving the goalpost on the entire planet no less - to the point where we’ve had 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 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.

Jonathantaylor

Editor

Quaterly distribution: FREE distribution maximises readership Publisher: The Job Agency 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: Jessica Ann (03) 961 5088 | design@markat.co.nz Accounts: Jo Pritchard (03) 961 5161 | accounts@markat.co.nz

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T h e 1 3 t r a it s o f p e r s u a s iv e p e o p le

S e t t in g y o u r s e lf u p fo r su c c e ss

S t a y in g s a fe a ro u n d th e h o m e

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C h o o s in g a f u n e r a l d i r e c t o r w h o ’s r i g h t fo r y o u

F E A T U R E P R O F IL E

S a v in g m a d e s im p le

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- H id d e n g e m s in o u r o w n b a c k y a r d

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 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. A-Mark Publishing 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. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

L ife s t y le s

Lifestyles

Hex Shelf The soft tone of the wood contrasting with the black and white makes this angular shelving a unique touch to your living space. Coupled with a mirror, this is a real small space saver for your home.

By Claire Wright

Davis & Waddell Rectangular Serve Board

RRP: $39 www.fluxboutique.co.nz

Perfect for entertaining guests or having a snack night with the family, this Davis & Waddell serve board from its Fine Foods selection makes entertaining a breeze. Carrying your spread to guests has never been easier with the board’s iron legs – they’re also easily removable for easy storage.

RRP: $65 www.davisandwaddell.com.au

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphone

RRP: $699

Reminiscent of studio headphones from the rock and roll era, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones pair gorgeous sound quality with elegant design. The real leather earpads and headband ensure exceptional comfort and durability. Not only that, but its wireless capabilities connect seamlessly to your smartphone for easy listening.

www.dyson.co.nz

RRP: $649

Dyson Hot + Cool Fan Heater With fall days here, you don’t quite know what to expect with the weather. Dyson’s Hot + Cool fan heater lets you control the exact temperature so you can heat and cool rooms. It’s 75 percent quieter than traditional personal fans and heaters and uses patented air multiplier technology for even temperature control throughout the room.

www.en-nz.sennheiser.com

Mexican Matrimonial Hammock This two-person, handwoven net hammock uses a traditional Mexican weave for a supportive and comfortable experience. Woven in Yucatán, Mexico, the open net ensures airflow, especially when lounging during sweltering hot days.

RRP: $129.95 www.hammockshop.co.nz

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P lu s liv in g + | 5

W e llb e in g

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.

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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.

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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.

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

B e h a v io u r 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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P lu s liv in g + | 7

H e a lth y L iv in g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Certifying Plumber & Gasfitter WITH MORE THAN 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE CALL 022 099 2768 Email: finnplumbingnz@gmail.com PO Box 92001, Faringdon, Rolleston 7650 www.facebook.com/FinnPlumbingNZ 8 | P lu s liv in g + w w w .m a rk a t .c o .n z

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

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

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

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

Article kindly provided courtesy of NaturalNews.com

H e a lth y L iv in g

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 sat 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.

027 688 4161

info@kevinswimschool.co.nz 1 Sarah Street, Timaru Central

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P lu s liv in g + | 9

S e lf-Im p ro v e m e n t

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.

Welcome to Glenwood

Glenwood feels like home; the friendly welcome, the sound of laughter and conversation as residents catch up with family and friends or enjoy a shared activity, the warm interaction between residents and staff.

Glenwood is a place where everyone is valued and life is celebrated.

The Glenwood difference lies in its founding values of Love, respect & care for all people.

Glenwood community offers a fun-filled stimulating schedule offering the warmth of long-term friendships for home and village.

Get in touch

Enquire about home or village: P: 03 686 1090 | 027 686 1091 E: manager@glenwood.org.nz 6 Glenwood Ave, Timaru

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From the moment you walk through the door, you just know this is a really special place.

Glenwood feels like home, a happy home. The Glenwood difference lies in its founding values.

Established in 1964, Glenwood continues to be owned and operated by a charitable trust, the Glenwood AnglicanMethodist Trust.

Glenwood is a not-for-profit organisation based on Christian

values of love, care and respect for all people.

These core values ensure all of us at Glenwood are resident-focussed, encouraging independence and individual choice as much as possible, while providing the highest quality standards of care and safety within a stimulating, homely environment.

Here at Glenwood everyone is valued for the unique person they are and their lives are celebrated.

Why choose Glenwood?

• Excellent staff • Feels like home • Superlative clinical care.

We invite you to phone or email us to find out more, to obtain a detailed information pack, or to arrange a visit to Glenwood. www.glenwood.co.nz

S e lf-Im p ro v e m e n t

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

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.

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.

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.

113 Raven Quay, Kaiapoi Ph: 03 327 7884 Membership $30 per year 1st April – 31st March

The Kaiapoi Club & M.S.A is an affiliated club situated in the heart of Kaiapoi, offering a great range of dining, social, entertainment, facilities and groups.

The Kaiapoi Club is formally known as the Kaiapoi Working Mens Club & M.S.A which holds a Permanent Charter and is affiliated to Clubs New Zealand (Inc) and therefore we welcome members from other affiliated Clubs throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Situated in the heart of Kaiapoi and offering the following: • Two Large Open Area Bars (featuring regular entertainment) • Bistro and Restaurant (Mon & Tues Closed, Wed – Sun Open 12pm) • Function and Meeting Rooms • Bottle Store (Members Only) • TAB (Full Service) • Pool and Snooker Tables • 18 Gaming Machines • Sky Television

100% New Zealand owned and operated

We provide commercial and industrial air conditioning, mechanical and ventilation solutions including • Design and Installation • IQP Inspections • Preventative and proactive maintenance services • Energy saving assessments and implementations • Project Management services • Peer reviews • Fault finding and repairs • Electrical services Phone: (03) 365 8943 • Mobile: 027 438 1440 Fax: (03) 365 8946 • Email: eddie@qbsl.co

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S e lf-Im p ro v e m e n t

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

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

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

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

Here are five tips to help break free.

1

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

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

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Five steps to break

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

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.

S a fe L iv in g

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).

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Call us today to find out what we can do for you!

Call Jeff Ellis on 027 228 0867 for a Free Quote

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H o m e L ife

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!

Flip your wine glasses for more space 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

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.

PO Box 54, Kaiapoi Mobile 027 245 8140

Email: J_amatthews@xtra.co.nz

WITH SO MUCH AT STAKE...

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Wasteless ways

H o m e L ife

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

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

Bring your own containers

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know you can also bring your own containers?

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

Groundwork

DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS Groundwork specialise in all aspects of concrete for residential and commercial properties.

Driveways, paths, patios, forecourts, carparks, and landscaping packages are available, as well as mobility access and ramps for new and existing homes, including nonslip surfaces for your safety and security.

We can consult for your new build or remove and replace existing surfaces to ensure your home has the best outdoor services for your enjoyment and adding value to your home.

Canterbury owned and

operated since 2003, we have stood the test of time by providing all aspects of concrete all over Canterbury.

Honest and reliable, we provide our expert design service for free alongside a quote with no hidden extras… we provide what we promise and we stand by our work. Feel free to ask around about Groundwork as our work is our best recommendation.

We offer competitive rates with the ability to provide you with the best service and product due to our many years’ experience in the industry.

Specialists in all aspects of concrete for residential and commercial properties

Canterbury Owned and Operated since 2003 We have stood the test of time by providing what we promise and standing by our work.

• • • •

Driveways Paths Patios Forecourts

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Landscaping Carparks Mobility Access Ramps Free Advice & Quotes

Call Rick: 027 278 4039 www.groundwork.net.nz

Call Rick on 027 278 4039 for advice or to book a quote and visit our website www.groundwork.net.nz or facebook: groundworkdriveways.

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M o n e y M a t te rs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SICK of dealing with restaurant staff that just don’t quite understand?

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M o n e y M a t te rs

Saving made simple

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

Here are a few money traps to avoid:

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

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

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

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

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

Sourcing the best sustainable materials, that not only are good for the environment, but good for a healthy home.

Member of the New Zealand Green Building Council.

Get in touch or check out our web site for your next project.

Mobile: 021 0243 9297 • Email: deskennedy@naturalconstruction.org • wwww.naturalconstruction.org w w w .m a rk a t .c o .n z

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Te c h n o lo g y

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.

Bringing better hearing to Hornby.

into the conveniently located clinic at The Hub for the very best in hearing healthcare.

Hearing problems are something we can all experience at one time or another. Whether this is simply the stuffiness in the head caused by a common cold, a blockage of ear wax, or a permanent hearing loss; the team at Hear Again have the expertise to help you out. If you need ear wax removal, a FREE hearing assessment, a check up on your hearing aids or just some honest, impartial advice about your hearing or hearing aids; drop

Hearing aids are now available from only $495, assuming you are eligible for a Ministry of Health subsidy for hearing aids. Or, if you have worked in noisy environments or served in the New Zealand armed forces, you may be able to gain hearing aids at no cost to you at all! There has never been a better time to deal with that nagging problem and start getting on with the rest of your life.

Re-join the conversation, Hear Again.

REVITALIZE YOUR HEARING ACC & VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

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

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

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

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

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

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WWW.HEARAGAIN.CO.NZ

25 Aynsley Terrace, Opawa, Christchurch Telephone: (03) 332 6630 kowhairesthome@xnet.co.nz

Te c h n o lo g y download it. Once you have an account, sign in and set up your contact list, also known as your Facebook friends.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Timaru District Libraries It is free for Timaru District residents to join our libraries.

The libraries offer the seniors in our community a wide selection of print, large print, audio, eBook, eAudio books, DVDs, jigsaws, magazines and ‘Kanopy’ online movies.

Timaru District Libraries offer a free housebound service for people confined to their residence. Library staff select items and they are delivered to a person’s home.

PressReader enables people to keep up-to-date with current affairs through online access to newspapers and magazines from New Zealand and around the world.

Skinny Jump is an amazing opportunity available for the senior members of our community to get internet at home.

It is a low-cost prepaid broadband service offering 30GB of broadband for just $5.00.

Contact Timaru District Libraries for further information.

FIND YOUR FAVOURITES WITH PRESSREADER ONLINE AT

WWW.TIMARUDISTRICTLIBRARIES.CO.NZ

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Destinations

South

By Claire Wright

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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Destinations

North

our own backyard

Whangaroa Harbour - Located in Northland, Whangaroa in the Bay of Islands is a staggering place to explore by boat or through the various walkways and trails.

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.

About me

Anne has joined Mike Pero Real Estate with a sound knowledge of the Timaru area.

Having lived here for most of my life, I have been very involved in the local community including being part of the South Canterbury Racing Committee’s five founding Trustees of the Phar Lap Statue.

I am also highly involved with my six grandchildren’s lives; having coached one granddaughter’s netball team and another granddaughter’s ‘T’ Ball team. I am also a member of Timaru U3A Club and current President of the Timaru Bridge Club Being an active salesperson and being involved in the community is something I take great pride in. This comes from my previous working background which included working for 13 years with the New Zealand Police here in

South Canterbury, on the front line as a constable, and also as a police instructor at the New Zealand Police Academy in Porirua, Wellington.

I have also had experience in owning and operating businesses ranging from landscaping, aluminium here in Timaru, and a courier business on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

I have been in the real estate industry since the early 2000s, and have a proven record of assisting in numerous residential sales in South Canterbury, including several lifestyle properties.

I would describe myself as an experienced professional that gives consistent, dependable performance with results that come from well-planned profile advertising and great marketing solutions for all types of properties.

Putangirua Pinnacles - In the southern Wairarapa area 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 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.

THINKING OF SELLING? Call me now for a free no obligation appraisal.

Anne Glendining 021 763 083 anne.glendining@mikepero.com

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

With a sound knowledge of the Timaru area I give 100 percent to everything I do.

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P ro p e r t y M a n a g e m e n t

Modernising our

rental laws

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 few people rented.

One of the many hidden gems in the bays

After 22 years in the harbour we’re a little bit When you live, play and work in the same area for this long you get to ‘know’ things that only come with ‘hands on’ experience. So if you are now thinking a change of direction what better direction to kept secret. Just a few kms over the hills or through the tunnel, and you are there. We have the experience, the reputation and the insights that can help you to achieve what you want. Call us today, we’re here to help.

Fast forward nearly 20 years and more people rent than ever before which is why the Government has announced a number of proposals to bring the RTA up to date.

Broadly speaking the proposals will bring about a number of positive changes for those renting.

However, it’s important that as much balance as possible is achieved in terms of both tenants’ and landlords’ rights – particularly with the raft of legislation landlords have had to deal with over the past 18-24 months.

Proposals such as a ban on rental bidding, limiting rent increases to once every 12 months and making rental properties safer and more liveable for tenants are likely to bring about positive changes for tenants’ lives and will give them more certainty than they’ve had in the past.

However, as with any legislation, there are some aspects to the proposed changes to the Bill which have caused some concern.

Min Sarginson Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licensed REAA 2008

The most significant and controversial proposal is the recommendation to end the no-cause 90-day notice.

P 03 328 7273 E lyttelton@min.nz W www.min.nz

For many landlords the 90-day notice is only used as a last resort when there is antisocial, aggressive or threatening behaviour happening in a tenancy.

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P ro p e r t y M a n a g e m e n t Often that behaviour can have a detrimental impact on others who are living in the neighbourhood.

The removal of the 90-day notice will likely influence landlords’ and property managers’ decisions around choosing tenants and could see tenants who have had small issues in past tenancies not selected.

Under the proposals, tenants will have up until 28 days before the end of a fixed-term lease to let an owner know they are not going to renew their fixed term agreement – even if the landlord does not want the tenancy to renew.

This change could significantly affect areas that have strong student populations such as Christchurch, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.

In the vast majority of circumstances, landlords use “no-cause” termination notices as a way of bringing a tenancy to an end for serious issues.

Under the proposal, students could let their tenancy rollover to a periodic contract throughout the Christmas period.

Competent landlords always prefer to have a property tenanted, and would prefer to fix problems raised by tenants, so only use the 90-day notice as a last resort.

Then in the New Year, after university has started back, the tenant could give notice to leave and the landlord will have missed the student market for a whole year.

The proposed changes could incur huge administrative costs and the need for re-education and could lead to more landlords being deterred from leasing properties at all.

Submissions on the Bill were due on March 25 and the Government then began working through the select committee process.

We believe a better approach would be to provide for higher exemplary damages to penalise landlords who abuse no-cause terminations.

The other proposal causing concern amongst industry professionals is the proposal to automatically convert fixed-term tenancies to periodic tenancies.

Harcourts Four Seasons Realty As landlords it’s always a safe move to let a reputable company manage your investment, because they have support systems to do it well.

Harcourts Four Seasons has eight offices to meet the growing demand for quality property management services in the Canterbury area.

Among other key services, they prepare your property for new tenants, keep it in the best possible shape, track income and expenses and reduce risk.

The Government is aiming to have the new Bill introduced before the election on September 19.

Article by Bindi Norwell, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

Less stress more freedom more time

“

Using a property manager is the most effective way to manage a rented property, this will save you money in the long run through less arrears, less hassles, less effort and higher rents. Really, it should be a no-brainer for people.

- Penny Lovell, Harcourts Four Seasons Realty.

In our view, a tenant’s desire for security of tenure needs to be carefully balanced against a landlord’s need to manage business assets.

”

Whether you are a prospective landlord, unhappy with your current property management company or just unsure about your responsibilities with regards to the changes in legislation, just give Penny or her team a call.

Expert Property Management!

Let us take care of all the time-consuming tasks, so you can spend more time doing what you love.

Better local property management.

Call free 0800 789 1011 Your home for local property

Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd

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P ro p e r t y M a n a g e m e n t

Rental property heating

We’re friendly.

Approachable. Flexible.

Available 24/7

urgent action required 48 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

Heating is the major element of the Healthy Homes Standards that requires swift action from rental property owners.

Although private rentals have until July 2021 to comply with the heating standard, planning early can only be a positive.

In 2019, the last-minute rush to meet insulation requirements resulted in a shortage of insulation materials and, for many, a failure to meet the deadline.

Staying one step ahead and starting your planning now means you can avoid unexpected drawbacks and consequent penalties.

According to Tenancy Services, on 1 July 2021, landlords will have 90 days to ensure rental properties adhere to healthy homes standards and must include a signed statement of intent with each tenancy agreement.

Tel: 03 355 0348

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there is a wealth of resources available online.

Get started with the Tenancy Services online heating assessment www.quinovic-merivale.co.nz tool to find out what size heater you need and existing heating meets the standards.

Remember, just because a property has a recent code of compliance, it doesn’t mean that it meets the heating standard. We’ve come across modern homes that have been assessed using the Tenancy Services guidelines and still require additional heating.

Documenting results is an essential step, whilst a professional report can be viewed as “yet another cost”.

It’s worth getting a full assessment, covering all five points of the Healthy Home Standards; heating, insulation, draught stopping, moisture ingress and drainage, and ventilation.

Once you have a comprehensive report, you’ll be able to use this to counter any potential claims.

Building yourself an experienced team is an easy way to reduce stress and ensure that your investment property meets regulations.

Although the regulations will see an increase in immediate expenses, any required changes are likely to mean happier tenants who stay longer.

Property management professionals can take your particular property and financial situation into account and create a plan that best suits you.

By setting clear standards for heating, landlords and tenants will also finally have clarity on their obligations, hopefully meaning fewer disputes.

We know there are a number of alternative solutions that can be beneficial to both parties whilst still meeting the Standards.

If you’re a DIY landlord, it’s essential that you have a strong understanding of the heating requirements.

Since the Healthy Homes Standards became law on 1 July 2019, there’s a lot more at stake if you get it wrong. It’s a big subject, but

If you have an open plan home, adding a door could cost less than installing additional heating.

This is just one example of a win-win solution that an experienced property manager would know to suggest. After all, we’re here to add value to both sides of the rental experience.

Not all property management companies are equal. Some in the

property sector offer property management as a service; others are small home-run businesses with limited experience, resources and backup. And then there is Quinovic - the largest network of independently owned property management companies in New Zealand.

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P ro p e r t y M a n a g e m e n t

We’re friendly.

Approachable. Flexible.

Available 24/7 48 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch Tel: 03 355 0348

ďż˝

www.quinovic-merivale.co.nz

Not all property management companies are equal. Some in the

property sector offer property management as a service; others are small home-run businesses with limited experience, resources and backup. And then there is Quinovic - the largest network of independently owned property management companies in New Zealand.

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P lu s liv in g + | 2 5

R e a l E s ta te

What to look for in a real estate agent Selling your home, which is often your largest asset, can sometimes be stressful or overwhelming.

It is important that you work with an agent that you can trust and that will help you achieve the best price and conditions for your property, all while making sure you are aware and happy with how the process is going.

It’s good to look for agents who can demonstrate knowledge of your local area and community, as this will help them with the marketing of your home and explaining the benefits of your home, such as the location, to potential purchasers.

Local agents also tend to have a network of potential buyers that they have been working with, or that they have access to through colleagues - ensuring your property is best positioned and marketed to potential buyers.

Many agents leverage technology to help market and sell your home, which can often reach a broader audience, for example: • Virtual Reality tours or 3D walkthroughs are one of the options that increase the accessibility of an open home to a wider range of potential purchasers, particularly out of town buyers

Here to help you every step of the way!

Marijke (Ma-rye-ka) & Amy Sheppard Licensee Salespeople 027 461 6127

marijke.sheppard@raywhite.com Morris and Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

rwrangiora.co.nz

• Augmented Reality can help potential purchasers rework the layout of furniture in the home so they can better picture themselves and their belongings in the home.

Asking family and friends if they know of an agent they would recommend is also a good course of action.

Continued on page #28 >

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???

CALL US TODAY

(03) 352 8539

Grassam Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent (REAA2008) MREINZ

FOR A NO OBLIGATION APPRAISAL OR CHAT ABOUT YOUR NEEDS.

TRUST A COMPANY THAT HAS EXPERIENCE Grassam Real Estate have local knowledge and a drive to achieve the very best for our clients, as our success in the Real Estate industry proves. Our team of Juline, Paul, Dianne and Phil have more than 100 years of combined experience. We especially enjoy working with “the not so young” and there’s nothing we haven’t seen and managed in that time.

Dianne • Paul • Juline • Phil • Leigh

Our honest & trustworthy team will meet, advise and support you through your next move.

Juline Grassam Company Owner

P: 03 352 8539 E: juline@grassamrealestate.co.nz

Unit 3/2 Trafford Street, Harewood, Christchurch 8051

www.grassamrealestate.co.nz Best Move You Can Make I Real Estate Agents I Property w w w .m a rk a t .cManagement o .n z P lu s liv in g + | 2 7

R e a l E s ta te

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 to get you to sign on the dotted line.

When asking for recommendations, remember to ask why – what factors did they base their recommendation on? Did they feel the agent was trustworthy? Did they think the agent used the marketing spend wisely?

We often recommend meeting a few agents before you choose who to work with. We also recommend visiting open homes they are hosting to understand how they present their vendor’s home.

This will help you get more of a feel for how they work to get the best for your property.

You can also look online and see how agents are using social media or digital marketing to increase coverage for the properties they are selling, and therefore see what you could expect for your property.

Continued from page #26 >

While it is advisable to not select an agent based on their commission fee, it is definitely worth understanding what each of the fees are.

While these do vary by agency, our advice is to choose an agent on wider factors than just commission, as good agents can often achieve a better price for your property and understand the best strategies according to different market conditions.

At the end of the day, this individual is going to be a big part of your life when selling your home, so it is important that you feel comfortable with them and that you can trust them – this often comes down to gut instinct and trusting your intuition.

Article by Bindi Norwell, the chief executive at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

Chris Heywood Oamaru Thinking about selling your home?

Call me for a free, no obligation, market appraisal.

Chris Heywood PROPERTY CONSULTANT

p 03 434 9014 m 021 178 2644 e chrish@ljhoamaru.co.nz 193 Thames Street Oamaru, 9400, NZ

oamaru.ljhooker.co.nz 2 8 | P lu s liv in g + w w w .m a rk a t .c o .n z

LJ Hooker

I decided to make Oamaru my home four years ago and haven’t looked back.

I moved here from Central Otago and prior to that spent 21 years working as a legal PA in London.

In my spare time I enjoy a game of croquet and as a member of the Awamoa Gardens Croquet Club, I meet a lot of like-minded people. I’m also a keen photographer and love to get out and about taking photographs of our beautiful landscapes, old buildings and many other subjects!

It’s very important to me to give something back to the community that supports me, and I do this through my Church and as a member of the Zonta

Club of Oamaru (Zonta is an international service organisation with the mission of advancing the status of women).

I pride myself on my expertise and ability to make the process of buying a property as stress-free and smooth-sailing as possible.

I’m approachable, easy to talk to, honest, dependable and driven.

LJ Hooker rewards and recognises the top performers in their network for their achievements and I have recently achieved Captain’s Club status, which I’m very proud of!

I enjoy helping people of all age groups and love working in real estate, whether it’s helping vendors achieve the best price for their property, or helping purchasers reach their property goals – whether they are first home buyers, retirees or investors.

R e a l E s ta te

Karen Hennessy PGG Wrightson Real Estate I joined the PGG Wrightson Real Estate Christchurch team based at Darfield in 2014 as an inaugural Real Estate Scholarship recipient with a focus on rural, residential and lifestyle property sales in the Selwyn District.

I have a natural affinity with the rural sector having been born in raised in rural Southland.

A move from Christchurch City and the purchase of a lifestyle block at Charing Cross in the Selwyn District in 2002 has only reinforced my love of the outdoors and the sense of belonging that comes from living in a small rural community.

“

We couldn’t have wished for a better experience selling our property with Karen - the whole process was simple, fast and smooth. We appreciated her professionalism, regular updates and personal touch, and we are grateful toher for taking the stress out of the process! Thank you Karen!

”

- Greg & Tracey Leonard

I have an outgoing and down-to-earth personality, which enables me to quickly establish and build a rapport with people from all walks of life.

With a background in sales management and legal process, I understand and am fully conversant with the preparation, attention to detail and commitment required in order to negotiate and facilitate the successful sale of your property.

My real estate clients can expect me to work alongside them with honesty, integrity, empathy and dedication in order to achieve the best possible result in respect of their property.

Give me a call today, I’m here to help.

“

We listed our lifestyle farm with Karen Hennessy from PGG Wrightson Real Estate. On taking Karen’s advice we listed as a deadline sale. The marketing was good, Karen’s input was second to none and consequently we sold our property when the deadline sale closed. The sale was followed through professionally and we had no problems. I have no hesitation in recommending Karen to other people and I will use her again in the future if the occasion arises.

”

- Stephen Quinn

Karen Hennessy For a confidential chat or an obligation free appraisal, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Residential, Lifestyle & Rural Sales Consultant Licence No. 20026577

M 027 967 0186 DDI 03 343 3999 E karen.hennessy@pggwrightson.co.nz 411 Blenheim Road, Sockburn, Christchurch

www.pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

Helping grow the country

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F u n e ra l D ire c to rs A s s o c ia tio n N Z

Choosing a funeral director who’s right for you

By David Moger, Funeral Directors Association NZ CEO

One thing that seems to surprise New Zealanders the most is that Funeral Directors in New Zealand do not have to legally meet any standards and there are no requirements to be able to act as a funeral director.

This means that anyone can decide they want to be a funeral director, pop down to the car auction to pick up a cheap station wagon, buy a cheap mobile phone, set up a free Facebook account, fill in a simple form for the local council and start trading.

They do not need to know anything about funerals or how to care for the deceased.

It seems crazy but it’s true and is a real concern for those who want their loved one cared for respectfully and decently by trained and experienced professionals.

This is why it is so important to choose a funeral director that is a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).

Funeral Directors Association NZ CEO David Moger.

To be a member of FDANZ, funeral homes have to adhere to a Code of Ethics, a Code of Professional Conduct, have NZQA recognised qualified staff and undertake ongoing professional development to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

FDANZ members undergo regular inspections, have access to technical resources for any unusual circumstances and 135 other member firms around the country to share information and best practice.

Planning for your future

When you deal with a FDANZ member you will be given a written estimate of the costs based upon your individual requirements and a written contract so you know you will be getting exactly what you asked for.

Simplicity Funerals Nelson have an information pack entitled “My Life, My Funeral” which contains a number of pamphlets with information about pre-planning your own funeral, and an application form for the FDANZ funeral trust.

This is a useful tool for all of us as we plan for the future. Much like making a Will, completing the information on the form provides peace of mind for families when faced with bereavement.

They are your only real assurance of receiving a quality service.

ANNA LOACH Manager & Funeral Director

Contact us for more information or to receive this free information pack.

69 Haven Road, Nelson 7010

www.simplicity.co.nz

03 539 0066

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What’s more, even if something does not go well, all FDANZ members submit themselves to an independent complaints process.

They are confident that it will not be necessary but you have the added assurance of knowing the process is there just in case. This is an assurance of quality that is not available elsewhere.

Making the right choice of funeral director is critical in ensuring you have a meaningful funeral as part of a healthy grieving process. Our members are your best assurance of that.

Visit www.fdanz.co.nz today to find a FDANZ member firm near you.

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Today, more and more people are planning their farewell in advance. Working together with Betts Funeral Services, will ensure these details will be taken care of and your wishes are secure.

• Do you want your family to have the benefit of a meaningful farewell?

• Do you want to be self-reliant and have your affairs in order?

• Do you want to assume the financial responsibility for your funeral?

• Do you want to ease the stress on your family?

• Do you want your final wishes to be followed?

Please contact us for a free information pack.

33 North Street, Timaru Ph 03 688 4033 www.betts.co.nz Proud members of

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D e a lin g w ith G rie f

Helping others cope with loss and grief Whether it’s an elderly relative or the unexpected loss of a young child, the loss of a loved one, be it in the family, a friend or colleague, is always a time of trauma and sadness for those left behind. At times grief can be an all-consuming sadness.

Support for people in mental health crisis An increase in mental health related emergency ambulance responses is cause for great concern according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

A recent report released by St John, states that over the past six months St John has responded to nearly 20,000 people who have been experiencing some form of mental health crisis.

Chair of the RANZCP New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa, Dr Mark Lawrence, says “An increase of 10 percent in mental health related incidents is a clarion call to the mental health sector.

“These statistics are a clear wake up call to improve our mental health services to avoid people reaching crisis point. Our whānau should not be reaching this level of crisis.

“There is no denying, as a nation, we need to work together to address this. St John can’t do it alone, nor can whānau, nor can psychiatrists.

Together however, we can – and must – make a real difference.”

The RANZCP emphasised that the best way to combat this increase in mental health call outs was for emergency and mental health services to work together.

“Let’s work together,” says Dr Susanna Galea-Singer, chair of the New Zealand Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry Subcommittee.

“We need to do more to prevent people reaching crisis point and this can be done by “getting the right people, in the right places, at the right time.

“In practice, this means seeking interventions proven to work – whether they are new and innovative or tried and trusted – then putting them into use with the funding required for their success.

“Community and peer support are crucial elements in the mix,” Dr Galea-Singer says.

“Today’s mental health services are facing more complex cases: patients with multiple health issues. This makes service provision particularly challenging.”

Dr Lawrence also affirmed that while the figures are concerning, the situation is not entirely hopeless and there is still much we can all do.

“Our first step should be ensuring we keep a clear person-centred/ whānau-centred approach. Viewing health and mental health holistically, there are successful, cost-effective interventions that improve access, that work for Māori, and that can prevent issues from escalating to a crisis state.”

Wall’s Funeral Services ENSURING PEACE OF MIND When you need us, we’ll be there

Plan ahead with us and ease the burden on your loved ones by pre-planning.

Ensure your wishes are recorded and carried out.

Funeral prearrangement simply means that by planning now, you can ensure that your funeral reflects your personal wishes.

You can determine your last wishes in advance.

49 Humber Street, Oamaru P: 03 434 8266 E: admin@wallsfuneralservices.co.nz 3 2 | P lu s liv in g + w w w .m a rk a t .c o .n z

NZ owned & operated Funeral Home

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379 9920 | www.johnrhind.co.nz w w w .m a rk a t .c o .n z P lu s liv in g + 3 3 |

B u ild in g

Exo Construction Exo Construction is a locally owned and operated building company who understands Christchurch homes and maintenance needs that can occur.

We can take the guess work and price uncertainty out of maintenance needs your home may have.

Your first point of contact will be a friendly phone conversation with company director Simon Payton; he will then visit your home to assess and talk through your maintenance requirement with you.

Simon will offer solutions and give you realistic timeframes, outcomes and costs up front, no hidden costs or surprises to worry about!

Our objective is to provide a reliable, honest and solution-focused service so you can move on from your maintenance issue knowing it is resolved to a high standard, allowing you to focus on more enjoyable parts of life.

Exo Construction has a strong reputation in Christchurch for providing hassle free building services, exceptional workmanship standards and getting things done the right way.

Our team of friendly professional builders would love to help you move on from your maintenance troubles. Call us today.

021 2899 750 info@exoconstruction.co.nz

www.exoconstruction.co.nz

EXO Construction are specialists in New Buildings, Cladding Solutions, Commercial Fit-Outs and Project Management.

We set the standards for quality workmanship and provide the project management, expert knowledge and skill, as well as the labour to complete building projects, large or small.

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With 25 years in the construction industry, we have the knowledge, expertise and proven experience to manage residential and commercial projects.

Practical yet innovative Kiwi builders and decorators As everyone in New Zealand is starting to open up their homes and lives back to the outside world, people are looking to get those must-needed repairs and jobs done around the home that became all too apparent during lockdown.

Getting those jobs done locally is one way to kickstart the economy again.

In the midst of a COVID-19 world, it’s now more important than ever to support local, Kiwi-owned businesses here in Canterbury, like local Christchurch-based builders Christchurch Building and Decorating.

Christchurch Building and Decorating is proud of the work New Zealand has done halting the virus and is looking forward to getting back to work doing what it does best – providing quality work while following the strictest health and safety standards to keep both you and its workers safe.

The team is full of experienced builders and painters ready to transform your tired-looking home into something out of your dreams.

The company provides quotes for jobs of all sizes and completes it all to the highest of standards, on time and on budget.

Whether you need a simple or complex building renovation project – from roof repairs to house extensions, from kitchen

and bathroom renovations to any painting and decorating– Christchurch Building and Decorating is eager to take on the job.

With a licensed renovation project manager on staff, your project can be handled from start to finish with ongoing design advice, as well as recommendations for fittings and fixtures.

Strong innovators with a practical mindset, the team combines the best of the creative spirit and a can-do attitude that gets the job done.

If you need decorating advice, kitchen design ideas or a second opinion on your selection of wallpaper, the staff has a great eye for colour and placement.

Everyone on the team is reliable

Christchurch Building & Decorating Ltd

and highly experienced – all are trade-qualified and licensed building practioners.

Around for over 20 years, Christchurch Building and Decorating takes pride in all the work it does for Kiwis like you around Canterbury.

Using a proud, locally-owned building and decorating company will ensure only the best job gets done on your project, whether commercial or residential, big or small.

Christchurch Building and Decorating 98A Carmen Road Hei Hei, Christchurch (027) 480 0967 chchbuilding@xtra.co.nz www.christchurchbuildingand decorating.co.nz

ONE STOP SHOP

Residential and commercial repair and maintenance company

FIRST-CLASS HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Professional builders and painters helping you add value to your Christchurch home BUILDING RENOVATIONS / KITCHEN RENOVATIONS BATHROOM RENOVATIONS / PAINTING

Get a free no obligation quote: CALL 03 568 0688 • 98a Carmen Road, Hei Hei, Christchurch facebook.com/christchurchbuilding • www.christchurchbuildinganddecorating.co.nz

Get In Touch

02 175 4435 Make your move into your new home a stress free happy experience!

We are a small family owned and operated removal company specialising in Packing and Removals.

Our focus is to provide a service where all the small things do matter. Standard parts of our service include Care, Courtesy, Manners, and making sure our customer is completely satisfied with our service.

LOCAL MOVING • LONG DISTANCE MOVING • PACKING SERVICES EXIT CLEAN • PIANOS • LINE HAUL MOVES

Christchurch, New Zealand | smallmoveschristchurch@gmail.com | smallmoves.co.nz