News
The smart winter clean: Five things to do now to keep your home warm and healthy
10+ hour ago (881+ words) We've all heard of spring cleaning, where Kiwis waterblast their hearts out and dust off the cobwebs ready for entertaining. But what about winter cleaning? While the spring clean is all about refreshing and erasing any evidence that winter has…...
Wyn Drabble: DIY water hose irritation and a brainwave
2+ mon, 5+ day ago (659+ words) Suddenly the nature of the water flow from the hose changed. Instead of a generous spray, it described a flaccid, downward-pointing arc. There was also a clunk on the concrete below me. Being a male " it's in our genes, you…...
'It's bomb proof': Herald readers on the appliances they'll never replace (including a 70-year-old mixer)
3+ mon, 5+ day ago (595+ words) Technology makes all our lives better, whether it's easy access to the internet and its infinite information, or advances in science and medicine improving our health and quality of life. But when it comes to household appliances, newer isn't always…...
Home Improvement child star arrested over probation breach
6+ mon, 2+ week ago (596+ words) Zachery Ty Bryan, who starred in the 90s sitcom Home Improvement, has been arrested for allegedly violating probation from a prior domestic violence conviction. The 44-year-old was taken into custody, along with his fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, in Oregon, United States,…...
Take an inside look at a new-build home that nails family-friendly living
7+ mon, 1+ week ago (708+ words) A new build in Sumner delivers a sophisticated family home complete with kid-friendly pool. When it comes to an ideal family-friendly layout, this new home in Sumner, Christchurch, ticks many boxes. The kitchen acts as a command centre of sorts,…...
It is a rich journey: Farmers 30-year project inspires Kiwi home style
8+ mon, 2+ day ago (842+ words) M'hia farmer Malcolm Rough has commissioned a new book featuring New Zealand rustic homes after spending 30 years restoring his villa. Creating a comfortable and welcoming home isn't dependent on a big budget, writes the book's editor Kate Coughlan. Why do…...
Watch: Stair-climbing robovac, snore buds, other way-out gadgets at IFA
9+ mon, 1+ week ago (1154+ words) Robot vacuum cleaners have got better and better, but until now there's been one thing holding them back: Their Dalek-like inability to climb stairs. At the world's largest tech show, Internationale Funk Ausstellung Berlin (aka IFA), a solution was demo'd:…...
Opinion: When DIY goes wrong and costs go up
9+ mon, 1+ week ago (890+ words) Is it time for the Page household to tighten its financial belt? The latest cost of living crisis has reared its ugly head in our humble abode this week. So much so, in fact, my personal Minister of Finance has…...
Why Kiwis are hooked on the air fryer - and what they're cooking
10+ mon, 2+ week ago (881+ words) Early air fryer content focused on simple swaps " such as fries, nuggets and other traditionally fried foods " but the new wave is more ambitious. Once seen as a novelty kitchen gadget, the air fryer is now a benchtop essential in…...
Judge slams building inspection reports after $500k leaky home case
10+ mon, 3+ week ago (1048+ words) A judge has criticised the unregulated pre-purchase building inspection sector and "poor quality" of reports after awarding $500, 000 in damages to a first-home buyer saddled with a rotting, leaky house. Justice Peter Andrew's decision says three separate pre-purchase reports were conducted…...