Business

Choosing the right window coverings isn’t just about style — it’s about function. Whether you want total darkness for better sleep or soft filtered light with a bit of privacy, your choice comes down to two popular options: blackout blinds and privacy blinds. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing when and where to use them can make your home more comfortable, practical, and liveable. Blackout Blinds: Perfect for Sleep and Light Control Blackout blinds are exactly what they sound like — blinds designed to block out as much light as possible. Made from dense or specially lined fabrics, they’re ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, home theatres, and anywhere else you need a dark, restful environment. They’re especially useful for shift workers, parents of young kids, or anyone who’s sensi...

Launching your own business is a thrilling prospect filled with promise and potential. However, navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship demands careful planning and strategic execution. It’s important to ensure you aren’t one of the many start-up businesses that fails to make their second birthday. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional embarking on a new venture, here are five crucial steps to help you successfully kickstart your entrepreneurial journey: 1. Concept Refinement: Every successful business begins with a compelling idea that meets a market need. Begin by refining your concept to ensure its viability and make sure it aligns with your interests. Ask critical questions such as "Why will people buy this?" and conduct market tests to validate your ...

Building a dream home in New Zealand is an exhilarating journey, but it’s no secret that architect costs can make or break your budget. In 2025, with an economic slowdown casting a shadow over the construction industry, understanding these costs is more critical than ever. Whether you’re envisioning a sleek modern masterpiece in Auckland or a cozy eco-friendly retreat in the Waikato, knowing what drives architect fees and how to navigate them can save you thousands. This comprehensive guide dives deep into architect costs in New Zealand, explores 2025 construction cost trends, and offers practical tips to help you build smart. Let’s break it down. What Are Architect Costs in New Zealand? Architect costs in New Zealand typically range from 3% to 5% of the total build cost, though this ca...

Still think there’s “nothing to do” in the Cook Islands? It’s time to think again. Beneath the surface of this South Pacific paradise lies a vibrant tapestry of adventure, culture, and natural beauty just waiting to be explored. From serene turquoise lagoons and authentic cultural encounters to heart-pumping island adventures and unforgettable marine life experiences, the Cook Islands offer far more than meets the eye—and Pacific Resort Hotel Group is here to help you unlock it all. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape for two or planning a family getaway packed with moments to treasure, the Pacific Resort Hotel Group Vacation Planner is your personalised key to paradise. Designed to match your pace and style, it’s more than just an itinerary builder—it’s your insider’s gui...

Image Source : PTI मदरसा (फाइल फोटो) उत्तर प्रदेश में योगी सरकार ने अब मदरसों में 'दीनी तालीम' के साथ आधी शिक्षा भी अनिवार्य कर दी है। सरकार की तरफ से कहा गया है कि सभी मदरसों में गणित, विज्ञान और कंप्यूटर जैसे विषय पढ़ाना जरूरी होगा। योगी सरकार एक हाथ में कुरान, दूसरे में कम्प्यूटर का उद्देश्य साकार करने जा रही है। मदरसे में आधुनिक शिक्षा को बढ़ावा देने के लिए दीनी तालीम के साथ अब मॉडर्न शिक्षा से जुड़े विषय भी पढ़ाए जाएंगे। मदरसों को एनसीईआरटी सिलेबस के साथ जोड़ा जाएगा। सरकार के इस फैसले से मदरसों के 15 लाख से अधिक छात्रों को बेहतर शिक्षा मिलेगी। इसके लिए निदेशक स्तर पर टीम गठित कर दी गई है। यह टीम पाठ्यक्रम को लेकर के आने वाले दिनों में रिपोर्ट देगी। इस रिपोर्ट के आधार पर जल्द ही सिलेबस को अंतिम रूप देकर इसे...

If you own or manage a commercial building in New Zealand, staying compliant with Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) regulations is a must. One critical aspect of this process is ensuring your specified systems—such as mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning—are inspected and maintained by an Independent Qualified Person (IQP). That’s where JSR Refrigeration and Air-conditioning comes in. JSR is fully certified to carry out IQP checks on HVAC systems and issue Form 12A certificates, the documentation required to confirm compliance for your BWOF. As an independent contractor, JSR provides objective assessments in line with New Zealand Building Code requirements. Their team brings precision, reliability, and professionalism to every inspection, ensuring your systems are safe, efficient,...

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to embark on a culinary odyssey that will have your taste buds tingling and your travel plans in overdrive. Forget your local greasy spoon; we’re talking about the crème de la crème, the culinary titans, the places where food isn’t just sustenance, it’s an art form. The Michelin star. Just the mention of it conjures images of hushed dining rooms, impeccably dressed waiters, and plates that look almost too beautiful to eat (almost!). But which of these celestial kitchens truly shine brightest? Fear not, intrepid gourmands, because we’ve scoured the globe, tasted the triumphs, and meticulously curated a list of the ten best Michelin-starred restaurants that deserve a spot right at the top of your gastronomic bucket list. Get ready for a jou...

Pairing wine with Indian food might sound tricky, but with the right drop, it’s pure magic. At Great Spice Otumoetai, we’ve handpicked some of the best New Zealand wines to complement the bold, aromatic flavours of our dishes. From crisp Marlborough whites to rich Central Otago reds, there’s something for every palate – and every curry! Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, Citrus & Classic Jules Taylor Marlborough – Vibrant and lively with hints of passionfruit, lime and fresh herbs Perfect with: Chicken Tikka or Fish Tandoori – balances the chargrilled spice beautifully Rockburn Central Otago – A riper take on Sauvignon Blanc with stone fruit and flinty minerality. Perfect with: Paneer Tikka or Chicken Jalfrezi – ideal for dishes with a smoky or spicy edge. Pinot Gris – Aromatic...

According to New Zealand soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram, treated dairy effluent is far more than a waste product – it’s a valuable on-farm resource. When managed properly, this mixture of animal waste and wash-down water can significantly benefit soil health, reduce costs, and support more sustainable farming practices (DairyNZ, 2020). Environmentally, applying treated dairy effluent to pasture or cropland is an effective way to recycle key nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and trace elements. Instead of being lost to waterways – where they can cause pollution and algal blooms – these nutrients are returned to the soil (Ministry for the Environment, 2022). With proper application and timing, they stay within the root zone, boosting plant uptake and minimisi...

The 2025 New Zealand Careers Expo season has officially begun, launching this week in Christchurch with hundreds of ‘careers-curious’ rangatahi and job seekers through the doors of Wolfbrook Arena. As Aotearoa grapples with record-high unemployment and high numbers of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET), the nationwide Careers Expo is providing a much-needed lifeline, connecting people with real pathways into study, training, and meaningful work. Now in its third decade, the New Zealand Careers Expo is the largest and longest-running event of its kind. Each year, it brings together a powerful mix of employers, tertiary providers, industry organisations and government agencies under one roof. The result? A one-stop shop for anyone wanting to explore what’s next, i...