First National Blog

Celebrating International Women’s Day – 12 Women Who Accelerated Action!

Celebrating International Women’s Day – 12 Women Who Accelerated Action!

Vayle Hammond   3/03/2025 8:08am

From civil rights to computing, scientific breakthroughs and cultural change, this International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the fearless female history makers, rule breakers and risk-takers that have reshaped society as we know it.
 
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the fearless female history makers, rule breakers, and risk-takers who have accelerated action across civil rights, computing, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural change, reshaping society as we know it.

 

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Autumn home maintenance tips

Autumn home maintenance tips

Vayle Hammond   3/03/2025 8:08am

From cleaning gutters and sealing drafts to servicing heating systems and checking smoke alarms, small seasonal maintenance tasks can make a big difference to your home's comfort, function, and future condition, as we weather the cooler months. Get prepped for the shift to autumn with these 10-home maintenance and makeover essentials.

 

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What you need to know for moving in and moving out

What you need to know for moving in and moving out

Vayle Hammond   4/02/2025 8:08am

From transferring utilities to packing efficiently, there’s much to think about when moving to a new home. Our comprehensive checklist is here to make your move smooth – you’ll stay organised and stress-free, leaving you to concentrate on the exciting part – your new abode!
 

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Looking back at home renovation trends from 2024 and forward to 2025

Looking back at home renovation trends from 2024 and forward to 2025

Vayle Hammond   14/01/2025 7:07am

It’s time to reflect on the year’s top home renovation trends and gaze into our crystal ball for the year ahead. And whether you’re planning on selling or staying in 2025, there’s no better time to start planning renovations that hero functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and wellbeing.


 

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9 Festive food and drink favorite's to enjoy in the sun

9 Festive food and drink favorite's to enjoy in the sun

Vayle Hammond   2/12/2024 10:10am

While snowy scenes and cosy fires define the holiday for many, down under, we’re enjoying Christmas with a side of sunshine, BBQs, and plenty of outdoor fun. Isn’t it time we swapped out the roast turkey and traditional Christmas pud with a menu more fitting? We’ve rounded up ten favourite festive foods and drinks to make a Kiwi Christmas the best kind of Christmas.
 

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Big Smoke or Big on Lifestyle? Benefits of Rural Living

Big Smoke or Big on Lifestyle? Benefits of Rural Living

Vayle Hammond   1/11/2024 7:07am

Is moving rurally an itch you’d like to scratch? From better work-life balance and a lower cost of living to improved overall wellbeing and much more, here, we’ve rounded up the biggest benefits you can expect from a shift to rural New Zealand.

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Beekeeping for Beginners

Beekeeping for Beginners

Vayle Hammond   1/10/2024 6:06am

Have you ever dreamed of bringing the buzz to your backyard with your very own thriving hive? Whether you’re looking to support your local honeybee populations, are fascinated by these pint-sized pollinators or simply love the thought of producing your own honey, there’s a lot to learn about keeping your own bees. Wing your way through our beekeeping guide for beginners and see if this sweet-as-honey hobby could be for you.

 
 

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Tips To Celebrate Your Dad This Father’s Day!

Tips To Celebrate Your Dad This Father’s Day!

Vayle Hammond   28/08/2024 10:10am

Father’s Day socks and jocks are fine but meaningful, memory-making gifts are miles better. Stuck for ideas? Here’s the inspiration you need to unearth the perfect gift for your dad this Father’s Day.

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Tips to secure your children's financial future through property!

Tips to secure your children's financial future through property!

Vayle Hammond   1/08/2024 10:10am

 

Getting on the property ladder is hard. In fact, for many of our younger generations, it seems like a pipe dream. Here, we look at how investment decisions you, as a parent, make now will assist them in years to come and what you can do to support your children in building a solid financial future.

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