Adding another jersey is NOT the answer
I was appalled to read in this weeks backyard banter (Kapiti Observer) the advice to add another jumper before heating your home, as a way to manage winter heating costs. This is exactly the kind of 1950's mentality that has lead to the cold damp moldy houses NZ is famous for. While wearing another layer may make you feel warmer, your cold damp house could be also making you sick.
So whats the answer, I hear you cry? And I confess I don't have the solution to fuel poverty. I do know it is rooted in more than just the monthly power bill. My suggestion is to allocate a sum you can afford each month (e.g. $100 for someone on $18-25,000 p.a.) and make it a priority. Make cuts in other areas and if necessary, seek help from WINZ. (with the winter energy payment of $20 per week, that's most of it covered). Longer term there are other options. My solution is a carbon neutral system that uses a low emissions woodburner. Fueled by waste wood and pruning from my 3 acre property, the woodburner heats the house and a wetback system heats our hot water. It saves around $40-60 per month in hot water bills and, after the initial outlay, costs me nothing. My three acre property is in the middle of 20 acres of lifestyle properties or other undeveloped land, so emissions are well diluted. In summer we have an outdoor shower and can leave the hot water off in hot weather. A passive system heats the water within minutes and its very handy returning from the beach. I realize this is not the answer for everyone, but you are better off, healthwize, to get your home warm and dry first before doing anything else. It is a complete waste of money putting a heater on in a uninsulated home. If your home is well insulated, double/triple glazed, well maintained, you may not even need much heating to achieve the 18-20 degrees internal temperature recommended by the WHO. Dont live in an unheated cold damp house. You are putting your health and your children's health at risk.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
February's Weather to Mid-month
The dry, sunny weather of recent months continues, but with an increase in temperatures.
Over the last couple of months summer's temperatures in Kāpiti had been up to a degree cooler than average, but recent weeks has seen a daily average of 23.3℃, normal for February. Thursday's (Feb. 12) 27.2℃ was the highest of the summer to-date
The longtime average rainfall for the month is around 60mm and we have had about half that, but this is insufficient to maintain soil moisture, so if the unsettled weather predicted for the next few days delivered 30-40mm it would be good.
The SW winds, with a 'watch' from Sunday evening (Feb 15), were already fairly strong by mid morning.
Photo: Saturday evening, the calm before the storm.
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