Don’t let your power bills get out of hand during winter!
With winter settling in across the country, many of us will be turning on the heater, taking longer showers and leaving our lights on a little longer, sending our power bills soaring.
You don’t have to choose between freezing or paying higher bills though. Here are a few simple steps you can take to cut down your winter power bills.
Get to know what products use the most energy around your home.
The microwave is one of the most common culprits for draining excess energy when not in use. Simply switching it off when you’re not using it can help you save some dollars.
Once you’ve identified the culprits around the home, switch them off or swap them out for more energy efficient options.
Before you reach for the heater, try warming up with extra blankets or keeping your home closed up when the temperature drops.
If your floors are tiled or you have wooden floor boards, consider investing in rugs.
When you do switch on the heater, make sure it’s energy efficient and you’ve closed all of the windows, blinds and doors.
If you’re only planning on using the one room, close that off. Limiting the heat to just one room means you’ll use less energy overall.
Have a chat with me about any real estate enquiries, my advice is given freely and without obligation - 0274 951536
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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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.1% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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.
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