Summer Energy Saving Tips
Looking for some simple ways to help reduce your energy use and lower your bill? Read on for some ideas you can put into action right now.
In the kitchen
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Let food cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer to keep these appliances running at their best (2°C - 5°C for your fridge, and -18°C for your freezer).
Keep fridge and oven doors closed as much as possible.
Use cold water when filling the jug or rinsing dishes.
Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
Heating your home
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Stop cold air from coming in by closing your damper when you're not using your fire place. Also block gaps under windows and doors.
Put an extra blanket on your bed instead of using an electric blanket.
Try using a thermostat to control when your heaters come on.
Close your curtains just before dark to keep in the heat.
Use a dehumidifier to keep your house dry and make it easier to heat.
Bathroom & laundry
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Use a short, cold wash cycle when washing clothes.
Have showers instead of baths and try to keep them less than five minutes.
Dry your washing on a clothesline as often as possible.
Open a window when you’re showering to avoid moisture build up.
If you haven’t got one, look at installing a hot water cylinder wrap.
Lighting your home
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Replace traditional lightbulbs with LED bulbs.
Clean lights and lampshades to get maximum light.
Switch the lights off when you leave a room.
Forming energy efficient habits
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Switch off appliances at the wall. Standby mode uses power too!
Turn phone and laptop chargers off when your batteries are full.
Replace old appliances with ones that have a high-energy star rating.
Switch off your hot water if you’re away for more than two weeks.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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