Warning about purchasing power tool batteries from Aliexpress
I have just purchased 4 x Makita 18v 6Ah batteries from Aliexpress. These were claimed to be genuine Makita with the rating above. I assumed that they probably wouldn't be 6Ah because Chinese sourced batteries are always less than claimed. The first thing I noticed was each battery felt a lot lighter than my 5Ah OEM batteries. That says that each cell is a lot less than claimed. Before posting this I also bought a battery load tester and tested the new batteries. 2 of the 4 have now tested as being 2.4Ah so probably using 1200mAh cells (should be 3Ah or 3000mAh). I opened one up and all the cells inside are unmarked. My conclusion is that this company has just committed blatant theft as has been my experience with Chinese supplied batteries. For comparison a genuine Makita battery rated 4Ah AND 8 years old still tested as being 3.2Ah.
The new batteries are still usable but obviously not the capacity claimed by the company nor are they Makita OEM.
Bottom line DO NOT purchase power tool batteries through Aliexpress until they start to police their suppliers.
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
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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