Winter Costs - Heating
You may be able to get help with the cost of heating your home through the Winter Energy Payment, the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy, or a local council scheme.
If you receive a Work and Income benefit (including New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension), you will automatically receive a Winter Energy Payment of about $20-$30 a week, depending on whether you are single, or a couple and whether you have dependent children. It is paid over the winter months from 1 May until 1 October.
If you are finding it difficult to pay your power bills due to financial hardship, talk to your energy provider. For example, they might refer you to a budgeting provider or Work and Income, or work out a payment plan for you. They should only disconnect your power as a last resort.
For more information on financial assistance with the cost of heating your home, visit: www.cab.org.nz...
For more information on power companies and medically dependent consumers, visit: www.cab.org.nz...
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.6% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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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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