2366 days ago

How do you keep your power bill at a minimum?

Reporter Taupō Times

Hi neighbours - Taupō's Garry McCarthy has spent his working life in power stations, and has now applied his technical expertise to slashing his power bill.

His bill for July was $22.25, and was as low as $14 in summer. He installed eight PV panels on the roof, double-glazing, upgraded the log fire which has a wetback, and only uses LED energy efficient bulbs. He even bounces the light from a stand of small five watt lamps off the white ceiling instead of using ceiling lights.

What tips and tricks do you use to keep your power bill at a minimum?

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More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

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?

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23 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.5% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2526 votes
7 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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