How to cut down your power bill!
As we head in to winter, check out these 5 top tips for cutting down your power bill:
1. If you’re not using it, switch it off: If you’re not using an appliance, such as a heated towel, dryer, or TV, switch it off at the wall so it doesn’t use power on standby.
2. Change your cooking habits: Eat fresh veges instead of cooking. Using the oven for an hour a night can add $20 to your monthly power bill.
3. Use curtains to trap heat in: Let the sun heat your home during the day then close your curtains to stop the warmth escaping in the evening.
4. If you’re away, turn the hot water cylinder off: You can save up to $36 on your power bill if you switch your hot water cylinder off while away on weekends.
5. Make the most out of your FREE Hour of Power: Utilise power deals like Electric Kiwi’s free Hour of Power, which gives you one off peak hour of free power a day. Use this hour to heat your home, turn on the dishwasher, or run the washing machine and dryer.
Find out more about Electric Kiwi’s free Hour of Power
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.