power prices
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Electric Kiwi says four big companies are selling wholesale power at a steep price, which means we're having to pay more to keep the lights on. It's no secret, our cost of living is high and power bills are part of that headache. In a recent email to its customers, power company Electric Kiwi passed on the blame for rising rates, saying it's having to pay record prices for wholesale electricity. It pointed to the big four generators - Mercury, Meridian, Contact and Genesis - saying they've increased the cost of wholesale power, even though they've doubled their net profits in the last year from $788 million to more than $1.5 billion.Those generators though say the hike in wholesale cost is because of the rising cost of thermal fuels like gas, coal or diesel and increasing carbon costs.But veteran electricity analyst Molly Melhuish has called that "profit-seeking" behaviour and that our funding model is broken. "We'll charge everything as the highest price on the system which these days is usually coal-fired generation."That means cheaper-to-produce power options like hydro or wind are priced the same as costlier generators, like coal. That's despite coal only making up roughly 7 percent of our electricity generation.Melhuish said there's little incentive to change. The Government owns 51 percent of three big power companies - Meridian, Genesis and Mercury and when they profit, so does the Government.She believed the companies are revenue-gathering now to help pay for future infrastructure needs to cope with the influx of electric cars.The Electricity Authority (EA) said it's looking into wholesale pricing to ensure the market is working in the best interests of consumers. But Melhuish said the sector needs an overhaul including the EA. "That means you'd have to have a real regulator, not just a fake regulator which the Electricity Authority is because it is governed by the very profit-seeking corporations that they're trying to regulate," said Melhuish. But there is one thing you can do to help reduce your bills and it's as simple as a click of a mouse button online and compare providers on Powerswitch."What we found is consumers on average are saving $385 by changing their electricity providers," said Powerswitch's Paul Fuge.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.3% Yes
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21.8% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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.
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