207 days ago

Need help with paying power bills?

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

🥶🧣🌧 Winter is just around the corner, and the cost of power is increasing. There are supports available to help with the cost of power bills.

If you are receiving a Work and Income benefit (including NZ Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension), you will automatically receive the Winter Energy Payment. This is around $20 to $30 per week, depending on whether you are single or a couple and whether you have dependent children. It is paid from 1 May until 1 October.

You may be eligible for help from Work and Income to pay for an urgent bill if you have no other way of covering it – even if you are not receiving a benefit. Work and Income can give you up to $200 to help with an outstanding bill, or to reconnect your electricity or gas. They can also help with the cost of bedding, blankets, curtains or heaters. Depending on your situation, you may have to pay the money back.

You may also be eligible for the Power Credits Scheme. It is for helping those affected by the phase-out of low-user charges, to help cover the extra cost of power. Eligible households can receive a $110 credit every year, and those using a budgeting service can receive an extra $110 (a total of $220 per year). To be eligible, you must be struggling to pay your energy bills, you must have been on a low-user fixed charge for at least six months, and your power retailer must be a member of the scheme.

For other support options and more information on help with the cost of power, go to: cab.org.nz/article/KB00001989

Info and image credit: Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz

Image
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

Image
Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.4% Yes
    53.4% Complete
  • 46.6% No
    46.6% Complete
2035 votes
10 days ago

Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.

But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.

So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?

If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.

Image
3 days ago

Auckland, why are we so excited about a new store? 🚗🛒

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I think we’ve all seen the traffic notices and headlines about the new IKEA by now!

So here’s the question: why do we get so excited when a new store opens? Convenience? Curiosity? A reason for a weekend outing? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Keen for an update? The Post has you covered

Image