206 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

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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.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1868 votes
2 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

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M
8 hours ago

Keep the kids reading with fun this summer

Michelle from Highland Park

Highland Park Library is ready to give away prizes...
Raumati Reads is a free, fun summer reading challenge for primary school aged children that will help them maintain their reading levels over the summer break. It’s a must-do for the school holidays offering free events and activities at local libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau, with great prizes to be won from Auckland Live, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Pools and Leisure, Auckland FC and the Maritime Museum.

Tamariki and their whānau can register from Saturday 6 December at their local Auckland Libraries branch to begin the challenge, which runs until Sunday 1 February.

Visit the Raumati Reads school holidays page for all you need to know: new.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz...

Raumati_Reads_A3_Prize_Poster 25-26.pdf Download View