What is NZ’s Best Online Liquor Store? Big Barrel

Here in Aotearoa the production and sale of alcohol is a multi-billion dollar industry. According to figures from Statistics New Zealand, 495m litres of alcoholic drinks were available for domestic consumption in 2020. As a breakdown, that’s 293m litres of beer, 112m litres of wine, and 89m litres of spirits and spirit-based drinks. And we’re … Continued

What Are the Best Mid-Range Smartphones?

If you’re looking for a new-release smartphone with all the tech features, but without a steep price tag, a mid-range model could well fit the bill. While mid-range smartphones don’t attract the same level of media hype as a flagship model release, they can offer a compelling range of features at a far more affordable … Continued

Autumn Tips For Lower Power Bills

Summer is drawing to a close across NZ and autumn days are setting in. Farewell sunscreen and togs. Hello woolly sweaters and hot chocolate. But with cosiness and warmth comes a noticeable increase in power bills. So autumn is the perfect time to prepare for the harsher and cooler conditions of winter, and make plans … Continued

How to Make your Phone Battery Last Longer

Author: Zac Kelly Smartphones are great for many reasons. Being able to call people on the fly, browse the internet and play games with a pocket-sized computer is terrific. But, with all that processing power, there’s been one thing that typically holds phones back – battery life. Mobile phone batteries are a cause for concern … Continued

Rating the Best External Storage Options

Is your desktop, laptop or smartphone chock-full of files? Has freeing up space become an increasingly pressing and persistent chore? Well, it could be time to harness external storage to help divvy the data load. There are a range of options to choose from. However, it’s important to settle on storage that will complement your … Continued

Chill-Proof Your Home this Winter with 5 Insulation DIYs

Government stats show a third of New Zealand homes are too cold in winter. As part of a year-long survey, Stats NZ took temperature measurements in approximately 6700 homes. The top concern was that in around a third of homes, the recorded temperature in winter was under 18C, which is below the World Health Organisation’s … Continued

NZ’s Top Flooring Retailer Revealed: Flooring Xtra

Has the time come to finally update that gorgeous ’70s linoleum in the kitchen? Like windows and a front door, flooring’s a universal and essential part of any home. And whether you’re after smooth wooden floorboards, tough tiles, or a sustainably made and cuddly carpet, Canstar Blue has you covered with our comprehensive floorings ratings. … Continued

Right Oven Temperature Guide

Author: Dean Heckscher  Cooking in an oven should be a breeze. Most oven dishes need only minimum attention, leaving you time to get on with life. But despite carefully written recipes, ideal cooking temperatures can vary, depending on what type of oven you own. And then you have to consider which setting to use, especially … Continued

NZ’s Favourite House Paint: Resene

If you’ve ever spent hours in the sun painting your home, you’ll know the feeling of satisfaction that comes with finally putting down the brush, stepping back and admiring the result. Yes, you could pay someone else to decorate your home for you, but where’s the fun in that? DIY is in Kiwis’ DNA. On … Continued

NZ’s Top Home Furnishing Store Revealed: Guthrie Bowron

Throws, side tables, rugs, couches, tables and chairs – they’re all furnishings that can change the look and feel of a home dramatically. It’s simple to elevate any room with on-trend home décor, whether your budget is sky high or basic. Spending on furniture surged last year, post-New Zealand’s first Covid lockdown. The value of … Continued