Nicole Barratt

Nicole Barratt Nicole Barratt started her career in news journalism, working for one of New Zealand’s leading newspapers. Post her news stint, she freelanced for outlets including The Sunday Star Times and NZ Life & Leisure Magazine. More recently, she’s applied her research and writing skills to the world of finance for Canstar.


Appliances

NZ’s Top Electronic Retailer: 100% Appliances 

Posted by May 5th 2021

Life would be hard without the all the appliances and gadgets that make our modern lifestyles such as breeze. From kitchen basics, like cookers, fridges and dishwashers, to laundry essentials and heat pumps, our homes …


A Complete Guide to NZ Streaming Services

Posted by May 25th 2021

Netflix Netflix is no newcomer in New Zealand, but the popular streaming service continuously adds new shows and movies to its platform. Netflix has built a reputation for creating entertaining originals, too, which keep fans hooked. …


How To Make Your House Fire Safe Before Winter

Posted by April 19th 2021

Now that the clocks have gone back and the days are getting noticeably shorter, it's a sure sign that colder weather on its way. But before winter sets in, it pays to do an annual …


What is NZ’s Best Dehumidifier? Mitsubishi! 

Posted by April 7th 2021

Dehumidifiers are relatively cheap to run, easy to use, and can save you plenty of discomfort. They’re not just for winter months, either. Throughout the year, a dehumidifier can tackle mould and damp by ridding …


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

Posted by March 30th 2021

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 …


Autumn Tips For Lower Power Bills

Posted by March 24th 2021

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 …


Chill-Proof Your Home this Winter with 5 Insulation DIYs

Posted by March 16th 2021

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 …


NZ’s Top Flooring Retailer Revealed: Flooring Xtra

Posted by March 12th 2021

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 …


Right Oven Temperature Guide

Posted by March 11th 2021

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, …


NZ’s Favourite House Paint: Resene

Posted by March 5th 2021

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 …