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.
Posted by May 5th 2020
It’s something you likely do on the daily: load up your dishwasher with dirty cups and plates until it’s full enough to run. But ever wondered why some plates come out dirty or your wooden …
Posted by September 3rd 2020
New Zealand is one big ol’ natural playground. Mountains, rivers, lakes, rolling hills, endless trails and, of course, the Pacific Ocean, there’s no better place to enjoy a dose of Mother Nature. Both the North …
Posted by June 3rd 2020
Keeping track of our mobile data usage usually isn’t something we have in the foreground of our minds every day – the internet is a distracting place, and who has time to worry about data …
Posted by September 3rd 2020
Have you noticed a spike in your water usage recently? With the kids at home, maybe you’re giving the dishwasher an extra workout each day as the cups and plates pile up. Maybe you’re doing …
Posted by September 3rd 2020
As Kiwis, we tend to pride ourselves on our sporting prowess: it’s viewed as part of our national identity. Whether we’re throwing a rugby ball in the backyard, warming up a bowling arm for a …
Posted by March 2nd 2021
It’s fair to say family routines have shifted hugely recently. We’re working from home, schools remain closed, and we’re social distancing, meaning playdates for kids are on hold. And even though the end is in …
Posted by June 19th 2020
Heating can account for over 35% of a winter power bill in New Zealand, according to Genesis Energy, and more than 25% of all Kiwi households now use a heat pump, making them New Zealand's third …
Posted by April 17th 2020
Maybe you’ve saved for weeks for a new phone; you’ve decided to upgrade your TV, or you’re about to splurge on some speakers you’ve been eyeing. But there’s a lot to consider before you part …
Posted by November 17th 2020
There’s no doubt about it: Kiwis love pies. Be it a mince and cheese classic, potato top or butter chicken, we’re big fans. The humble meat pie has been part of New Zealand cuisine since …
Posted by March 31st 2020
A large number of New Zealanders will have started working from home this month with the spread of COVID-19. Shoes have been swapped for slippers and business suits for sweaters. The morning commute is shorter …