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Home & living

Our comprehensive guides and product reviews help you make informed choices that suit your budget and lifestyle, so you can spend more time enjoying your home and less time worrying about whether you've made the right purchase.

Latest in home & living

7 expensive products that are worth every cent

These luxury purchases justify their high price by being the best of the best. 

8 really great Father’s Day gift ideas

Most and least reliable washing machine and clothes dryer brands for 2026

Most and least reliable dishwashers, cooktops and rangehoods for 2026

Most and least reliable dehumidifiers and air purifiers for 2026


Baby & child

Free online GP visits for kids: What you need to know

Find out about free online GP visits for children under 14 years old in New Zealand, and where to get health advice if you can’t see your GP.

Kmart ordered to pay Christchurch parents $15k after asbestos found in play sand

Kmart ordered to pay Christchurch parents $15k after asbestos found in play sand

How easy is it to buy a banned toy in New Zealand? Consumer NZ exposes product safety gaps

Why is this recalled toy still available online?

See all baby & child


Building & renovation

How to stop mould growing in your home

Find out how to stop mould growing in your home and tips for removing mould from damp areas.

It’s the perfect time to get your home ready for winter

Building inspections are crucial – can you trust them?

How to protect your home from flooding

Garden house boundary hero

Garden maintenance

See all building & renovation


Garden & outdoor

8 really great Father’s Day gift ideas

6 tips to keep your spa pool safe from Legionella bacteria

Lawn mower cutting grass.

Hardest and easiest to use lawn mowers

Cooking sausages on a BBQ.

Best and worst portable BBQs

Potting mix and compost: How to keep safe from dangerous bacteria

See all garden & outdoor


Most and least reliable dehumidifiers and air purifiers for 2026

Find out which dehumidifier and air purifier brands in New Zealand are most and least reliable.

European panel heaters: are Nobo and Noirot worth the price?

Should you buy appliances from outlet stores?

Electric heaters

Most reliable heating products

Should I buy a dehumidifier with an air purifier?

See all heating, cooling & air


Home energy

How Consumer NZ changed my life in 90 days

See what changes editor India Lopez made that transformed her life after her first month at Consumer NZ.

The cheapest gas providers in NZ

European panel heaters: are Nobo and Noirot worth the price?

Power bills overtake housing as New Zealanders’ second-biggest financial concern

Woman looking distressed at power bill.

Thousands look to leave Powershop after new app rollout

See all home energy


Household essentials

7 expensive products that are worth every cent

These luxury purchases justify their high price by being the best of the best. 

8 really great Father’s Day gift ideas

Most and least reliable washing machine and clothes dryer brands for 2026

Most and least reliable dishwashers, cooktops and rangehoods for 2026

The best products to buy secondhand in NZ

See all household essentials


Kitchen

7 expensive products that are worth every cent

These luxury purchases justify their high price by being the best of the best. 

Most and least reliable dishwashers, cooktops and rangehoods for 2026

Most and least reliable blenders, mixers and food processors for 2026

Should you spend your money on gut-health sodas?

Should you buy appliances from outlet stores?

See all kitchen


Laundry & cleaning

7 expensive products that are worth every cent

These luxury purchases justify their high price by being the best of the best. 

Most and least reliable washing machine and clothes dryer brands for 2026

Should you buy appliances from outlet stores?

Best Bosch washing machines

Do good things come in small packages?

See all laundry & cleaning


Vacuums & floorcare

7 expensive products that are worth every cent

These luxury purchases justify their high price by being the best of the best. 

Most and least reliable vacuum cleaners for 2026

Should you buy appliances from outlet stores?

Should I buy a robot vacuum cleaner for my carpets?

True or false: 10 common beliefs about robot vacuums

See all vacuums & floorcare