As winter settles in, many Whāingaroa households are looking for ways to stay warm without sending power bills soaring. Community Energy Whāingaroa (CEWh) is stepping up with free, practical support to help locals create healthier, more energy‑efficient homes.
Introducing Our Energy Mentor
A familiar face in the community is Julia, CEWh’s friendly Energy Mentor. You’ll find her at the monthly Te Toi Ora ki Whāingaroa health clinics at Poihakena Marae and Mai Uenuku ki te Whenua, as well as at the weekly Home Energy Advice Drop‑In every Monday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm at the Raglan Community House.
No appointment is needed, just bring your power bill and your questions.
Julia offers personalised advice on reducing energy costs, heating homes efficiently, managing dampness and mould, and understanding Healthy Homes Standards. For many households, even small changes can make a big difference to comfort and wellbeing.
Households say the advice is making a real difference:
“We open all the windows now in the morning and we don’t get any condensation. It’s great.”
“The shower heads are very efficient but good.”
“Now we put the heat pump on half an hour earlier instead of cranking it.”
“It’s quite surprising the information you’ve fed us and we’re actually using it.”
“We make a point of using the snakes under the doors.”
Small changes making a big impact. Many families say it’s been “well worth it.”
With support from WEL Energy Trust, these services remain free and accessible to the people who need them most.
For anyone wanting to feel warmer, healthier, and more in control of their energy use this winter, contact CEWh at connect@cewh.org.nz.
