Mention electricity supply in New Zealand and you’re bound to generate a debate. The country is grappling with ways to meet an increasing demand for power, and while the supply is generally reliable, there have been one or two embarrassing glitches, including one that saw Auckland virtually shut down for several days because of power cuts. The electricity sector was de-regulated in the 1990s and there are now several electricity retailers and wholesalers operating in the country. In the main cities, you will have a choice of electricity retail companies, but in many rural parts of the country there will only be one supplier operating.

If you’re renting a property, the cost of electricity is not normally included in the rent, so you will need to budget extra for this. The Electricity Commission oversees the industry and handles complaints from consumers about electricity and gas companies.

Most of the power companies offer tips on energy conservation, as does the government-funded Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (www.eeca.govt.nz). The water supply is generally excellent in urban areas, but in some rural areas you may have to rely on private water tanks or bores. The Ministry of Health, which monitors drinking water quality in New Zealand, judges that 85% of the population has a certifiably safe water supply.