Global Major Cities Guide

Introduction to setting up essential services like electricity, water, gas, and internet in Tauranga.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Utilities in Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty region, is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. If you're moving to Tauranga, understanding how to set up and manage utilities is essential for a smooth transition. Below is a detailed guide covering electricity, water, gas, and internet services in Tauranga, including costs, providers, and tips for new residents.

1. Electricity

Key Providers

Electricity in Tauranga is deregulated, meaning you can choose from several providers. Some of the main electricity providers include:

Contact Energy (www.contact.co.nz)
Meridian Energy (www.meridianenergy.co.nz)
Genesis Energy (www.genesisenergy.co.nz)
Mercury Energy (www.mercury.co.nz)
Trustpower (www.trustpower.co.nz) – based in Tauranga, offering bundled services like electricity, gas, and internet.

Typical Costs

Average monthly electricity bill: NZD 150–250 (depending on household size, usage, and season).
Electricity rates vary by provider and plan, with options for fixed-rate or variable-rate plans.

How to Set Up an Account

Compare Providers: Use websites like Powerswitch to compare electricity plans and find the best deal for your needs.
Sign Up: Contact your chosen provider online or by phone. You’ll need:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license, or other ID).
- Address of your new home.
- Move-in date.
Connection: Most providers can connect your electricity within 1–3 business days. If you’re moving into a new build, allow extra time for connection.

Payment Options

Direct Debit: Set up automatic payments from your bank account.
Online Banking: Pay through your bank’s online portal.
Mobile Apps: Many providers have apps for bill management and payments.
Prepaid Plans: Some providers offer prepaid electricity plans, which can help with budgeting.

Tips

Tauranga experiences mild winters, so heating costs are generally lower than in colder parts of New Zealand.
Consider signing up for a plan with a provider that offers discounts for bundling electricity with other services like gas or internet.

2. Water

Key Provider

Water services in Tauranga are managed by the Tauranga City Council.

Typical Costs

Water is metered in Tauranga, and you’ll be charged based on usage.
Average cost: NZD 2.90 per cubic meter (1,000 liters).
Fixed annual charge: Around NZD 100–150 for water infrastructure maintenance.

How to Set Up an Account

Contact Tauranga City Council: Visit their website (www.tauranga.govt.nz) or call their customer service to set up your water account.
Provide Details: You’ll need your address and move-in date.
Meter Reading: The council will take an initial meter reading when you move in.

Payment Options

Quarterly Billing: Water bills are issued every three months.
Online Payments: Pay through the council’s website or via online banking.
Direct Debit: Set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.

Tips

Monitor your water usage to avoid high bills, especially during summer when water restrictions may apply.
Check for leaks in your home, as you’ll be charged for all water passing through your meter.

3. Gas

Key Providers

Gas is available in Tauranga as either natural gas (piped) or bottled LPG. Major providers include:

Genesis Energy
Contact Energy
Elgas (for bottled gas)
Trustpower

Typical Costs

Natural gas: NZD 100–150 per month (depending on usage).
Bottled LPG: Around NZD 120–150 per 45kg bottle, which typically lasts 6–8 weeks for a small household.

How to Set Up an Account

Choose a Provider: If your home has piped natural gas, contact a provider like Genesis or Contact Energy. For bottled gas, contact Elgas or a local supplier.
Provide Details: You’ll need your address and move-in date.
Connection: For natural gas, allow 1–3 business days for connection. For bottled gas, delivery can often be arranged within 1–2 days.

Payment Options

Direct Debit: Automatic payments from your bank account.
Online Banking: Pay through your bank’s online portal.
Prepaid Bottled Gas: Pay upfront for LPG bottles.

Tips

If you’re renting, check with your landlord whether the property uses natural gas or bottled LPG.
Consider bundling gas with electricity for potential discounts.

4. Internet and Phone

Key Providers

Tauranga has excellent internet infrastructure, including fiber broadband. Major providers include:

Spark (www.spark.co.nz)
Vodafone (www.vodafone.co.nz)
2degrees (www.2degrees.nz)
Trustpower (offers bundled electricity and internet plans)
Orcon (www.orcon.net.nz)

Typical Costs

Fiber broadband: NZD 75–120 per month, depending on speed and data cap.
Unlimited data plans are common and cost around NZD 85–100 per month.
Bundled plans (internet + electricity): Discounts of NZD 10–20 per month.

How to Set Up an Account

Check Availability: Use the Chorus Broadband Checker to see if fiber is available at your address.
Choose a Provider: Compare plans on websites like Glimp.
Sign Up: Contact your chosen provider online or by phone. You’ll need:
- Proof of identity.
- Address and move-in date.
Installation: If fiber is not already installed, allow 1–2 weeks for installation.

Payment Options

Direct Debit: Automatic payments from your bank account.
Online Banking: Pay through your bank’s online portal.
Mobile Apps: Many providers offer apps for bill management and payments.

Tips

Fiber broadband is the fastest and most reliable option in Tauranga.
Bundling internet with electricity or mobile services can save money.

Local Considerations and Tips for New Residents

Bundling Services: Many providers in Tauranga, such as Trustpower, offer bundled plans for electricity, gas, and internet. Bundling can simplify billing and save money.
Energy Efficiency: Tauranga has a mild climate, so focus on energy-efficient appliances and habits to keep utility costs low.
Smart Meters: Most homes in Tauranga have smart electricity meters, which allow for accurate billing and easy monitoring of usage.
Water Restrictions: During summer, water restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions. Stay informed through the Tauranga City Council website.
Recycling and Waste: Tauranga has a kerbside collection system for rubbish, recycling, and food scraps. You’ll need to purchase official council rubbish bags for collection.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utilities in Tauranga, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.