Find the best electricity, internet, mobile and home phone plans designed for seniors aged 65+.
Compare rates, features and senior discounts from trusted New Zealand utility providers.
Special rates and Community Services Card discounts
Reliable Service
Trusted providers with excellent customer support
Local Support
New Zealand-based customer service teams
Easy Comparison
Simple side-by-side plan comparisons
Senior Utility Services
Compare essential utility services designed for New Zealand seniors. Find reliable providers,
competitive rates and senior-friendly features for electricity, internet, mobile and home phone services.
Electricity
18+ providers25c per kWh
Compare electricity providers and plans across New Zealand to find the best rates for senior households. Discover fixed-rate plans, low-user daily charges, and senior discounts from leading power companies.
Find reliable internet plans designed for senior needs with easy setup, customer support, and affordable pricing. Compare fibre, ADSL and wireless broadband options from New Zealand providers.
Compare mobile phone plans perfect for seniors with simple pricing, excellent coverage, and easy-to-use features. Find prepaid and postpaid options with senior-friendly customer service.
Traditional home phone services for seniors who prefer landline reliability. Compare plans with unlimited local calls, international options, and emergency service features from trusted providers.
Essential advice for saving on utilities in New Zealand
Bundle Services
Combine electricity, internet and phone for better deals
Senior Discounts
Ask about Community Services Card discounts and senior rates
Simple Plans
Choose straightforward plans without complex terms
Local Support
Select providers with New Zealand-based customer service
Essential Utilities for NZ Seniors
Managing utility costs is crucial for seniors on fixed incomes. Compare all your essential services to maximize savings:
Electricity Plans: Save $200-300/year by comparing Contact Energy, Genesis, and Mercury. Low-user plans ideal for seniors using under 8,000 kWh. Community Services Card discounts available.
Internet & Broadband: Fibre plans from $65-85/month with unlimited data. Compare Spark, 2degrees, and Skinny for senior-friendly support and simple setup.
Mobile Phone Plans: Prepaid plans from $16-25/month perfect for seniors. No lock-in contracts, easy top-ups, and reliable Spark/2degrees networks.
Home Phone Service: Landline plans from $35-50/month with unlimited NZ calling. Bundle with internet for $10-20/month savings.
Bundle and save: Most seniors save $30-50/month by bundling electricity, internet, and phone services. Use our comparison tool to find the best bundle deals from trusted NZ providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Utilities
How much does electricity cost for seniors in New Zealand?
Electricity costs for NZ seniors average $150-$250 per month depending on house size, heating type, and region. The typical household uses 7,000-8,000 kWh per year. Rates vary by provider and region: unit rates range from 22-32 cents per kWh, plus daily charges of $0.30-$2.50. Auckland and Wellington tend to be more expensive than South Island. Low-user rates (under 8,000 kWh/year) have lower daily charges but higher unit rates. Compare providers like Contact Energy, Genesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Trustpower. Seniors with Community Services Cards may get discounts from some retailers.
What is the best electricity provider for seniors in NZ?
Best electricity providers for NZ seniors include: Contact Energy (competitive rates, Prompt Payment Discount), Mercury Energy (good customer service, online tools), Genesis Energy (budget plans, 24/7 support), Meridian Energy (100% renewable, low rates in South Island), Trustpower (bundled services with internet), Electric Kiwi (innovative Hour of Power, but requires digital engagement), and Flick Electric (wholesale rates, good for savvy users). Consider: simple billing, reliable customer service, payment options (automatic payments for discounts), fixed vs variable rates, and bundling opportunities. Seniors should prioritize easy-to-understand plans and responsive support.
How much does home internet cost for seniors in New Zealand?
Home internet for NZ seniors costs $65-$100 per month for unlimited broadband. Basic ADSL plans start at $65-$75/month, Fibre 300/100 plans cost $75-$85/month, and faster Fibre 1000/500 runs $95-$110/month. Most seniors choose Fibre 300 for streaming and video calls ($75-$85). Setup fees are typically $50-$100 but often waived on 12-month contracts. Providers like Spark, 2degrees, Vodafone, Skinny, and NOW offer senior-friendly support. Consider: contract length (month-to-month vs 12-month), router quality, customer service hours, and bundling with mobile for discounts.
What are the best mobile plans for seniors in New Zealand?
Best mobile plans for NZ seniors: Skinny Mobile ($16/month for 1.25GB, $24/month for 3GB - simple, no-frills, Spark network), 2degrees Carryover ($19/month for 2GB, great for light users), Spark Prepay ($20/month for 1.5GB, reliable network), Warehouse Mobile ($10-$19/month, very affordable), and One NZ Prepaid (formerly Vodafone, good coverage). Seniors typically need 1-3GB data for email, messaging, basic browsing. Look for: easy recharge methods, good customer support, no lock-in contracts, reliable coverage in your area, and emergency features. Senior-specific phones available from Doro and other brands with large buttons and simplified menus.
Do seniors get discounts on utilities in New Zealand?
Senior utility discounts in NZ are limited but available: 1) Community Services Card holders get discounts from some power companies (5-20% off), 2) Contact Energy offers Prompt Payment Discounts (up to 20%), 3) Bundling electricity + internet can save $10-$20/month, 4) Some councils offer rates rebates (not utilities, but helps overall costs), 5) Winter Energy Payment from government ($450-$700 annually for those on NZ Super or benefits, paid automatically May-October), 6) Low Fixed Charge tariffs save money for low-usage households. Ask providers directly about senior or SuperGold Card discounts - policies change regularly. Compare plans annually to ensure best rates.
How much does a landline phone cost in New Zealand?
Home landline phone service in NZ costs $35-$50 per month for basic plans. Spark Home Phone costs $40-$45/month with unlimited local calls, 2degrees Home Phone $35-$40/month, One NZ (Vodafone) Home Phone $40-$50/month. Most include unlimited NZ calling, but check mobile and international call charges (often extra). Many seniors bundle landline with internet for better deals - combined packages start at $75-$85/month. Traditional copper landlines are being phased out in favour of VoIP (voice over internet), which requires internet connection and won't work in power cuts unless you have battery backup. Consider keeping a basic mobile for emergencies.
Should seniors switch from landline to mobile in NZ?
Whether seniors should switch from landline to mobile depends on individual needs: KEEP LANDLINE if: you make many lengthy calls (unlimited landline calling), have poor mobile coverage at home, want reliable emergency service access (especially if no internet), prefer familiar technology, or need medical alarms (though modern alarms use cellular). SWITCH TO MOBILE if: you rarely use home phone, want to save $30-$40/month, need flexibility to receive calls anywhere, have good mobile coverage, and family/friends mainly call your mobile. COMPROMISE: Keep both with a basic mobile plan ($15-$20/month) plus landline, or get a mobile with home base station for landline-style handset using mobile network.
What is the Winter Energy Payment for seniors in NZ?
Winter Energy Payment is an automatic annual payment from the NZ government to help seniors with winter heating costs. In 2025, the payment is approximately $450-$700 depending on living situation. Single people living alone get $450, couples get $700, and single seniors in shared accommodation get around $230. The payment is made automatically from May 1 to October 31 each year (26 weeks) if you receive NZ Superannuation or a benefit. It's paid fortnightly as part of your regular payment - approximately $17-$27 per fortnight for singles, $27-$37 for couples. You don't need to apply - it's automatic for eligible recipients. This helps offset higher winter electricity and heating costs.
