Legends of the West; Weather by the moon

The Warmer Kiwi Homes tool can also tell you if you are eligible for up to 90% of the cost of installing fixed heaters (i.e. heat pump, wood or pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating system) in your home. This government funding is capped at $3000 (including GST).

Heat pumps

An efficient heat pump that suits your home and climate is a seriously low carbon option. It can be costeffective to run, provides instant heat and tends to be more efficient than a wood burner at distributing the heat. Set the thermostat to above 18ºC (to combat damp and mould) but below 21ºC (to save power). Set it to ‘heating’ mode as ‘auto’ can make the heat pump waste energy by constantly changing between hot and cold. When it’s really cold, set the fan to ‘auto’. During heat pump season, clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner or warm water every couple of weeks. It can make a lot of difference.

Wood and pellet burners

Burners contribute carbon to the atmosphere so are a less eco-friendly option. However, a clean-burning, modern, wood burner makes the most of a plentiful, renewable biofuel. They use renewable wood energy and can be used for cooking and water heating and of course won’t let you down in a power cut. Only burn dry, untreated and unpainted wood from plantation forests like pine and gum. (Burning damp wood increases pollution.) Get the right amount of heat by using the right amount of fuel, rather than dampening the air control. Pellet burners have the advantage of using pellets made from 100% waste wood (sawdust and shavings).

Electric heaters

Electric heaters are a climate friendly option for smaller rooms such as bedrooms. They are cheap to buy, but can be more expensive to run than other options and are less effective. Assuming an electricity price of 25 cents/kWh, they cost six cents/hour for a 250W heater, 25 cents/hour for a 1000W and 60 cents/hour for a 2400W heater.

Choose a heater with a higher wattage and a thermostat. You’ll get to a comfortable temperature quickly without wasting energy. Use a timer to warm the room before you need it – you can buy a separate timer plug. Put portable heaters on the cold side of the room or near a window – it helps to distribute the heat.

If purchasing a heater, burner or heat pump (or any other household appliance), check its energy rating. Products with more stars on the label are more energy efficient – meaning lower running costs and lower energy consumption and emissions.

Stay warm this winter, and be sure to bring wool back into your lives. Simply donning a woollen jersey and socks can greatly reduce the amount of heating you need in your homes.

To contact The Fringe email info@fringemedia.co.nz or phone 817 8024

The above illustration, telling the story of Tom Skeates, featured in the May Fringe and readers wanted to know more about this series of artworks. The Legends of the West artworks were commissioned by Waitākere City Council to tell the stories of the West. They were originally intended to prevent graffiti alongside Henderson Railway Station although they have since been relocated. Originally eight artists and illustrators were appointed to illustrate legendary stories from the West. Another five were added later. The legends were printed on a tough, washable plastic sheet material and have been installed in selected community centres around Waitākere, including a few at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall (including the Whatipu Dances panel, below). More of the images can be viewed at https://ehive.com/collections/7178/ objects/894973/legends-of-the-west-billboards.

weather by the moon

Ken Ring’s predictions for June

June sees average rain, sunshine and temperatures.

The second week is the driest with the most sunshine and is the best week for outdoor activities. The third is overall the wettest week, but most rain may fall at or near the 26th. Winds are expected to average from the southwest. Atmospheric pressures may be highest around the second week. They may average around 1017mbs for the month.

For fishermen, the highest tides are around the 26th. The best fishing bitetimes in the west are around noon on the 8th-11th, and 23rd-25th. Chances are also good for around sunset of the 1st-3rd, 15th-18th, and 30th.

For gardeners, pruning is best between the 1st-9th and 27th-30th (waning moon descending), and sowing is best between the 14th-24th (waxing moon ascending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of the 4th and 18th. Allow 24 hour error for all forecasts. For future weather for any date, visit www. predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2021.