Latest news with #GavinMale
Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
New Zealanders switch providers as broadband & power costs rise
Broadband and power prices are rising in New Zealand as winter bills mount and consumers seek alternatives. The latest changes to hit household budgets include a new round of broadband price increases from Spark, New Zealand's largest broadband provider, and the closure of Frank Energy, which will see customers moved to Genesis Energy. Both developments coincide with the arrival of higher winter power costs, adding further pressure for consumers already contending with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. NZ Compare, a utility comparison platform, has observed a sharp growth in user activity as New Zealanders respond to these increases. Over 50,000 users have visited the site so far in June to compare options for broadband, power, and mobile services, with last week alone marking record web traffic for the group. Price rises For many households, the recent Spark broadband price hike comes at a difficult time. The move follows similar tariff increases across the utility sector, where providers cite rising costs, often passing these directly on to consumers. These changes typically occur with limited advance notice, requiring customers to react quickly if they want to avoid higher bills. Frank Energy's closure leaves its customers facing a forced switch to parent company Genesis Energy, which is expected to result in higher power charges for at least some households. These developments come as many people confront what are often the first and largest winter heating bills of the year. Switching activity In response, NZ Compare is advising consumers to take proactive steps in managing their utilities. Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare, said there are options available for customers looking to ease household financial pressures. "This is exactly the time when people need to take control. Just as that first big winter power bill hits your wallet, Spark is turning up the heat with fibre broadband price increases. You don't have to sit back and take it. There are some really competitive deals out there and if you are already on a fibre broadband connection, switching provider is incredibly simple." The company says trends in the market indicate providers are increasingly dependent on customers remaining passive, absorbing higher bills as 'loyalty taxes'. Male advocates consumers take a more active approach. "Whether you're dealing with Spark bumping up your fibre broadband bill or a power provider charging more for the same, it's time to stop paying the loyalty tax. These companies rely on customers staying passive. The bill apathy has got to stop! By comparing and switching, you're not only saving money-you're putting pressure on the market and these companies to stay competitive." NZ Compare operates a suite of utility comparison tools, including Broadband Compare, Power Compare, and Mobile Compare. The company reports that these platforms offer a free, fast, and transparent way for users to find plans and providers better suited to their needs and budgets. Market dynamics The recent movement in utility prices highlights broader challenges facing New Zealand households. As cost-of-living pressures persist, many families are seeking what relief they can by switching providers or finding more competitive plans. According to Male, each decision to switch also has an impact beyond individual savings. "New Zealanders are savvy, and they deserve better. Every time someone switches, it sends a message to the industry. Let's stop rewarding companies for raising prices and start rewarding ourselves for making smarter choices." The sector has seen frequent price revisions and provider reshuffles in recent years, and industry experts forecast continued competition in response to an increasingly price-sensitive consumer base.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
A Frank Discussion About Losing Your Spark
-Spark announces another broadband price hike just as winter power bills hit Kiwi wallets. -Frank Energy is closing - adding more pressure to household budgets. -NZ Compare sees record-breaking traffic as over 50,000 Kiwis seek better deals this month. As winter power bills hit and broadband prices spike, NZ Compare is urging Kiwis to take control of their household bills. The cost-of-living crisis continues on a relentless march and Kiwi households are being hit with a one-two punch: the first hefty winter power bills have landed, and Spark, New Zealand's largest broadband provider, has announced yet another round of broadband price hikes. Meanwhile, last week Frank Energy customers have been told the brand is closing, and they'll be moved to parent company Genesis Energy, which will likely come with an increase in the size of the household power bill. For consumers already feeling the financial squeeze, it's just more frustrating news-and a reminder that loyalty often comes at a price. But there is hope for those willing to take action. In response to these developments, NZ Compare, the country's leading comparison platform for utilities and services, is seeing record traffic. Last week alone, the group's websites experienced their highest-ever weekly traffic, and more than 50,000 New Zealanders have already used the platforms during June to compare broadband, power, and mobile deals. "This is exactly the time when people need to take control," says Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare. "Just as that first big winter power bill hits your wallet, Spark is turning up the heat with fibre broadband price increases. You don't have to sit back and take it. There are some really competitive deals out there and if you are already on a fibre broadband connection, switching provider is incredibly simple." Spark's latest price increases follow a broader industry trend of rising costs being passed on to customers, often with little warning. Many consumers, like those previously with Frank Energy, are left scrambling for alternatives. "Whether you're dealing with Spark bumping up your fibre broadband bill or a power provider charging more for the same, it's time to stop paying the loyalty tax," continues Male. "These companies rely on customers staying passive. The bill apathy has got to stop! By comparing and switching, you're not only saving money-you're putting pressure on the market and these companies to stay competitive." The team at NZ Compare says now is the perfect time to reassess. Using tools like Broadband Compare, Power Compare, and Mobile Compare, Kiwis can easily find a better plan that matches their household's usage and budget. And the process is free, fast, and transparent. "New Zealanders are savvy, and they deserve better," says Male. "Every time someone switches, it sends a message to the industry. Let's stop rewarding companies for raising prices and start rewarding ourselves for making smarter choices."
