From New World’s hot chicken guarantee to sustainable seed swaps, Kiwis are sharing the best “cheat codes” for living well across Aotearoa.

With the cost of living still hitting hard across the Aotearoa, Kiwis are getting smarter about finding the surprisingly good ways to make life easier. And honestly? Some of these feel like total cheat codes for a more sustainable lifestyle.

​One of the biggest hidden gems for a busy weeknight is New World’s hot chicken guarantee. If you head into a North Island in Aotearoa , New World between 8am and 8pm and there are no hot roast chickens available, you can ask at the deli counter and they’ll give you a voucher for one. It’s a great way to ensure dinner is sorted without the stress.

​For those looking to grow their own, Heritage Food Crops offers a fantastic way to get started. They will send out five veggie seed packets anywhere in Aotearoa—all you need to do is send them a stamped, self-addressed envelope and they’ll handle the rest, including planting info to help your garden thrive. You can find the details at heritagefoodcrops.org.nz.

​Meanwhile, the rise of Repair Cafés is helping us rethink our “throwaway” culture. These community-led hubs help Kiwis fix everything from broken bikes and electronics to clothes and appliances for zero cost. It’s a win for your wallet and a huge step toward a more sustainable Aotearoa. Whether you’re in the Central North Island or beyond, these hacks prove that living well doesn’t always have to cost the earth.