Warm up by writing a letter

A Kingsland-based company is giving away a new hot water system to a needy family.
Chris Rankin, director of Aquafire Industries, says that many Kiwi families can't afford to install a new water heating system, yet can't afford to pay the bill on their current one.
"Traditionally, New Zealanders have relied on electric hot water heating systems, which use three times more electricity than a hot water heat pump," says Mr Rankin says.
"Aside from producing excessive carbon emissions, these systems can be very expensive to run."
Essentially, an Aquafire hot water heat pump is a solar water heater, except that it extracts thermal energy from the atmosphere instead of direct UV sunlight, so it works just as well in shady areas and wintry conditions. This means that when there is insufficient sunlight, the heat pump doesn't have to switch to an electric element, thereby saving a lot of money on power.
"Many Kiwi families who are struggling to pay the bills are finding that it is not financially viable to enjoy steady hot water with their current system. Being able to enjoy a hot shower, or wash your dishes or clothes properly, is something that we can take for granted. But for families who struggle, a lack of hot water can have a highly detrimental effect on their lives.
To ease the burden for families who are having a hard time, Aquafire is asking Kiwi homeowners to write in with their story and to tell of why they are in need of an effective, and cost-efficient, water heating system. Aquafire is looking to find those families who have really been left in the cold, so that they can help them out with a free 'Matchbox' Aquafire heat pump, valued at $3999 (excludes cost of installation and cylinder if required).
"An Aquafire system can save a household thousands of dollars, and works 24 hours a day in temperatures as low as -15 degrees," says Mr Rankin. "It is also one of the few systems with a class 'A' rating, which means it works well in all climate zones throughout the country."
Genesis Energy recently chose the Aquafire system as its heat pump of choice, and Aquafire has now partnered with EECA for the $575 grant, which makes it even more affordable to be energy efficient.
If you, or someone you know, deserves a break or desperately needs a chance to save money on the hot water bill, write down your story in 250 words or less and send it to chris@aquafire.co.nz by July 31.
Eligibility criteria:
Only homeowners living in the greater Auckland region are eligible for this prize.
People are welcome to nominate themselves or another family
The entrants must have very high power bills that they are struggling to pay.