Why is NZ so cold in winter?

It is cold cold cold in Wellington at the moment. Winter has set in and keeping warm is on the top of everyone’s agenda. It is not easy though. My rented house, like many others in NZ, is freezing at this time of year.

Central heating is almost non existent in New Zealand. “Oh right, it must be really warm there?” I hear you ask. Well, not quite, this it the situation…

No, NZ is NOT warm.

Lets start with the wacky perception that New Zealand is a warm country. Where did this come from? Admittedly I have only been in Wellington/NZ for one year and it has been the worst summer on record for 30 years. But despite encouragement from the locals, statistics say this it was not an unusual summer. Actually, I wouldn’t describe the weather here in NZ as being that different from back home in the UK. People always start talking about the weather and then they say, “oh you’re from the UK, well its probably nice here for you then?” Not the case… it actually feels worse here in Wellington sometimes.

To set this straight, lets look at the temperatures for Wellington and London and compare:

UK/NZ Climate Comparison (London vs. Wellington)

(Please note: I have chosen to compare Wellington with London because I personally moved from London to Wellington. Other places in both countries will have remarkably different statistics to the capital but this is just a rough guide for reference. It also allows me to compare my personal experience with these figures. Obviously northern Scotland would be super cold, and Northland, NZ would be a lot warmer. This is just my experience.)

Average SUMMER temperature in LONDON (June, July, August) = 19 degrees C | In WELLINGTON (Dec, Jan, Feb) = 17.5 degrees c

Average WINTER temperature in LONDON (Dec, Jan, Feb) = 6 degrees C |In WELLINGTON (June, July, Aug) = 10 degrees c

Average number of RAIN days per year in LONDON = 106 |In WELLINGTON = 159

Average number of SUNSHINE days per year in LONDON = 164 | In WELLINGTON = 169

To summarise: The temperature figures for Wellington and London are quite similar. London gets a cooler winter by 4 degrees and it also gets a warmer summer by 1.5 degrees. And there is quite a lot more rain in Wellington, but there are also a few days more of sunshine, although the number of sunshine days in London is very similar.

It is still definitely often cold and wet here in Wellington just as it is in London. You would think then, that the Kiwis or Wellingtonians at least, would have lovely warm and cosy houses, like back in the UK, but, generally, this is not the case. I am constantly huddled by our crappy electric heater, wearing 10 layers and trying not to get an inch of skin next to the cold air. (Maybe an exaggeration, but still!) Central heating is not widely used in NZ. But why? the excuse of NZ/Wellington being warm enough, just doesn’t hold!

You can find more information on Wellington’s climate HERE

So, why no central heating in NZ?

Less that 5% of the homes in NZ have central heating, The reality seems to be that this is down to cost. People either cannot afford or maybe don’t think its worth it to pay the large installation fee to have a constantly heated house. Central heating is seen a luxury item. NZ Sustainability Chief Executive Phil Squire said:

“Its not customary for us to have central heating…I think its just that norm that folks don’t expect to spend that kind of money because we are also very used to single room heating. We might out a heat pump in our living room and possible hall and use portable heaters in our bedrooms – but we kind of think of it as quite a luxury item.” (From NZ Herald)

This explanation seems fair enough as cost is an issue. I have found it is a similar situation to Australia, where people rely on the wood burner to heat the main house, but the rest of the house stays freezing. This may be excusable in Australia as it is actually a warm country a lot of the time, but not in Wellington.

Despite a large initial cost central heating would be a great investment for New Zealanders. Although it costs about $10,000 to install, the running costs are only about 10c per hour whereas electric heaters cost about 30c per hour. . It may be worth it when building and renovating a house in not to hold back on the extra money, and save in the long run to make winter a little more bearable.

However, cost is not the only issue…

Central Heating in NZ – Problem No.2

Before you can install heating into any house, you also have to have up to grade insulation keep the heat inside. Insulation didn’t come to New Zealand until 1978 and even then it was a very low grade. Because of the abundant supply of wood, houses are traditionally wooden frames and wood burners were an easy option. Sometimes the wood for wood burners can be sourced for free. This wooden construction is much less insulating than the brick that is used in the UK and it cant keep the heat in. Hmm, okay fair enough, I have to let them off for this one.

Am I just spoilt?

Now, after my research, I am second guessing myself, maybe I am just lucky to have always lived in heated housing. Are you from the UK and have experience with non centrally heated houses? I would love to hear other’s stories. I have always had heating in the places I have lived, even my student joints!

The Verdict

It does get just as cold as the UK, here in NZ but central heating practically non-existent; people cant or just don’t want to invest. Being cold inside is an issue that a lot of kiwis seem to have to put up with. This problem also leads to dampness and humidity in houses. The kiwis are clearly a lot tougher than me!

If you are moving here and can find somewhere with central heating, snap that up, its a rarity.If not…prepare to be a little bit chilly inside during the winter, it is part of life here in NZ. The hotty botty (hot water bottle) will be your best friend! We just make the best of it, do like the kiwis.

Cold at Brooklyn Windmill Wellington