
Getting House Insurance Sorted Before You Move In
If you're buying a home, your mortgage won’t be approved without insurance. This guide explains why it matters, what to look for, and how to get the right cover in place before settlement day.

Lowering Your Cholesterol: 5 Foods That Can Make a Big Difference
It’s widely known that lower levels of cholesterol can help us prevent health problems, but what is cholesterol? And how can we lower our cholesterol levels to keep ourselves healthy?

KiwiSaver Series with Matthew D’Souza: How to Maximise Your Government Contribution and Secure an Extra $521!
With the end of June rapidly approaching, it’s that time of year again when you have the chance to boost your KiwiSaver account with a generous $521 from the government. This annual boost is often referred to as the "member tax credit" or government contribution, and it’s a fantastic way to give your retirement savings an extra boost. But you need to make sure you’re eligible to get the full amount—let’s take a look at what you need to know to make sure you get your full entitlement.

Keep warm without breaking the bank this winter
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, keeping your home warm and cosy becomes a priority. But let's face it, winter heating can put a serious strain on your wallet. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you and your family keep warm and comfortable this winter—without blowing the budget.

Beat the winter blues and embrace every season for better mental health
Now that winter has started, shorter days and cooler weather can bring a shift in mood for many. The good news is that by recognising these seasonal cycles and adapting your routine, you can maintain good balance and stability throughout the year.

How to avoid the most common online scams in NZ
Did you know that in 2020, Kiwis collectively lost almost $19 million to online scams? Despite being generally tech-savvy, people often fall prey to scams that range from phishing schemes to identity theft. At Union Plus, we understand the importance of safeguarding your financial well-being, so we’ve put together a helpful guide on the most common online scams in New Zealand and how to avoid becoming the next victim.

Health Insurance Claims: What Union Members Need to Know
Recent health insurance claims data highlights the significant costs associated with serious medical treatments. This article explores these trends and offers practical advice for union members on how to prepare financially for unexpected health events.

What Are Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates?
Understanding the difference between fixed and variable mortgage rates can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. In this article, we explain how each option works, the pros and cons, and smart strategies for securing a low interest rate.

KiwiSaver and PIR Changes: What Union Members Need to Know for 2025
From April 2025, the rules around how your KiwiSaver investment is taxed are changing. This article explains in plain language what a PIR is, the new thresholds, and how to make sure you're not paying too much or too little tax on your savings.

What Is Critical Illness Cover?
Critical illness cover can provide a financial safety net if you’re diagnosed with a serious health condition. This article explains in clear terms what critical illness cover is, the key benefits it offers, the typical exclusions you need to watch out for, and how you can include it in your wider financial plan.

How Much Should You Contribute to KiwiSaver?
Choosing how much to contribute to your KiwiSaver account can make a huge difference to your future savings. This article shows what a 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% contribution looks like over time—and helps you decide the right rate for you.

Why Budgeting Matters for Union Members
A solid budget is one of the best tools for building financial security, no matter your income. In this article, we share easy ways union members can track expenses, plan smarter, and set up an emergency fund to protect against life’s unexpected costs.

Understanding KiwiSaver Fund Types
Your KiwiSaver fund choice can make a big difference to your future savings. In this article, we explain how to pick the right fund mix for your age and goals, and why it’s important to lower your risk as you get closer to retirement or major withdrawals like buying your first home.

Smart Holiday Spending During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also bring us financial stress, especially amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With rising expenses for groceries, travel, and gifts, holiday budgets can quickly spiral out of control.

Choosing the Right Insurance: A Checklist for Kiwi Union Members
Our team of friendly advisers at Union Plus break down the key factors to consider when choosing an insurance policy, along with a handy checklist to ensure you get the coverage you need.

Times are tough so providers are stepping up with great offers
With the cost of living creeping ever higher, it’s great to see that a number of New Zealand’s top insurance providers are offering extra financial relief to Kiwis who sign up for insurance. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

Don't Be a Statistic: Be Proactive About Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is a significant health issue in New Zealand. Each year, more than 1,200 Kiwis die from bowel cancer, and over 3,000 are diagnosed with it. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country, with New Zealand having one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. The good news is that bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early. That's why getting screened is crucial.

Prioritising Men's Health: Tips for a Healthier Life
Men's Health Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the unique challenges men face regarding their health. Discomfort with medical check-ups, societal pressures, and stigma around seeking help often prevent men from prioritising their wellbeing. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips to kickstart your health journey or support the men in your life in doing so.

KiwiSaver Series with Matthew D’Souza: Good News for Ethical Investors
There have been some encouraging trends in the KiwiSaver arena lately, particularly in how investment strategies are evolving to prioritise ethical considerations. This marks quite a shift in how funds are being managed, reflecting more of a move towards responsible investing.

What you need to know about nib’s pre-existing condition cover
Given that nib currently has a limited time offer on health insurance for pre-existing conditions, let’s look at how their Easy Health, Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max policies can cover many of your pre-existing conditions after an applicable waiting period.