PHOTO: GEORGE HEARD/STUFF – The door in Tipora Grennell’s Christchurch City Council-owned unit, a block building that gets little sun, is black with mould.

Do you live in Balclutha, Kerikeri, Westport, or Waipukurau?

Yes? We’re picking the cold is a regular topic of unhappy conversation.

No? Well, things could be worse.

The four towns are the New Zealand centres with the highest power prices, and some of them are also in the areas with the coldest temperatures and most moisture in the air, which leads to dampness.

This is not great news if you live in or near one of those areas, but deep down, you probably already knew what you were getting yourself in for when you decided to settle there.

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