Bruce Pitchers

Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ's Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman. In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB. Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery puzzle book 5 Minute Murder.


Power Factor Explained

Power factor: What is it and how to calculate it

Posted by June 21st 2024

Electricity is one of the largest overheads for many businesses, and with power prices soaring it’s time for companies to get smart about energy. Having a good power factor is imperative to keeping bills low …


Woman using new upgraded phone

Should I upgrade my phone?

Posted by June 7th 2024

A phone is an essential part of everyday life. But buying a new phone can be expensive and knowing when it’s time to upgrade your old handset can be tough. In this article, Canstar Blue provides …


Business woman using mobile phone

Compare Telstra business mobile plans

Posted by June 4th 2024

Mobile phones play a vital role keeping businesses, their staff and customers connected. And all major telco providers offer plans tailored to their business customers’ needs. In this guide, Canstar Blue explores Telstra’s business mobile …


ADSL vs NBN. Woman in blue sweater using laptop

ADSL vs NBN: What is the difference?

Posted by May 16th 2024

Just a decade ago, ADSL technology was the speediest way to access the internet at home, but since then it has been superseded by the ultra-fast fibre of the National Broadband Network (NBN). But what …


aussie mailbox

Which energy companies charge paper bill fees?

Posted by May 16th 2024

If you receive a paper bill from your electricity retailer, you might be paying extra for the privilege. By opting to receive your power bill digitally, you could save paying a paper bill fee, giving …


What is an NMI number?

Posted by May 7th 2024

Almost all households and businesses in Australia have a National Meter Identifier, or NMI. But what is it – and what does it matter? Canstar Blue explains.


Bird's eye view of homes with solar panels

AGL virtual power plant (VPP) explained

Posted by May 8th 2024

If your home has solar panels on its roof connected to a solar battery, you could be eligible to join AGL’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP). By combining with other solar battery owners, you can earn …