In New Zealand, daylight saving starts at 2am on the last Sunday in September, when clocks move forward one hour. Check the official daylight saving dates for the relevant year.

Spring is a useful reminder to review home maintenance and security. Here are a few tasks to consider.

When you spend less time worrying about your home’s safety, you can spend more time on how you like to live, work and play.

Check your smoke alarms. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends testing smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Check the expiry date each year. For hard-wired alarms, follow the installer’s testing and maintenance schedule. If an alarm does not respond to testing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to resolve the fault; battery replacement is not appropriate for every alarm type.

See Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s smoke alarm maintenance guidance for testing, cleaning and replacement advice.

Every 6 months, vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to help avoid false alarms. 

Manage access to your electronic lock

If your home has an electronic lock, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for managing access codes, batteries and backup access. Share access only with people you authorise. Confirm the lock model and included features in the specifications for your particular home.

Ready to soak up the rays overseas? Organise a mail collector. 

If you are travelling, arrange for a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to help with routine tasks, such as collecting mail and bringing in the bins. Agree on the arrangements before you leave.

Spring calls for BBQ season! Make friends with your neighbours. 

We love the Williams Corporation communities that we build. The homeowners either side of you are your biggest allies when it comes to having another set of eyes to be vigilant over your property.