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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Times running out to snag one of Dodo's excellent 12-month NBN deals – get cheaper internet from AU$54p/m
Searching for a better deal on your NBN plan this EOFY? Meet Dodo. Dodo is an Aussie-based internet, mobile and energy provider. It operates via the Vocus Network, piggybacking off its infrastructure to supply internet services. The network also supplies fibre for other telcos, like iPrimus and Tangerine. But there's one thing this flightless bird knows that sets it apart from the flock — and that's a damn good discount. Right now, Dodo has a long-running NBN promo that'll save you AU$180 off your first 12 months. These egg-cellent discounts have been in motion for some time now, as we first noticed them during the extravaganza that was Black Friday 2024 — almost 8 months ago — but their time is finally running out. Luckily for you, this offer has been graciously extended until June 24, 2025. We anticipate that these deals will truly go extinct after that date, so you'll need to act fast to maximise your savings. We've rounded up the best four Dodo plans on offer right now, ranging from 50Mbps to 250Mbps connections. All Dodo plans come with unlimited data, no lock-in contracts, and you can add a modem for as little as AU$8.90p/m (or AU$99.90 upfront). Dodo | NBN 25 | AU$53.90p/m (for 12 months, then AU$68.90p/m) Dodo's cheapest NBN deal falls to its 25Mbps plan, which is now just AU$53.90p/m for the first 12 months. This plan is great for single-person households, or even seniors wanting a little more from their NBN 12 connection. Do note, though, this plan is better suited for light internet usage, so if you're worried about exceeding your downloads, you may want to consider the NBN 50 plan below. Total minimum cost: AU$53.90 | Total first year cost: AU$646.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$826.80 Dodo | NBN 50 | AU$68.90p/m (for 12 months, then AU$83.90p/m) Advertising 50Mbps during the typical evening hours, this discount will knock AU$15 off the first 12 months — that's AU$180 — before the price increases. Given that this is the most popular NBN speed tier, this plan is likely just right for you, provided you don't want a seriously fast internet connection Honestly, we don't think it's the best bargain in the long run. After the first year, Dodo's NBN 100 plan costs AU$5p/m more (AU$60 per year) but has double the speeds. Of course, it's up to you, but if you're itching for a faster plan, Dodo's NBN 100 deal is one to consider instead. Total minimum cost: AU$68.90 | Total first year cost: AU$826.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,006.80 Dodo | NBN 100 | AU$73.90p/m (for 12 months, then AU$88.90p/m) Dodo currently offers one of the most attractive NBN 100 plans. However, there is a very minor catch. Dodo's NBN 100 plan is only available for customers with FTTC, FTTP and HFC connection types. Other providers offering NBN 100 plans are available to all, including FTTN connections. That said, this introductory offer slashes a mammoth AU$180 off the first year, which is a pretty stellar saving on any NBN plan if you ask us. Even once the price increases, you'll still spend less than the average NBN 100 cost, which is AU$92.01p/m. Total minimum cost: AU$73.90 | Total first year cost: AU$886.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,066.80 Dodo | NBN 250 | AU$83.90p/m (for 12 months, then AU$98.90p/m) Dodo's Superfast plan savings do come in at AU$180 for the first 12 months, which is no surprise here. But what's mighty impressive about this offer is that its ongoing rate is well under the average of AU$105.66 for the tier. And it only costs AU$1,186.80 per ongoing year after the discount ends. We find this fee to be relatively modest, especially when compared to competitors' exorbitant costs, like Telstra's AU$1,560 or Optus' AU$1,428 yearly rates. Like other 250Mbps plans, Dodo's deal is only available for customers with FTTP and HFC addresses. Total minimum cost: AU$83.90 | Total first year cost: AU$1,006.80 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,186.80 If these deals don't tweak your beak, you can check out Dodo's top-rated NBN plans in the widget below.
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
TVNZ's Renee Wright shares special bond with mum ahead of Mother's Day
Life is busy with her brood, so it's not often Renee gets the chance to tell her mum just how much she means to her, but today she's thrilled to reflect on their special bond. Marian and her husband, Warren, who live nearby, see Renee and the kids most days and are happy to step in whenever back-up is required. They love being on the sports sidelines, hosting sleepovers, taking the grandkids on holiday, and simply being there to see their mokopuna grow. 'A lot of our relationship is based on this unspoken understanding,' shares Renee. 'It might sound weird, but I see it as such a gift because I don't need to tell Mum things. She knows me so well, she knows how I work and how I'm feeling, and she's always here when I need her. And it's the same with the kids. She understands them like I do – I don't need to explain anything.' Former kindergarten teacher Marian, however, brushes away any suggestion she goes above and beyond for her eldest daughter's family. Spending time with the people she loves doesn't feel like a chore to her – she only wishes Renee's Aussie-based siblings Monique and Pete lived closer too. 'I've had people say, 'Why don't you get your own life instead of running around after your grandchildren?' And I say, 'Excuse me?! What else could be better than hanging out with my beautiful kids and my amazing grandchildren?' I find it incredibly fulfilling. 'The truth is, it has never been a struggle. I'm truly blessed to have them. They keep me young and active, and they make me laugh, which is the best thing. I dance with them, I can be crazy with them, and I really do have so much fun when I'm with them.' It's been a big year of change for Renee's family, with the three oldest children all changing schools at the start of 2025. Leo is now at boarding school during the week, while Giselle and Arabella have moved to a school in another part of Auckland, and little Lucciana has started kindergarten. Renee admits to some nerves initially but says the children have taken it all in their stride. 'It felt quite daunting taking on such big changes all at once,' she confesses. 'But the kids have really rolled with it and they're thriving.' Renee shares that saying goodbye to talented young sportsman Leo on Monday mornings still hurts a little bit, but with so much training and extracurricular activities, it made much more sense than him spending hours on public transport or in Ubers each day. 'We weren't planning on Leo being a boarder, but after a few days of the commute, we just realised we were being silly and that he'd be much happier being with all his mates in the week rather than sitting in traffic. He still comes home for the weekends, which is great.' And while Renee never quite expected to be raising a toddler in her 40s, she says Lucciana – the surprise fourth baby she and Charlie welcomed in June 2022 – has brought a wonderful new energy into their lives. The adorable tot keeps her mum on her toes with her endless energy and cheeky antics, but fortunately, Marian loves nothing more than helping out. In fact, Renee says her mother has far more energy and patience than she does at times. 'Seriously, give me a newborn any day over a toddler,' laughs Renee. 'I can do the sleep deprivation and the breastfeeding, but with toddlers, it's much more challenging! You have to have eyes on them constantly because they've got all the confidence in the world and zero skill. 'They're jumping off stuff and flipping things over. Lucciana is incredibly cute and funny, and we love her to bits, but she never stops. But Mum's high-energy too, though, so they're a good pair.' While Renee has plenty keeping her busy at home, she continues to present the weather on 1News At Six one weekend a month. She looks forward to going into the studio, seeing her old friends and doing what she loves, but the star admits it's been tough seeing so many colleagues lose their jobs amid widespread cost-cutting at the state broadcaster. She feels grateful for her role, but she's certainly not taking anything for granted. 'I've been through periods of change at TVNZ many times over the years, but this feels different,' she says. 'The entire media industry is in such a tough spot and it's upsetting to watch it pan out. I love my job so much, and I know how hard journalists work and how passionate we are about our work.' Renee, who started her career in radio almost 25 years ago, says she can't imagine doing anything else. Presenting the weather has connected her to New Zealanders in a way she'll always be grateful for. 'The weather means so much to Kiwis,' she enthuses. 'I love the way people come up to me in the street to talk about it. If someone's wedding is coming up, they'll say, 'Can you turn on the sunshine for me?' It's lovely.' But with her beautiful children and tight-knit family, Renee says that whatever happens, her whānau will always come first. She knows how fortunate she is to have this time with the kids while they're young. 'Like every parent will tell you, nothing else matters really more than these little humans, and I know it's such a privilege to be at home seeing them grow. As long as they're okay, then I am too.'
