As winter chills the district, Stronger Waitaki and Family Works are huddling together to hold a free community event on keeping houses warm and dry, saving money on power, and showing what support is available to help stay toasty.

The event is being hosted by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, at the Oamaru Fire Station from 1-4pm this Sunday (June 23), with activities for the family (including the Network Waitaki bucket truck rides) and a free sausage sizzle.

Plunket Electrical will provide free electric blanket testing, to make sure your bed is safe for the cold nights ahead.

Kayla Stewart, of Stronger Waitaki, said: "We're excited to connect with our community, share valuable housing resources, and bring together our amazing local service providers, all in one place."

Family Works team leader Louisa Beaumont said with the current tough times, they were excited to have EnergyMate coaches on hand. 

“They will share tips and tricks to help keep your power bill down while still staying warm. 

“We can also book people in for a personalised in-home visit, where we can make sure people are on the right power plan for example.”