LEDs aren't all equal — what to look for in NZ

1. Colour temperature — for living and bedroom areas, choose 2,700 K to 3,000 K (warm white). Kitchens and bathrooms can go up to 4,000 K. Anything 5,000 K+ feels like a hospital.
2. CRI ≥ 90 — Colour Rendering Index. Cheap LEDs have CRI 70–80 and make everything look grey-brown. CRI 90+ shows colours properly.
3. Dimmable — only some LEDs dim properly. If your lights are on a dimmer, buy LEDs marked "trailing-edge dimmable" and replace the dimmer with an LED-rated one.
4. IC-F rating — for ceiling downlights, buy IC-F (Insulation Contact, Fire-rated) so insulation can sit right on top. This is huge for your ceiling insulation continuity.
5. 5+ year warranty — a sign of a reputable brand. NZ-stocked Philips, Osram, Mercator and Domus all do.

If you're upgrading 6+ downlights, get a sparky to do it properly with IC-F fittings — the saving on power and the gain on insulation make it pay back fast.