Unlike some of our cultural produce, you don't have to subsidise your love of New Zealand apps with patriotic pride. This post is about four of them, but is in no way comprehensive - I encourage you to post your favourite/plug your own app in the comments.
TheInsider (iOS, only in Wellington currently) - TheInsider's premise is basic, it aggregates the various specials/deals available in Wellington (Auckland soon!) and presents them in a nice list, ordered by how close they are to you or how popular the deals are. You can filter this list, think "kids" or "2 for 1", even changing it to another day, so you can plan your weekend. I've seen this kind of app before, but never one with this many deals (probably due to its Wellington-only nature). The execution is mostly excellent - you will understand how to use the app immediately. I especially love the maps to each special that work fine from within the app, pinch to zoom and all. It isn't the prettiest app on my iPhone, but there is attention to consistency and a nice overall feel which I appreciate.
Flatmin (Web) - Flatmin is a webapp for managing flat expenses. You create an account (with Facebook if ya want) and set up other flatmates' email addresses and how much everyone needs to pay for various things at various times, and where they need to pay. You can even set up easy IOUs for more casual purchases, and you don't need to keep a collective flat account - one person can be paid for the internet and someone else for rent etc. The site is excellent, well designed and simple to use. It makes throwing away your money for going over your ISP's data allowance a less painful experience than one might imagine.
RewardJUNKIE (iOS/Android/HTML 5, so anywhere really) - Reward Junkie is beautiful and easy to use, and it will totally get you free stuff. Basically it lets you redeem "rewards" at venues all over the place, sometimes a free drink just for showing the app, sometimes a 2-for-1, and sometimes a "buy three more things here and get another free" kinda thing. Usefully, being a New Zealand app, it actually has a good amount of free stuff you can get, and not just "free bread when you spend $80 on dinner" stuff either - I have friends who have whole nights out on this stuff for almost-free. Teensy bit buggy with a recent release, however.
Menus.co.nz (iOS) - Menus.co.nz, of course, is the app of its namesake, but I find it much more useful than the website. Much like TheInsider, but for restaurants/cafes/bars themselves rather than specials, it gives you a list within walking distance and lets you set filters. It's built by the Yellow Pages, so the catalogue is exhaustive and it is easy to call for any queries. It is very easy to use and looks pretty good too, though a little cluttered. The big "8 Venues around you - Tap to explore" button whenever you open the app is exactly what you want when you are actually walking around - a quick view of close venues without having to delve into menus.
Special mention to Giveway (Android), which gives real time help with give-way rules while driving. Would love to review, but I don't drive and my Android doesn't have the grunt.
This is nowhere near exhaustive - just three I regularly use and enjoy. I love supporting local developers, and some types of apps just need a local touch.
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