Is Kora.co.nz Worth It?

Determining if Kora.co.nz is “worth it” largely depends on individual driving habits, fuel consumption, and preferred fuel stations. For a significant portion of New Zealand drivers and businesses, the answer leans towards a resounding yes, provided their usage aligns with Kora’s operational model.

For the Average Individual Driver

Kora offers clear benefits for most regular commuters and families.

• High Probability of Net Savings: With a guaranteed “at least 10 cents per litre” discount and a modest $2 monthly fee, most drivers who consume more than 20 litres of fuel per month will see net savings. According to the Ministry of Transport, the average New Zealander drives approximately 12,000 km per year. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 8 litres/100km, this equates to 960 litres annually, or 80 litres per month. At 10 cents/litre saving, that’s $8 per month in savings, minus the $2 fee, resulting in $6 net savings per month, or $72 per year. This makes it a worthwhile investment for the majority.
• Convenience Factor: The single-card solution for both payment and discount simplifies the refuelling process, saving time and hassle at the pump. This convenience has inherent value, even beyond monetary savings.
• Budgeting Aid: The flexible payment options (weekly, fortnightly, monthly) allow users to align fuel expenses with their pay cycles, making budget management easier. The clear invoices showing savings further aid in financial tracking.
• Access to Major Brands: With widespread acceptance at Mobil and Waitomo, drivers are likely to find participating stations conveniently located along their regular routes.

For Businesses and Not-For-Profit Organisations

Kora’s tailored programmes present compelling value propositions for entities beyond individual use.

• Cost-Effective Employee Benefits: For businesses, offering discounted fuel through Kora can be a valuable, low-admin employee perk, enhancing staff retention and recruitment efforts without significant financial or credit risk to the company. The ability to manage multiple cards and accounts centrally adds significant operational efficiency.
• Fleet Management Savings: Businesses with vehicle fleets can achieve substantial cumulative savings on fuel costs across their entire operation, directly impacting their bottom line. The “pay later” model also aids cash flow management.
• Unique Fundraising for NFPs (Kora Taupua): This is a standout feature. For GST-registered not-for-profits, Kora Taupua provides an innovative, passive fundraising stream, where a portion of members’ fuel savings is contributed back to the organisation. This is a win-win: members save, and the charity earns.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Kora aims to simplify the process of managing fuel expenses for organisations, from bulk invoicing to tailored reporting, freeing up administrative resources.

When Kora.co.nz Might Not Be Worth It

While beneficial for many, there are specific scenarios where Kora might not be the optimal choice.

• Very Infrequent Drivers: If you drive very little and consume less than 20 litres of fuel per month, your savings might not fully offset the $2 monthly fee, resulting in a net cost rather than a saving. For example, if you only buy 10 litres, you save $1 but pay $2, leading to a $1 net loss.
• Brand Loyalty Outside Mobil/Waitomo: If you exclusively fill up at other fuel brands like Z, BP, or Caltex due to loyalty programmes, location convenience, or specific fuel types, and are unwilling to switch, Kora’s benefits won’t apply to you.
• Reliance on Specific Excluded Stations: If your most convenient Mobil or Waitomo station happens to be one of the few excluded locations (e.g., specific Mobil Convenience Merchants or Waitomo Diesel Stops), the utility of the card diminishes.
• Credit Check Concerns: For individuals sensitive about credit checks or who prefer not to have another credit-based account, the “pay later” model and associated credit assessment might be a deterrent.

Ultimately, Kora.co.nz provides a transparent and straightforward method for consistently saving money on fuel, particularly for regular drivers and organisations in New Zealand. The benefits of guaranteed discounts, payment flexibility, and seamless integration largely make it a worthwhile service for its target audience.

Kora.co.nz Review & First Look