Clever living, without the complexity

When people hear the words “smart home”, they often picture something futuristic, expensive, or complicated. But the reality? It’s far more accessible, and with many more uses, than most people realise.

“People and still have this image of the Jetsons,” says Lyndsey. “That it’s super expensive, complicated, and only for massive high-end homes. But it’s really not.”

Designed for real life, Wiser smart technology brings home automation into New Zealand homes in a way that’s simple, affordable, and scalable. 

“This kind of tech actually changes how you experience your home,” says Lyndsay. “It enhances the way you live more than just about any other home upgrade you could make. It’s something you’ll use and appreciate every single day.” 

One of the biggest misconceptions about smart home technology is that you need to go all in from day one. With PDL’s Wiser system, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you’re building new or retrofitting an existing home, you can start small and scale up as and when you’re ready.

“Because it’s a modular system, you can start with a single feature or a single room, then grow it as your lifestyle changes. There’s no need to do everything at once,” says Lyndsay.

At its heart is the Wiser Hub, which can connect and control up to 120 features throughout your home, from controlling lights and curtains to creating a romantic movie night atmosphere. 

At its heart is the Wiser Hub, which can connect and control up to 120 features throughout your home, from controlling lights and curtains to creating a romantic movie night atmosphere. 

“This kind of tech offers different things to different people,” says Lyndsey. “Some want comfort and convenience, for example lights and music that respond to voice commands. Others want safety and security, like door sensors and smoke alarms that send real-time alerts. And then there are people who care most about energy efficiency and being able to control when and how things run.”

Through the Wiser app, you can set up automations that run on a schedule or in response to triggers, like having the blinds open at sunrise or the towel rail switch off after 9am. 

You can also stack automations to create ‘moments’, with a single tap or voice command. For example, a ‘leaving home’ moment might turn off the lights, close the blinds, and shut down non-essential power-points all at once. A ‘movie night’ moment could dim the lights, lower the blinds, and turn on the TV and sound system.

“People often start with simple setups, but once they see what’s possible, they often get quite creative,” says Lyndsey.

Smart home technology isn’t just about lighting moods or voice commands. For many households, it’s a practical way to stay safer, more connected, and more in control.

Sensors can alert you to motion, water leaks, or doors opening unexpectedly. It’s ideal for baches, rentals, or lock-up-and-leave homes. You can even set lighting scenes that mimic someone being home, with curtains and lights opening and closing at various times. 

“It really makes the place feel lived-in,” says Lyndsey. “You decide what happens and when, so it looks natural.”

And of course, the technology can also be tailored to suit specific needs. “One couple we worked with had an autistic child who was repeatedly putting devices in the sink and turning on the tap,” Lyndsey explains. “We installed a water leak sensor so when water was detected, it sent an instant alert and triggered a connected valve to shut off the supply.”

There are other creative adaptations too. “For example, if someone is deaf and wouldn’t be able to hear a smoke alarm, you can connect the alarm to flash the lights, raise the curtains, or send a smartwatch alert,” says Lyndsey. 

One of the biggest concerns people have about smart home tech is whether it’ll still work in five years, or if they’ll be stuck with a system no one supports anymore. But Wiser is designed with longevity in mind.

As part of Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy and automation technology, Wiser benefits from ongoing development, regular updates, and long-term support. 

“This isn’t a start-up or a trend that’ll disappear next year,” says Lyndsey. “Wiser is part of a worldwide platform that’s constantly evolving.”

It’s also built to work seamlessly with PDL’s standard switchgear, making it familiar for electricians and straightforward to install. No special programming, no rewiring the entire house. Just smart functionality layered over solid, everyday electrical work. And because updates are delivered through the app, your system stays current and keeps getting better.

Smart home technology used to be a luxury reserved for multi-million-dollar builds. Now, it’s more accessible than ever, often costing no more than an upgraded oven or new tapware.

What sets it apart is how much it adds to your daily life. “Lots of people spend thousands on cosmetic upgrades,” says Lyndsey, “but those won’t change how you live in your home. Wiser actually does.”

Whether it’s setting the mood for a quiet evening, making sure the towel rail switches off automatically, or checking in on a holiday home from your phone, Wiser gives you comfort, convenience, and control, and it’s built around the way you live.