The Government has invested in a new three-year insulation programme delivering warmer, drier and healthier homes to communities in most need. Budget 2013 allocated $100 million of operating funding over three years to the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme, targeting low-income households for home insulation, particularly households occupied by children and/or the elderly. Warmer, drier homes provide real benefits to New Zealanders. As well as energy efficiency gains, insulating homes reduces health risks caused by cold, damp housing such as respiratory illnesses and serious diseases like rheumatic fever.
An independent evaluation of the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme (run from 2009-2013) by Motu showed the greatest benefits from insulation are for people on low-incomes, who are at higher risk of health issues. The Government’s investment will be augmented by significant levels of funding from trusts and other third parties. This will see insulation available to those households in most need, at low or no cost. The new programme follows the success of Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart, which has seen around 235,000 homes insulated since 2009. Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes is being administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Click here for more information.