Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes is an insulation programme that gives New Zealanders the opportunity to make their homes warmer, drier and more energy efficient for free. Right House has an allocation of 750 homes in the greater Christchurch area and another 750 in the greater Dunedin region.
Due to expected demand, Right House will be working on a first in first served basis. Find out if you are eligible below. For whānau living in Dunedin and Christchurch there is a pamphlet with this issue of Te Pānui Rūnaka you can fill in and return to Right House.
You may be wondering what all the fuss is over something you can’t even see?
When a house is draughty with no insulation it makes it difficult to heat. Having good insulation is extremely important and can improve the health of your whānau. It helps keep your home warm and dry, making it much more comfortable and healthy for you and your tamariki.
According to the latest health survey done by the Ministry of Health, Māori children are 55 per cent more likely to develop asthma.
The World Health Organistion recommends that your house be heated to a minimum of 18 degrees in order for your whānau to be healthy and comfortable. If you qualify under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme insulation is free.
Are you eligible?
The Healthy Housing eligibility criteria set down by EECA has changed from previous schemes. To be eligible insulation recipients have to satisfy one of the following criteria in addition to the home being insulating meeting the eligibility criteria.
The home has residents who are:
- Under 17 years of age; or
- Over 65 years of age; or
- Suffer from a health condition related to housing conditions; and
- Hold a Community Services Card (CSC) or are verified as low income.
The home itself is:
- Not insulated or is inadequately insulated;
- Pre 2000 in construction; and
- Can be safely insulated.
State houses do not qualify but rentals do so long as the land lord consents and we would expect the land lord to hold the rent. One of the key differences is the ability to insulate homes of people without a CSC but who are verified as low income. If you don’t have a CSC but think you maybe low income get in touch with Right House and they will explain how to verify your income.
If you qualify get in touch with Right House by emailing [email protected]
or calling 0800 744 569.
Keep your tamariki warm this winter.