Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Warmer Kiwi Homes Insulation programme launched

Hon Megan Woods

Minister for Energy and Resources

MEDIA STATEMENT

July 11 2018


The country has been hit with a series of cold snaps this winter but low-income homeowners can now warm up with grants covering two thirds of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods says.

Woods launched the Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation programme in Christchurch today, following an announcement in the May Budget of a $142 million investment to make Kiwi homes warmer and drier.

The grants are targeted towards those who need them most. People and families who live in low decile areas or with a health condition or a community services card are eligible under the new scheme.

The first year of the programme will focus on insulation grants, with grants for heating available from July 2019, Woods says.

“The Government has invested in this programme because too many homes are cold and damp, leading to preventable diseases such as rheumatic fever and asthma. Low-income families, young children and older Kiwis are especially vulnerable to the impacts of living in cold, damp homes.

“That’s a huge personal cost to families but it also adds cost and pressure to the health system. That’s why the government has lifted the level of funding per grant from 25% per fit out to two thirds of the cost. This will make getting your home insulated more accessible to those who need it most.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Woods also acknowledged the community organisations which invest additional funding in insulation programmes, lifting the level of funding available in grants and making a significant difference to the wellbeing of their communities.

“The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which runs Warmer Kiwi Homes, is encouraging community organisations to contribute funding to make the cost to homeowners as low-cost as possible,” says Megan Woods.

This programme delivers on the Coalition and Confidence and Supply Agreements with New Zealand First and the Green Party.

To find out if you are eligible for a grant visit energywise.govt.nz/funding or free call 0800 749 782.


ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.