Govt’s Rumoured Cuts to Insulation Bitter Blow for Northland
GOVT’S RUMOURED CUTS TO INSULATION BITTER BLOW FOR NORTHLAND
The health of Northland’s most vulnerable citizens will suffer if the government cuts the home insulation scheme, Homes Te Tai Tokerau, says New Zealand First Leader and Northland Member of Parliament, Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“Northland has horrific rates of rheumatic fever and the insulation scheme has made a huge difference.
“Insulating a further 7000 homes will complete the scheme and at $20 million is less than what the $26 million flag referendum cost.
“Manaia PHO boss Chris Farrelly ranked the programme the most important and effective health initiative of his 25-year health career and a stand-out for New Zealand.
“The government should look at the research which shows hospitalisation of children living in insulated homes dropped by 6 per cent and that benefits outweighed the cost by five times with 99 per cent of benefits for residents’ health.
“The government must continue funding this critically important scheme right across the country,” Mr Peters says.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: On average the government, through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), provide annual funding of 60 per cent; Foundation North 31 per cent, and Northland funders – Northland DHB, two Northland PHOs, Top Energy and Northpower – 9 per cent.)
ENDS