Media Release
May 27, 2009

Waitakere welcomes Budget insulation programme

A Government plan to offer subsidies to up to 900,000 homeowners to insulate their pre-2000 houses is the kick-start Waitakere City Council has been waiting for.

The council is already working on a business plan for the Waitakere Housing Retrofit Project, which will be presented to its Policy and Strategy Committee in August.

The project aims to retrofit 20,000 pre-1978 homes by 2020, but news that the Government intends announcing in tomorrow’s Budget that it will offer loans to owners of homes built before 2000 homes to insulate their houses, will mean more houses can be added to the list.

“This is excellent news, it’s just what we’ve been waiting for,” says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“It’s all coming together. This will create jobs, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and make houses healthier. It’s very encouraging that central and local government are working together on this.”

Ensuring homes are adequately insulated will improve health and quality of life, particularly for the elderly and children.

The project would also:
• Create jobs, training and business development in residential construction and other sectors contributing to the Waitakere economy
• Increase energy efficiency and water conservation in homes with 125L/capita per day water efficiency target.

The council will also seek partnerships to fund the project so there is little or no cost to Waitakere ratepayers.

The Waitakere House Retrofitting Project was a key issue for consultation in the council’s draft 10 Year Plan, with a majority of submitters supporting the initiative.

ENDS

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