Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace has welcomed Housing New Zealand’s announcement of a pilot programme to improve the thermal performance of its homes in Lower Hutt.

Mayor Wallace joined Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford in Taita today for the Housing NZ announcement.

Sixty six Lower Hutt homes will be upgraded over the next few months with insulation, double glazing, thermal curtains, ventilation and new heating to provide warmer, drier and healthier homes for families in need.

This initial project is a pilot for a wider $9.3 million project which will see 200 state homes upgraded in the Hutt Valley and beyond.

Mayor Ray Wallace says Council is working closely with Housing NZ on a long term comprehensive development programme as part of the wider city rejuvenation plan, and this pilot is another important step.

“We’re putting the long-term wellbeing of children, their whanau and communities at the heart of our decision-making, and that includes our work with Housing NZ on improving and increasing the social housing in our city,” he said.

“We know that warm, dry homes are fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities, and that becomes even more important as winter starts to bite as it has done this week. This is not only an investment in a healthy home, but an investment in the future health of families that live here.”

Ray Wallace says with Housing NZ set to deliver up to 300 new homes in Lower Hutt over the next three years, there is a once in a generation opportunity to make a real difference to the city, and Council will continue to work closely with Housing NZ as plans progress.

Ray Wallace says through its Eco-design Advisor, Council also provides all residents with free advice on making homes warm, dry, healthy and energy efficient, while saving money at the same time. Free two-hour consultations can be booked through the Council website.

ENDS

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