Chance to insulate your house for free

Low-income families can keep their families warm and healthy this winter by taking up a free programme to insulate their homes. People are eligible if: Your home was built before 2000.

The home owner or tenant has a Community Services Card (or a Community Services Card endorsed SuperGold Card).

One or more occupants are under 17 or over 65 years of age.

The programme provides free under- floor and ceiling insulation.

Housing New Zealand homes are not eligible for the programme.

Eastern ward councillor Denys Latham is helping to promote the programme.

‘‘I want to make sure people who are eligible in our community are able to take up this great opportunity so that children and older people can enjoy living in warm, dry, healthier homes,’’ Mr Latham said.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of asthma and respiratory illness among countries in the OECD and cold, damp homes have been linked with these conditions.

‘‘ The temperature in your home can make a huge difference to your health,’’ Mr Latham said. ‘‘Insulated homes lessen the chances of incurring respiratory and skin conditions and rheumatic fever.’’

The Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme is being delivered through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

Mr Latham said the authority had surveyed people who have had their house insulated through a previous programme.

Of those surveyed, 84 per cent noticed a warmer home after insulating and 62 per cent of people who had regular sickness in their family reported improved health.

‘‘The benefits, especially for the young and the elderly, are great. So if you qualify, take the time to get an assessment done by one of the providers working in Porirua,’’ Mr Latham said.

He encouraged landlords whose tenants meet the criteria to also take advantage of the programme.

Some providers may ask for a small contribution from landlords.

Working in Porirua are four providers offering the scheme for free to those who are eligible.

They are: Right House on 0800 744 569, EnergySmart on 0800 777 111, Sustainability Trust on 0508 787 824 and Autex on 0800 782 653.

After an approach late last year by the Right House/ Pacific Peoples Wellbeing Trust, Porirua City Council is supporting the Right House insulation programme and those of other providers offering similar services in the Porirua area.