Mouldy homes worsen breathing

Survey reveals Kiwis worry about dampness and mould in their homes.

More than one in 10 households in central districts of the North Island are concerned about significant mould in their home, according to a new survey.

Eleven per cent of households in an area stretching from south of the Bombay Hills to Wellington (but excluding Taranaki and the eastern Bay of Plenty) are concerned about mould, with 22 per cent of these households saying mould, together with dampness and condensation, worsens the breathing of those living in the house.

These statistics were revealed as part of a nationwide research study commissioned by AMI Insurance and community housing provider Habitat for Humanity New Zealand.

The inaugural Aotearoa Housing Survey has provided the two organisations with critical information to help understand the scale of the issues Kiwis are facing so they can help New Zealanders enjoy better living conditions, particularly in the colder months.

Alan Thorp, Chief Executive Officer for Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, says the research shows that while the majority of homes are habitable and decent, many Kiwi families experience less than optimum living conditions.

“In severe cases these can lead to a range of ongoing poor health issues such as asthma and rheumatic fever which may require hospitalisation - and with the cost-of-living and inflation rising, there is potential for things to get even worse.

“Our goal is to offer practical steps Kiwis can take to protect their homes whether they own or rent them,” Thorp says. “Every day we partner with wha-nau individuals, and organisations to build, rent or repair homes and we are driven by a vision of a world where everyone deserves a decent place to live.”

Alex Geale, AMI Insurance’s Executive General Manager Distribution, says the survey has helped identify key areas where Kiwis need advice. “Given AMI sees a 60 per cent increase in home claims over winter, it’s a particularly relevant time to be starting this conversation.

“Together with Habitat, we are working towards a shared goal of helping 75,000 New Zealanders living in housing need over the next three years.”

The data was gathered by Camorra Research from a survey of 3039 households throughout the country in March 2022.