Free programme makes homes warmer, healthier
A Huntly family living in two cabins is one of thousands of whā nau in Waikato who needed help making their home healthier this year.
Sheryl Matenga, her partner, baby and three children moved into a whā nauowned home in Huntly when their rent was increased beyond what they could afford in 2019.
They were one of 223 families in north Waikato helped by the Waikato District Health Board’s free Whare Ora programme.
Its goal was to reduce avoidable hospital admissions of children by focusing on children who were most at risk.
The programme began in 2014 and has since grown to providing more than 4000 interventions throughout the Waikato in the past year alone.
Matenga and her family were living in two cabins outside the main house, where other whā nau lived.
‘‘They gave us everything we needed for both our cabins and the main house,’’ Matenga said.
‘‘Bedding, beds, heaters, curtains and draught-stoppers. They also got us a referral to an insulation company that fully insulated the house. It absolutely helped our health.’’
About a year ago Matenga and her whā nau moved into their own home, and family helped them to renovate it over the summer. Whare Ora helped them find a cheaper electricity company, which Matenga said made a big difference in lowering their power bill.
Whare Ora case manager Ezra Dixon said the programme was focused on children who came from homes that were cold and mouldy, lacked ventilation and insulation, and had inadequate heating.
‘‘We are working with very high-needs whā nau, especially those who come through to us from being hospitalised.
‘‘We are working with very high-needs whānau, especially those who come through to us from being hospitalised.’’
Ezra Dixon
Whare Ora case manager
‘‘A healthy home needs to be warm, dry, smoke-free and free from allergens.’’
Dixon said many homes in New Zealand were damp, cold and unhealthy, and in winter averaged 6C below the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum indoor temperature of 18C.
A cold and damp home could increase the risk of respiratory illnesses – such as asthma and serious chest infections.
Damp, draughty and poorly insulated homes were also more expensive to heat.
Dixon said homes also needed to be free from pests such as fleas, cockroaches and mites, and, where possible, be insulated underfloor and in the ceiling.
As well as giving tips on how to keep homes warmer and dryer, the Whare Ora team gave families that qualified products to help.
Everything from heaters to curtains and mould kits were available for families from the Coromandel Peninsula to Taumarunui.