Free insulation for low-income Northland households

Northland people at high health risk will have warmer, healthier homes as a result of a new Government insulation project offering ceiling and underfloor insulation in the region. The project to insulate more than 1000 Northland homes by July 2014 is part of the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme announced in this year’s Budget and is aimed at people with a Community Services Card and at high health risk from conditions relating to cold, damp housing.

EECA, which administers Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes, will work in partnership with Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau, a joint venture between two long-standing community enterprises – He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust of Moerewa and CBEC of Kaitaia. EECA Residential General Manager Robert Linterman says he is also delighted to announce the ASB Community Trust has contributed $1 million in funding for the Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau project.

“Warmer, drier homes reduce health risks caused by cold, damp housing, such as respiratory illnesses. This generous contribution will make a real difference to the lives of many Northlanders.” Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau spokesperson Paul Hansen says the project will focus on low-income homes – both owned and rented (with landlords being asked to make a contribution to the project). The project focus also extends to people with high health needs and whanau housing.

Mr Hansen says Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau will co-ordinate with the Northland DHB, Manaia PHO, the Asthma Society and GPs, who will refer people with health issues likely to benefit from insulation. “Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau is very proud to be successful in tendering to be part of this new project. In June we celebrated the insulation of 5000 low income homes in Northland communities. We are looking forward to celebrating a further 1000 warmer, healthier homes between now and July 2014.”

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