Editorial: Scheme creates healthy homes

ALL WRAPPED UP: Home insulation fans Paul Hansen (Healthy Homes), Merita Wi Kaitaia (Whatuwhiwhi) and Kathryn Starr (Top Energy).

Living in a a cold, damp and unhealthy home is a reality for many families.

This is a concern because past research has shown that high rates of poverty-related child illnesses such as respiratory-related infections can be reduced by making houses drier and warm. This in turn would no doubt reduce the amount of money spent on medical care associated with such illnesses.

Today we report that a housing insulation scheme has "changed the lives" of almost 2000 Bay of Plenty families.

More than 1958 Bay of Plenty families have received free or subsidised home insulation under the Government's Healthy Homes scheme.

Gabrielle Stewart says insulation has made a substantial difference to her home.

She had insulation placed in her ceiling and under the floor and also had two heat pumps put in.

Launched in July 2013, the Government's Warm up New Zealand, Healthy Homes initiative was a three-year plan aimed at providing free insulation to eligible homes throughout the country.

Grants go to homeowners with houses built pre-2000 who meet low income and high health concern criteria

Landlords with tenants who also meet the criteria are eligible for grants.

The Energy Efficient and Conservation Authority's hopes to have up to 300,000 homes insulated by the end of this year. It's a step in the right direction but more obviously more needs to be done

The challenges faced by children in substandard rental homes cannot be ignored.