$800,000 grant to make Tauranga homes healthier

Four hundred Tauranga families could soon have warmer, healthier homes.

The Tauranga Healthy Homes project has secured $800,000 to install subsidised insulation in 400 local homes.

Households must meet certain criteria to be eligible and homeowners will be asked to contribute 20 per cent of the insulation cost - estimated at about $400 in most cases.

Some homeowners will be eligible for a Work and Income benefit advance to cover their contribution, the Tauranga City Council said yesterday.

Landlords can also participate by contributing 40 per cent of the cost, the council said.

Priority would be given to households with people suffering from respiratory illnesses.

Research shows that insulation can significantly improve respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Insulation also makes homes cheaper to heat.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby is praising the project.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Tauranga residents to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes," he said.

Mr Crosby is holding a function on May 30 to launch the project. Green Party co-leader Jeannette Fitzsimons is a special guest.

Organisations funding the two-year project include the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Tauranga Energy Consumers Trust, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Bay of Plenty Community Trust, Tauranga District Council and Work and Income.

Similar projects have been launched in other areas, including Turangi, Tararua and Rotorua.

EECA made $2 million available in February with the aim of insulating 7000 homes nationwide by the end of next year.

The World Health Organisation recommends the temperature in a house should be a minimum of 18C, but New Zealand homes average around 14C.

On top of the lack of warmth, mildew and dampness occur in nearly half of all New Zealand houses.


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

* Homes built before 1977.

* Customer of Trustpower.

* Householder is a holder of a Community Services Card and/or a Work and Income client