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The Public Health Association is calling for an inquiry into the condition of state housing throughout the country.
The move follows a call by Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia last week for a probe into state housing in Porirua.
The association's director, Dr Gay Keating, said a nationwide investigation was needed.
She said Building Research Association of NZ studies found a significant number of New Zealand homes did not reach the World Health Organisation's recommended minimum temperature of 18C.
"We've known since the days of Charles Dickens, that cold, draughty houses with mildew mean continual sickness for their occupants.
"Apart from the miserable quality of life such housing provides, it also impacts on incomes with doctors' visits and time off work."
Other research had shown a dramatic reduction in breathing problems when homes were insulated and that health savings outweighed the costs.
"It benefits all New Zealand to have the nation's homes warm and dry. An inquiry into why this is not the case and what should be done about it is urgently needed."
But Housing Minister Chris Carter rejected the need for an inquiry and said it was "a bit rough" being criticised when the Government had poured millions of dollars into state houses.
Money was spent on renovating houses to make them warmer and more comfortable, on top of the ongoing maintenance programme.
Allegations of poor behaviour by Housing New Zealand staff in Porirua were being investigated.
"You get very detailed complaints about the behaviour of staff ... about stuff that should have been done and wasn't, and you have to check everything out," Mr Carter said.
"A lot of the allegations made prove not to be correct."
- NZPA
