Warm homes are healthy homes. A warm and dry living space more comfortable and better for our mental health.

If you can keep an indoor temperature of at least 18°C (20°C if there are babies, young children, or elderly people in the home), this reduces the risk of your whānau getting sick, especially in winter.

Cold and damp housing contributes to respiratory illness and can make for a slower recovery and possible complications from common winter infections, like flu or RSV.

Structural issues in our homes (such as insufficient insulation) make maintaining warmth and preventing dampness very challenging. Sufficient insulation is the first place to start in making a warm home–insulation keeps the heat in and lowers heating costs.
 

Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government programme offering grants towards the cost of getting insulation or a heater installed. 

In Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough grants cover 80% of the total cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation. In some areas, the cost to you may be even lower, thanks to generous funding from community organisations.

Eligibility criteria:

  • you live in your own home
  • your home was built before 2008
  • you have a current Community Services Card (CSC) or a Gold Card (endorsed CSC)

or:

  • you live in a designated grant area.

How to apply:

People who fit the above criteria can ask for a free no-obligation quote from Absolute Energy. Phone 0800 423 454.

Absolute Energy can also confirm your eligibility if you are unsure.

 

About the scheme:

Warmer Kiwi Homes is supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the Rata Foundation, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Marlborough District Council, Nelson Marlborough Health, Port Nelson, Network Tasman and the Mainland Foundation.

Grants cover 80% of the cost of an approved heater. This could be a heat pump or an efficient wood/pellet burner for the main living area. Heater grants are capped at $3000 including GST.

Eligibility criteria:

  • you live in your own home
  • your home was built before 2008
  • you have a current Community Services Card (CSC) or a Gold Card (endorsed CSC)

or:

  • you live in a designated grant area

and:

  • you do not have an existing fixed heater in the main living area, eg, a heat pump, wood or pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating system
  • you already have ceiling and underfloor insulation installed to EECA standards.

How to apply:

For more information on heating or to apply for a heating grant, visit EECA website or phone 0800 749 782.


Rental home insulation requirements

From 1 July 2021 landlords have an obligation for properties to meet Healthy Home Standards within 90 days of any new tenancy. These Standards include:

  • a fixed heating device in living rooms
  • ceiling and underfloor insulation
  • extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
  • efficient gutters
  • no draughts due to unnecessary holes in the structure

Landlords who don’t comply with the regulations will be committing an unlawful act and may be liable for a penalty of up to $4,000.

Related information: