Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart
The government has announced a new insulation and clean heating programme that will give more New Zealanders than ever before the opportunity to make their homes warmer, drier and more energy efficient.
It started on 1 July 2009, and aims to retrofit more than 180,000 New Zealand homes over the next four years. It will be run by EECA, and will replace existing EECA home insulation programmes.
Better insulation means our homes are warmer, cosier, and easier to heat. Warmer, drier homes bring health benefits, especially for those with respiratory illness or other conditions derived from living in cold and damp houses.
Read media releases about the programme:
- 28 May 2009: Gerry Brownlee: Boost for warmer, drier, healthier Kiwi homes
- 18 June 2009: John Key: Banks waive fees for home insulation scheme
Frequently asked questions
When did the programme start?
The programme started on 1 July 2009. Because it is a new programme, it will take some time to get up and running, and the numbers of service providers offering this service will increase. Over time, the programme will also include funding partners who will offer financial packages to make insulation and clean heating installations even more affordable.
What happens to existing funding programmes?
Existing EECA funding programmes for insulation and clean heating will remain in place until 1 July 2009.
I'm interested in becoming a service provider or partner. What should I do?
Read our information about becoming a service provider or partner.
How many houses will be retrofitted each year?
| 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 | 2012/13 and out years | |
| Total retrofits | 27,500 | 40,500 | 52,000 | 60,500 |
What's new about this programme?
Previous government funding for insulation was targeted towards low and middle income households only, whereas this fund is available to New Zealanders on any income.
The funding allocated to this programme is much greater than the previous schemes, which will allow many more homes to be retrofitted. Insulation schemes have been in place since 1996, and during that time around 57,000 homes have been retrofitted. This programme plans to complete more than 180,000 homes over four years, or a fifth of the 900,000 homes estimated to have substandard insulation.
Finally, this programme will bring partners on board to offer finance mechanisms so that investing in insulation and clean heating is even more accessible.
Why is the government investing so much money insulating New Zealand homes?
Better home insulation provides increased comfort and improves household energy efficiency. It also provides tangible health benefits, especially for those with respiratory illness or other conditions derived from living in cold damp houses, and for the elderly and young children who are vulnerable to the cold.
More information
