Healthier Homes Project
In 2006 a Healthier Homes Project was established to provide insulation packages, or "retrofitting", to houses in low decile areas of Nelson. The Project was initiated by an inter-agency Healthy Housing Working Group following a study by Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, which showed a strong link between housing conditions and health.
Funding partners
The Project was established under the umbrella of Nelson Tasman Housing Trust, and supported by funding from Nelson Marlborough DHB, the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), Network Tasman Trust, Methodist Social Action, Contact Energy, Canterbury Community Trust and the Anglican Charitable Trust. It is managed by Energy Smart, a company experienced in retrofitting work.The DHB's contribution of $100,000 continued to the end of 2009. NTHT is seeking funding to continue this project.
Update
To date 500 homes have been retrofitted throughout the region. A recent DHB survey of some of the homes that have benefitted from the programme has shown that owners have noticed many improvements to their family's health and that there are other positive spin-offs such as less days off sick from school and work and that family members can now use other rooms in the house that were previously too cold or expensive to heat.
"Nelson family benefits from Healthier Homes Nelson Tasman Project"
Contact Energy Media release : September 2007
A Nelson family is now living in a warmer and drier home thanks to the Healthier Homes Nelson Tasman Project part-sponsored by Contact Energy. John Murray, who lives in Stoke with his wife and two young daughters, has noticed a huge difference in the warmth of his home since it was insulated as part of the project, a few months ago.
"We had ceiling and under floor insulation installed, as well as a polythene ground barrier, compact fluorescent lamps and draught proofing to two external doors - and it has made a huge difference. Now our house is warmer, more comfortable and retaining heat better - it was definitely worth having done."
John, who bought his house about five years ago, said his home was built in the 1970s, before insulation was made compulsory for all newly built New Zealand houses.
Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Pattrick Smellie said Contact Energy was delighted to support the Healthier Homes Nelson Tasman project. Homes were identified for retrofit through health providers and social service organisations agencies and Work and Income New Zealand.
"This project gives low-income people a chance to retrofit their home at an affordable cost. An insulated home can improve health, save energy and lower power bills - that's why we think these projects are very important."
In a feedback survey, 84 per cent of homes surveyed found an improvement in the internal temperature of their home while 70 per cent noted an improvement in their quality of life since their home was retrofitted.
End.