Healthy Homes Project Marks Third Anniversary

Thousands of people in New Plymouth District are leading healthier lives thanks to Healthy Homes Taranaki.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is the third anniversary of the project, and so far 2,000 houses throughout the district have been retrofitted to make them warmer and drier.

A celebration will be held in the Civic Centre tomorrow to mark the anniversary, with addresses being made by MP Jeanette Fitzsimons and Professor Phillipa Howden-Chapman of the Wellington School of Medicine.

“The team at Healthy Homes Taranaki has done a magnificent job in this district, with so many families now able to lead healthier lives because of the work that has been done on their houses,” says Mayor Peter Tennent.

“They’ve set themselves a big goal – retrofitting 10,000 homes that were built before 1977 – but they’re a dedicated lot and I know they’ll achieve it.”

Healthy Homes Taranaki is a collaborative partnership between the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), WISE, Peak Health Taranaki Primary Health Organisation, New Plymouth District Council, the Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand Corporation, Accident Compensation Corporation and the Taranaki District Health Board.

Of the 39,000 homes in Taranaki, 29,000 were built before 1977 and so had no insulation.

Homes that are not insulated lose 42 per cent of their heat through roofs, 24 per cent through their walls, 12 per cent through windows and 10 per cent through the floor.

Of the $260 million dollars spent on energy in Taranaki each year, $34 million is for domestic energy alone. About $250 can be saved in power bills per annum through improved insulation.

The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum housing temperature of 18°C for adults (although for the elderly and young children the temperature should be higher). At least one-third of New Zealand homes fall below this level, with an average household winter temperature of 16°C or lower.

Homes that are not insulated are cold, draughty, damp, and generally have poor air quality. Such environments can exacerbate health conditions, such as asthma.

“It’s through practical work such as the healthy homes programme that we can bring substantial long-term benefits to our residents throughout the region, simply by making their homes warmer and drier,” says Mayor Pete.

“I commend the EECA for lifting the minimum standard for home insulation, and I have no doubt that support will be forthcoming from them to ensure the momentum that has been gained in improving the health of our homes will continue over the coming years.”