Local National MPs welcome 2956 warmer Hawkes Bay homes
July 7, 2010
Hawke’s Bay MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain welcome the retrofitting of over 2956 Hawke’s Bay homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.
“When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a set target to make Hawke’s Bay homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Chris Tremain says. “We have achieved this and some.”
“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet the 2013 target of retrofitting unhealthy, cold homes with insulation,” adds Craig Foss. “The 2956 Hawke’s Bay households that have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme speaks volumes of the schemes success,” said Craig.
“Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Hawke’s Bay,” Chris adds.
About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.
“We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved,” Craig says.
Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.
Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.
“We are delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost,” said Chris Tremain.
