Gerry Brownlee

Wellington, Dec 23 NZPA - In November nearly 4500 homes were insulated under a government scheme.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart began on July 1 and is open to all New Zealanders with houses built before 2000. The scheme provided up to $1300 towards a third of the cost of insulation and a $500 grant for clean heaters. Community Service Card holders can get more funding.

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee today released provisional data for November. It showed that during the month 689 homes got insulation and heating; 3765 insulation only and 377 heating only.

Since the scheme started 3146 households got insulation and heating done; 18,824 insulation only and 2683 heating only.

"Kiwis have grasped the opportunity to make warmer, drier and healthier homes for themselves and for their families," Mr Brownlee said.

"There are now nearly 25,000 homes throughout the country which are better equipped to cope with our variable weather and, come next winter, I expect those households will really be experiencing the benefits of new insulation and clean heating devices."

Of the 4831 homes retrofitted in November (including combinations of heating and insulation or either), 2354 were occupied by low-income households and 591 were rental properties occupied by low-income tenants.

Of all houses fitted since the scheme started 63 percent were occupied by low-income home-owners or tenants.

"It's heartening to see Warm up New Zealand making a difference for a vast range of households, particularly those who might not otherwise be in the position to install quality insulation in their homes," Mr Brownlee said.