Press release

February 22, 2007

 

Auckland may be basking in the summer sun now, but work is already under way to protect vulnerable families from the harsh impact of winter.

 

 



The Snug Homes project, which aims to insulate the homes of low-income families in the city, has set a target of 800 free insulations of older houses this year – aiming to beat last year’s total of 650.

Co-ordinated by the Tamaki Ki Raro Trust, the project has been able to expand due to increased support from a large team of funders, says Trust CEO Sharon Wilson. Together they have amassed more than $1.5 million to tackle the issue of cold and damp homes this year.

“Last year our efforts focused on Auckland City,” Ms Wilson says. “This year we will expand the project out into the greater Auckland Region as well.”


“We target houses built before 1977, when insulation became mandatory, and low-income households are a high priority. We focus on families with young children, particularly those with respiratory problems, and on the needs of older people.


It also has training benefits for those working on the project, she says. The teams gain valuable skills and a sense of purpose in doing such worthy work where families benefit.


Anybody who is eligible for a Community Services Card can apply for the free retrofitting, which can include ceiling and underfloor insulation, draft proofing, a water-efficient shower head, a thermal wrap for water heaters, pipe lagging and energy saver light bulbs.


“The impact is immediate. The health of children, especially those with chronic respiratory diseases, increases dramatically and the whole family benefits from a warmer house and lower power bills,” Ms Wilson says. “The total cost is around $2000 a house – less than the cost of a 24 hour intensive care unit stay at Starship Children’s Hospital.”


The project is jointly funded by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, ASB Community Trust, Auckland City Council, Starship Foundation, ProCare Network Auckland, Procare Network Manukau, Auckland District Health Board, Manukau City Council and Papakura District Council. The Installation work is carried out by Eco Insulation.


The main funder is ASB Community Trust, which has put more than $1.4 million into Snug Homes ($550,000 to help start the project in 2006 and $900,000 this year). Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says it won support “because of the serious health risks faced by people living in cold, damp homes. The Trust sees the project as a way to make our communities better places for everyone to live.”


The Starship Foundation chose to make a second annual grant to Snug Homes based on the direct health benefits achieved from improved home insulation. Foundation CEO, Andrew Young, says his charity is increasingly focused on supporting community-based programmes which stop children needing hospital care in the first place.

For more information about Snug Homes, call (09) 477 0270 or visit www.snughomes.co.nz

ENDS
(Notes for Editors)

About ASB Community Trust: The Trust makes grants in the areas of education, the arts, sport, recreation, environment, heritage, health and social services. Founded on the sale of its shares in ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $500m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust in Auckland and Northland can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

About Eco Insulation Limited: ECO Insulation Limited is a well-established and proven leader in the field of thermal and acoustic insulation products. We are a manufacturer, distributor, retailer and installer of ecologically friendly Insulation solutions. We have a proven track record of implementing projects of all sizes from major national projects to individual residences and renovations. We also specialise in retrofitting houses with a full range of insulation and energy saving products.
www.ecoinsulation.co.nz, 0800 400ECO

About the Starship Foundation: The Starship Foundation is a charity set up to provide additional equipment and comfort items to support patients, their families and staff - as an extra to state funding. The Foundation also applies funds to paediatric research and community projects which aim to keep children healthy and happy.
http://www.starship.org.nz

About ECCA: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) promotes a sustainable energy future by changing the way New Zealanders think about and use energy. EECA works to raise community awareness of energy efficiency issues and provides businesses and individuals with the tools to make changes. Every year EECA provides funding to community groups, trusts or businesses to improve the insulation in pre-1977, low income houses through insulation and other energy efficiency measures through the EnergyWise home grants programme.
http://www.eeca.govt.nz