Initiative To Make Hutt Homes More Energy Efficient

16 May 2005

Marae-based Housing and Health Initiative To Make Hutt Homes More Energy Efficient

250 Hutt Valley homes will be made more energy efficient each year under a community partnership involving local funders, government agencies and Contact Energy.

The Minister of Maori Affairs, the Honourable Parekura Horomia is launching the Kokiri Marae housing and health initiative at Kokiri Marae in Seaview this evening.

“This initiative is a positive example of private and public organisations working together at the grassroots level to improve the social and economic outcomes for both Maori and for the wider community,” says Mr Horomia.

Clients of Kokiri Marae Keriana Olsen Trust who have asthma or respiratory conditions, or who have trouble paying their power bills will be targeted and are expected to benefit through improved health and lower energy costs.

Contact Energy chief executive Stephen Barrett says, “There is growing evidence of the link between our health and the healthiness of our homes. We trust Kokiri Marae’s clients will enjoy reduced power bills and notice an improvement in their health and well being.”

Recent research by the Wellington School of Medicine Housing and Health Research Programme found that people living in insulated homes experienced fewer visits to the doctor, fewer admissions to hospital for asthmatic or respiratory conditions and fewer days off work or school.

The project is being funded by Contact Energy under its Healthy Homes campaign, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) under its strategic partnership programme, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust and the Hutt Valley District Health Board.

ENDS

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