23 March 2012
HRV CEO calls for action on damp homes
“HRV supports the findings of the Growing Up in New Zealand study and congratulates the researchers for highlighting
what we believe is a particularly pertinent issue for New Zealanders.
Studies have long shown alarming rates of damp in New Zealand homes, a fact that HRV has seen first-hand having visited
hundreds of thousands of homes across the country, and the findings of the Growing Up in New Zealand study further
support this. That almost half of New Zealand homes suffer from condensation, ranging from occasional to severe cases,
is a statistic that should concern not just parents, but also the Government.
More alarming than this, studies have also found that some 35 percent of New Zealand homes show signs of visible mould
inside, which almost doubles an individual’s chances of developing asthma. It is little wonder that New Zealand has the
second worst asthma rate in the world. One in four Kiwi kids has asthma, a statistic that is unnecessarily high.
New Zealanders need to start realising just how serious this issue is and how it affects our families, our friends and
our communities. We encourage those concerned by these new findings to contact HRV, contact the Minister of Health and
the Minister of Housing – Hon. Tony Ryall and Hon. Phil Heatley – and ensure that your voice is heard.
It is time to work for a dryer, healthier New Zealand.”
ENDS