Otago Community Trust has made a grant of $600,000 to support the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme across Otago.

Warmer Kiwi Homes programme manager Eddie Thompson said the organisation is pleased to be working directly with the OCT to make more Otago homes warmer, drier, and healthier, while improving their energy efficiency.

“The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme has been hugely successful to date,” he said. 

“Last year across New Zealand it exceeded its target of 25,000 instals for the year to the end of June, with more than 38,000 insulation and efficient heater instals.”

The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme can provide eligible homeowners with 80 per cent of the total cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation and 80 per cent of the cost of an approved heater.

 The programme exists nationally but the amount of funding available varies by region as it is dependent on donations from charitable organisations.

OCT chief executive Barbara Bridger said low-income families, young children and older Kiwis are especially vulnerable to the impacts of living in cold, damp homes, which is why it is important to OCT to continue to invest heavily in Warmer Kiwi Homes.

“Since inception Otago Community Trust has provided over $4.2M towards the scheme, seeing in Otago over 5,300 properties insulated and nearly 400 homes heated and became warmer and drier as a result,” Barbara said.

Otago homeowners can see if their home is eligible and apply for funding here or by calling 0800 749 782.

The $600,000 Warmer Kiwi Homes grant is in addition to another $2.7M granted from OCT to community organisations across Otago in its June funding round.