Winter's cold lacks a punch this year for Kamo's Kairau family, whose house was retrofitted with insulation as part of the Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau scheme.
This month the project, established in 2007, will see the scheme's 5000th Northland home fitted out free and the Kairau's are one of the many families who have benefited from the scheme.
Gerald Kairau said his home qualified for a fit-out because he has a 6-year-old son, Braydyn, who has Downs Syndrome.
"Braydyn had health problems. He tends to struggle through winter with colds. We got the insulation through him. He was always cold. Braydyn's health has improved since the insulation was installed," Mr Kairau said.
The floors, walls and hot water cylinder in the house were all insulated and the home is now significantly warmer since the insulation was put in place 12 months ago. "It's noticeably different. It's heaps warmer. It's a hell of a lot better now. We're most definitely a happier family," said Mr Kairau.