MP welcomes warmer Tauranga homes

MP Simon Bridges is pleased that more local homes are warmer and drier, as the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme has passed its target ahead of schedule and below budget.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart offers funding for homes built before 2000 to get ceiling and underfloor insulation.

"In the month of October a further 301 Bay of Plenty homes were retrofitted with good quality insulation and clean heating under the scheme, which brings the total number of Bay of Plenty homes retrofitted to 12,555," Simon Bridges said.

"Nationwide, the scheme has been an outstanding success, and has reached its original target of 188,500 homes ahead of schedule and below budget. This is a great example of National delivering on its key priority of delivering better public services.

"Warmer, drier homes have a positive effect on people's health, meaning less money spent on doctor visits and fewer sick days.

"Another benefit of the scheme is that prospective tenants and home buyers are far more likely to ask about insulation in houses they are looking at, because they know an insulated house means a healthier home.

"I'm pleased we have reached and passed the goal of retrofitting 188,500 homes nationwide and especially that over 12,555 Bay of Plenty households are benefiting from warmer, drier, and healthier homes," Mr Bridges said.