Insulation maker hails moves on tenanted properties

The Tasman Insulation plant in Penrose where Pink Batts are made. Photo / Dean Purcell

The head of New Zealand's biggest insulation manufacturer welcomed the Government's decision to require all tenanted properties to have ceiling and underfloor insulation.

Derek Heard, managing director of Tasman Insulation New Zealand which makes Pink Batts, said the move would benefit a significant number of New Zealanders.

"A well-insulated home is warmer and healthier to live in and the most effective measure homeowners can take to save money on energy bills. Around one quarter of New Zealand homes are not currently insulated, so we support any initiative to improve that figure," Heard said.

Tasman is owned by Fletcher Building and is New Zealand's only manufacturer of glasswool insulation.

"We manufacture locally, in Penrose, and employ over 100 New Zealanders directly in our business," Heard said. Pink Batts insulation is made from 80 per cent recycled glass.

A High Court decision out last year in a case brought by Tasman Insulation described the size of the market here. "The total market in New Zealand for insulation products is approximately 15 million sq m per year," the decision said.

Insulation can take different forms. When insulating wall cavities the most common form of insulation is a rectangular segment, whereas for ceiling cavities and attic spaces segments or rolls of insulation are more commonly used.

Blown insulation and sheets of polystyrene are also commonly used.