Weather tightness foreign freephone service set up

A foreign language free phone service has been set up by the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS).

People wanting information about leaky homes can now seek advice in Cantonese (0800 100 073), Mandarin (0800 100 082), Korean (0800 100 055), Samoan (0800 100 037), Tongan (0800 100 067) and Maori (0800 100 031).

The new numbers complement the existing English language service -- 0800 116 926, WHRS general manager David Curry said in a statement.

The numbers will operate as a four-month pilot scheme and be reassessed after that.

To date, the service had received 766 applications from homeowners covering 1722 dwellings, Mr Curry said.

- NZPA