A programme to promote healthy homes in the Murupara area is now seeking funding and aims to commence operations in 2016.

Lorreen Hartley, Community Development Advisor at Whakatane District Council, says the local community has been working on such a project for several years, and a steering committee has been formed to lead its development.

The programme creates warmer, drier homes through insulation

'Poor housing conditions are a major contributor to respiratory and skin infections in children,” says Lorreen.

'This programme not only seeks to deliver warmer, drier homes through better insulation, but to encourage people to improve other aspects of their homes.”

There are 549 occupied dwellings in Murupara, and the steering committee hopes to begin by appointing a project co-ordinator to identify 50 homes to qualify for inclusion in the programme.

The Ngati Manawa Charitable Trust, Whakatane District Council and Bay of Plenty District Health Board have indicated they will provide financial contributions, or help in overseeing the programme.

The Eastern Bay Energy Trust has agreed to contribute $50,000 to the project, and additional funding will be sought to support the initiative.

'It is envisaged there will also be six DIY skills programmes for residents, as well as neighbourhood development projects,” Lorreen says.