Tauranga residents with a high health risk and cold damp housing are being offered free home insulation as part of a new Government project.

The project Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme as part of this year's budget, will include insulation for 1500 houses in Tauranga and Whakatane it was announced today.

Ceiling blanket insulation.

The free insulation is aimed at people with a Community Services Card and at high risk from health conditions related to cold, damp housing.

EECA, which administers Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes, says it is a partnership between EECA and Smart Energy Solutions Ltd.

Residential General Manager Robert Linterman says government funding has been topped up by generous contributions from Tauranga Energy Consumers Trust, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Eastern Bay Energy Trust and Cozy Kiwi Fund, which mean eligible households will be insulated at no cost.

'We know there are many people who can't afford to pay and this project removes the cost barriers. Warmer, drier homes reduce health risks caused by cold, damp housing, such as respiratory illnesses.”

The Smart Energy Solutions project will focus on households suffering poor health as a result of cold damp housing, with many referrals to the project coming from the health and social sectors. Spokesperson Paul Thomson says landlords with eligible tenants will be targeted with heavily subsidised insulation packages as part of the project.

'We expect half of the houses insulated in the project will benefit tenants most in need of assistance," says Paul.

For more information about the projects visit energywise.govt.nz