150,000 families in warmer, drier, greener homes

The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation scheme is a good example of smart, green economics at work, said the Green Party today.

Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei joined the Minister of Energy and Resources Phil Heatley at a cake cutting event today as the 150,000th home was made warmer and drier under the joint-initiative between the Green Party and the Government.

"We want all New Zealanders to live in dry, healthy homes powered by affordable green energy. The success of this project shows it's possible," said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

"New Zealand will reap the economic benefits in health and energy savings in addition to the jobs created over the four years of the programme.

"Most importantly, 450,000 New Zealanders — over half of them on low incomes — will be warmer and healthier thanks to this scheme.

"By insulating houses and providing clean heating devices, New Zealanders can reduce their energy consumption. This means lower greenhouse gas emissions where people have previously used inefficient heaters.

Mrs Turei said she was proud of the role the Green Party has played by bringing this successful programme to the attention of the Government.

"We're in Parliament because we want to look after New Zealand and all of its people and this scheme is an example of how we can work with parties across the political spectrum to achieve that," said Mrs Turei.