The Government has shifted the goalposts to broaden the scope of Healthy Homes qualification across the country.

Brightr Whakatāne has welcomed the move, which is estimated to include a further 300,000 homes nationwide, around 4000 of them in the Eastern Bay. Brightr regional manager Lisa Chater says the expansion allows the organisation to continue its work providing healthier living environments for more people in the community.

“Brightr’s work was nearing its end, with most qualifying properties already having taken advantage of the scheme,” Ms Chater said. “We’ve covered 20,000 homes in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, installing 2000 heat pumps. The extra 4000 homes now mean those who previously missed out could qualify for our services.”

The expansion of the Healthy Homes Scheme in the Eastern Bay has been made possible through additional funding from the Government and Trust Horizon, injecting a further $56 million into the community over the next four years. This means that households previously ineligible for the grant may now qualify.

Brightr showcased the programme at the recent Whakatāne Business and Leisure Show, where many visitors were surprised to learn they now qualified for the subsidy.

“This programme won’t last forever, so we’re encouraging anyone who didn’t meet the criteria previously, or hasn’t yet applied, to contact us,” Ms Chater said. “Eighty percent of homes in the Eastern Bay now qualify. It’s a programme that provides benefits that can’t always be seen, but they can certainly be felt.”

Previously, qualifying properties could receive subsidies for insulation and heat pumps. However, through partnerships with other suppliers, essential work needed to meet Healthy Homes standards such as lighting upgrades before insulation installation may also be supported under similar funding models. These situations are limited but demonstrate Brightr’s commitment to creating safe, healthy homes.

Ms Chater also highlighted the wider benefits of investing in home improvements.
“Research shows that for every dollar invested into a home, it returns four dollars to the family through health benefits,” she said. “It means less time at the doctor and fewer illnesses.”

Despite these downstream benefits, Brightr acknowledges that the current financial climate can still make participation challenging, even in case where 50 percent funding was available.

Most funding applications can cover 100 percent of ceiling and under floor insulation as well as 100 percent of the cost of a heat pump and installation.

“We want to help families who need support but are struggling financially. With the new guidelines, we can reach more of them,” Chater said.

Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for the East Coast, is also a strong supporter of the programme’s expansion.
“You can give money out for a lot of things, but this initiative makes a real, tangible difference that gets to the root of the problem. It’s the epitome of social investment better health leads to better education and better outcomes,” she said.