Supporting warmer, healthier homes in Kāwhia

Eligible homeowners in the Kāwhia area may be able to access free insulation through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

Waipā Networks is teaming up with Maru Energy Trust, a charitable trust established in 2018 by The Lines Company. Maru supports homeowners across the King Country and Central Plateau with energy efficiency initiatives to help keep homes warmer, drier and healthier.  Since it was formed, Maru has helped insulate more than 1,200 homes.

The initiative is part of Waipā Networks’ wider focus on supporting customers experiencing energy hardship and delivering value back to the communities it serves.

Waipā Networks Chief Executive Damien Whiffen says the initiative is a practical example of how the company can support households in a meaningful way.

“As a customer-owned business, we want to make sure the value we create is felt in our communities in practical ways.

“Supporting households experiencing energy hardship is an important part of that. Having a warm, dry and healthy home can make a real difference to a household’s wellbeing, but we know the cost of improvements can be a barrier.

“By working with Maru and building on the support already available through Warmer Kiwi Homes, we can help make insulation more accessible for eligible homeowners in the Kāwhia area.”

Maru team leader Renee Parkes says the Kāwhia initiative is an opportunity to help local whānau improve the warmth and comfort of their whare.

“We’re really happy to be involved at Kāwhia. Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible and help homeowners understand what support they may be eligible for.”

“We encourage people in the Kāwhia area who think they may qualify to get in touch and check their eligibility. It’s just a phone call; there’s nothing to lose. People should also feel free to contact us directly on Facebook or by emailing hello@maru.org.nz”

Eligible homeowners may be able to access support for ceiling and underfloor insulation. The first step is to contact Maru to find out if you’re eligible.