Helping Coasters stay warm

In 2021, Development West Coast (DWC) committed $300,000 over six years to help West Coast homeowners access the government-backed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) programme. The funding is administered by Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA), an approved EECA service provider, which administers the funds and facilitate the installation of insulation in homes.

Since then, DWC’s contributions have helped unlock an additional $2.8 million in co-funding from EECA and $300,000 discretionary funding from CEA, significantly expanding the programme’s reach on the West Coast.

Through CEA, eligible West Coast residents have been able to access insulation, heat pumps, and curtains with subsidies of up to 80–90%, with DWC covering all or part of the remaining costs.

DWC Chief Executive Heath Milne said DWC is proud to support the initiative.

“In addition to the social benefits of improving the housing stock in the region, the funding is having positive flow down effects, supporting local suppliers.”

CEA General Manager Louw Bezuidenhout said the partnership is delivering real outcomes for the region.

“CEA proudly partners with DWC and EECA to provide West Coast homeowners warmer and healthier homes,” he said.

To be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, you must:

• Own and live in the home (owner-occupier)
• Have a home built before 2008
• Hold a Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo Card, or live in an area identified as low-income

According to EECA, there are still 3,000 existing homes on the West Coast eligible for the insulation and heating subsidy — including 207 in Cobden, 177 in Runanga, and 169 in Karamea. DWC encourages West Coasters to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

To find out if you qualify, contact CEA on 0800 438 9276 or info@cea.co.nz. More information is available at: www.cea.co.nz