Latest news with #WarmerKiwiHomes
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Varcoe Makes Auckland Homes Warmer And More Affordable With Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant
With energy costs steadily climbing, Auckland residents are increasingly turning to Varcoe Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning, an approved service provider for the government's Warmer Kiwi Homes initiative, for affordable, energy-efficient heating solutions. Managed by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme offers eligible homeowners significant financial assistance—covering up to 80% of the cost of installing an EECA-approved heat pump, capped at $3,450 (including GST). "Many Auckland families are unaware they qualify for substantial support," said Tim Fawdry, Managing Director of Varcoe. "Our role is to simplify the process—from checking eligibility and recommending the ideal heating system to ensuring professional, EECA-compliant installation." The grant targets owner-occupiers whose homes were built before 2008 and lack a fixed heating source in the main living area. Eligibility includes holding a Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo Card, or residing in identified low-income areas. Homes must also meet EECA's insulation standards; otherwise, additional funding for insulation, covering 80–90% of costs, may be available. With 45 years of industry experience, Varcoe partners exclusively with trusted heat pump brands such as Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, and Panasonic. "Our customers consistently report significant improvements in warmth, comfort, and reduced energy bills," the spokesperson noted. Installations are typically completed within 2–4 weeks of approval, providing quick relief during Auckland's colder months. Recent customers have praised Varcoe's efficient service and expert advice. "I found Varcoe very efficient and prompt. They gave excellent advice and I highly recommend them," shared one South Auckland client who benefited from the scheme. To learn more about the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, check eligibility, or apply directly, Auckland homeowners are encouraged to visit or contact Varcoe's expert team at 0800 088 888. Join thousands of Kiwis already benefiting from this opportunity to make your home warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient. About Varcoe Varcoe Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning is a trusted, family-owned business serving Auckland for over 45 years. Renowned for their professionalism and quality workmanship, Varcoe specialises in energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions tailored specifically for New Zealand homes.
Otago Daily Times
28-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Heating grants could be lost
Some Oamaru households could lose access to free insulation and heating. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Changes to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Warmer Kiwi Homes grants may mean some Oamaru and Palmerston households will lose access to free insulation and heating. The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme provides grants to help eligible homeowners in New Zealand improve the insulation and heating of their homes, particularly in older, less insulated properties. The grants offer 100% free insulation and up to 90% off an efficient heater, including heat pumps or an efficient wood burner, to eligible households. From June 30, EECA will switch to using 2023 census data to define low-income areas. EECA general manager delivery and partnerships Richard Briggs said the main criteria for the grants had not changed but the update from the 2023 census might affect eligibility. "Some people who weren't eligible before might now be able to get support, and a few who were previously eligible may no longer qualify," he said. Mr Briggs said any total number of eligible homes is indicative only and eligibility will depend on a few things, not just census data. Homeowners living in houses built before 2008 may qualify for grants of up to 90% off ceiling and underfloor insulation and up to 80% off a heat pump. "The best way to check is by using the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool. It's quick and easy, and gives you an answer based on your exact address," Mr Briggs said. • To check your eligibility go to:
Otago Daily Times
28-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Households may lose heating grants
Oamaru. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Changes to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Warmer Kiwi Homes grants may mean some Oamaru and Palmerston households will lose access to free insulation and heating. The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme provides grants to help eligible homeowners in New Zealand improve the insulation and heating of their homes, particularly in older, less insulated properties. The grants offer 100% free insulation and up to 90% off an efficient heater, including heat pumps or an efficient wood burner, to eligible households. From June 30, EECA will switch to using 2023 census data to define low-income areas. EECA general manager delivery and partnerships Richard Briggs said the main criteria for the grants had not changed but the update from the 2023 census might affect eligibility. "Some people who weren't eligible before might now be able to get support, and a few who were previously eligible may no longer qualify," he said. Mr Briggs said any total number of eligible homes is indicative only and eligibility will depend on a few things, not just census data. Homeowners living in houses built before 2008 may qualify for grants of up to 90% off ceiling and underfloor insulation and up to 80% off a heat pump. "The best way to check is by using the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool. It's quick and easy, and gives you an answer based on your exact address," Mr Briggs said. To check your eligibility go to
NZ Herald
16-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Government scheme offers insulation discounts for Northland homes
Thousands of Northland households, including over 1200 in Kaitaia alone, could be in line for major insulation discounts through a Government-backed scheme aimed at making homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat. The Government's Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) covers 80-90% of the
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Not The Growth We Need: Budget 2025 Delivers Growing Energy Bills And Energy Insecurity
Press Release – NZGBC Investing in a sustainable energy system and energy efficiency would have been a huge win not only because it supports New Zealand households and business to keep electricity bills down, but its the cheapest way of improving supply. On Monday Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the budget is what keeps the lights on in our hospitals and schools. Unfortunately, Budget 2025 leaves us staring at a flickering bulb, the New Zealand Green Building Council says. Just last week Transpower warned New Zealand is at risk of electricity blackouts unless more supply is brought online. 'As Kiwis face sharply rising energy bills, businesses shut down or scale back production due to the energy crisis, and our nation entertains the thought of periods without power in the depths of winter, it defies belief that Budget 2025 fails to deliver adequate investment or action,' says NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles. Despite committing at COP26 to a global doubling of energy efficiency and tripling of renewable electricity, the government has cut funding for its own energy champions; the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), by over $14 million a year – or $56 million over the next four vital years leading to our 2030 climate targets. 'Instead of making progress, Budget 2025 takes us a step backwards – slashing vital funding for efforts to support clean, efficient energy use, and instead supporting a ramping up of fossil fuel exploration,' Budget 2025 sets aside $200 million over four years for co-investment in new gas fields. 'Rather than investing in solutions, this budget aims to subsidise new gas fields at a time when nations around the globe are transitioning away from it. Our neighbours in Australia are even banning new household gas connections and supporting alternative heating solutions, yet our government is actively trying to continue our reliance on fossil fuels.' 'Investing in a sustainable energy system and energy efficiency would have been a huge win – not only because it supports New Zealand households and business to keep electricity bills down, but it's the cheapest way of improving supply.' Scaling up help for homes and businesses to be more energy efficient through switching to electric heating, better insulation, ventilation, smarter design, and storing energy, reduces how much peak energy and gas we use at home. That way, more energy is available for businesses that depend on it to keep working. It's a win for Kiwi's back pockets, energy security, and our businesses. Nothing for Kiwis living in unhealthy, cold homes. While it's great to see further investment in our health system, it remains an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach. In-line with decades of inaction, Budget 2025 fails to address the woeful state of New Zealand's homes which are putting huge pressure on the health system. Last year's budget scaled back the hugely successful Warmer Kiwi Homes, this year the trend continues, with no new support for arguably the best cost-to-benefit investment a government could make. 'Our country's health system is struggling, our rates of respiratory illness are shameful, and the state of New Zealand's homes is making thousands of Kiwis sick. A really savvy investment would have been to help ease the burden at the cause.' Where's climate? Finally, there appears to be no support in this year's budget for businesses, households or New Zealand generally to decarbonise, or to address the gaping hole in our Emissions Reduction Plan left by the expected failure of carbon capture and storage initiatives. 'We're in a climate crisis, yet there's nothing in Budget 2025 for our Climate Minister to even issue a press release on. That about sums it up really.'
