100 local homeowners eligible for free insulation
Counties Energy will insulate 100 local homes for free this year, under a Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme.
In partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Counties Energy is looking for low-income homeowners to support with free insulation.
The insulation will be done by South Auckland company GreenSide Energy Solutions and includes ceiling and underfloor insulation, where appropriate.
It's the second time Counties Energy, Greenside Energy and the EECA have linked up. In 2020, they insulated 43 homes across Pukekohe, Waiuku, Tuakau, Port Waikato, Drury and southern Papakura - all for free.
Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl said the partnership is about keeping families healthy, and reducing their energy bills.
"As your local lines company, tackling energy hardship in our region is extremely important to us, with this initiative just one of the ways we’re helping our local families stay warm and reduce their energy bills.
"If you know of a low-income owner occupier whose home was built before 2008 and needs insulation, please encourage them to apply for this wonderful initiative."
New Zealand homes are often colder than international indoor temperature standards - the World Health Organisation said houses ought to be 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
"Cold, damp air affects respiratory health, promotes mould growth and supports the survival of viruses. It is particularly important to have a warm home to protect lung health and to prevent hospital admissions for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease and rheumatic fever," Nicholl said.
To find out more about the programme, click the Read More button below.
Don't overthink this riddle...
I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?
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Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.5% Inside!
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23.5% On top!
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
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