6. MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
Has he received any reports that the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand home insulation scheme is helping to create jobs?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) Link to this
Yes, I have. I have seen a report entitled “Insulation offer cuts dole queue” in yesterday’s New Zealand Herald. The story outlines a number of firms taking previously unemployed people and training them to install insulation in New Zealand homes. Premier Insulation, for example—
Hon Phil GoffHon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Government has a scheme. It is providing jobs, but Phil Goff does not want it; he just wants those workers and their families to take the dole. Premier Insulation has put an extra 80 people into work. Eco Insulation has put an extra 50 into work. All of those people were previously on the dole. Fletcher Building has increased the production of the insulation product from its factories. That has put more people into work for the 24-hour shifts it is now running. This is a very good scheme. The scheme is working well and it is also getting New Zealanders working well.
Michael Woodhouse Link to this
How will the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation scheme help the New Zealand economy in the medium and long term?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme will help the New Zealand economy in many ways in the longer term. One way will be through the reduction in health costs, because warmer homes are healthier homes. The scheme should lead to fewer people being admitted to hospitals with respiratory illnesses, thereby easing pressure on our health system. Warmer Kiwi homes will also ensure that more children go to school and more people stay in work when they might otherwise be sick as a result of their cold home and other living circumstances. Of course, there is the ongoing job creation that I have already spoken of.
Michael Woodhouse Link to this
What has been the response from the public to the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. I am advised that since the programme started on 1 July there have been some 9,000 calls to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority call centre, and over 100,000 unique visitors to the website have been making inquiries into how they may access the scheme. It is very pleasing that demand is so high. In fact, we are now making sure that there are more providers in order to ensure that people do not have to wait too long for this excellent Government assistance.