By Meridian Energy Community Fund
Raglan has the appearance of a prosperous holiday town, but census results show incomes are generally below average and, like most seaside areas, house prices and rents are rising.
John Lawson, secretary of the Whaingaroa Affordable Housing Trust (WAHT), says as a result some summer baches have become long term family rentals. This creates heating issues when the homes are generally only built for comfortable summer living.
“Whaingaroa Affordable Housing Trust (WAHT) was formed in 2007,” says John, “when Housing New Zealand funded a feasibility study and seemed willing to support initiatives like building new homes for low-income families in the Whaingaroa area. However, the 2008 election changed government policy before plans could be implemented, and WAHT has now focused on providing practical, lower cost solutions.”
WAHT now focuses on mitigating the problem of year-round bach rental by providing low-cost firewood and by recycling thermal insulation curtains and other heat saving options. “In 2013 we joined with Whaingaroa Environment Centre to expand the project,” says John. “A grant of $1,500 from Meridian last year has helped provide carpets, draught excluders and other energy conservation solutions.
“Grants such as Meridian’s are essential to keeping the project running. In the latest programme more than 20 homes have been fitted with curtains and draught stoppers and 15 have had energy efficiency advice.”
The project has been able to employ one local seamstress and one local handyman on a part-time basis.