Warmer Kiwi Homes

Watch what recipients have to say

150,000+ installations to date

More than 150,000 installations of insulation and heaters have already happened all around Aotearoa New Zealand, making tens of thousands of families happier in their homes.

In August 2023, the government expanded the eligibility criteria for insulation grants, meaning they're available to around 58,000 more home owners.

Don't just throw on another jersey to beat the cold — read on to find out how you, or your family, may be eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant.

What will I have to pay?

We’ve included the expected costs remaining after the grant funding below, but in many areas, community organisations offer extra funding to top up Warmer Kiwi Homes grants, which could mean you pay even less, or nothing at all. If this is available in your area, we’ll let you know when you apply.

• Insulation — In most situations, expect to pay between $280 and $800, depending on the size of the house and whether you need ceiling or underfloor insulation, or both.
• Heat pump — Expect the amount you need to pay to be $400-$700. This will depend on the size and brand of the heat pump. Heat pumps provide instant heat and temperature control with a thermostat, and have low running costs if used properly. Your unit will be sized to heat the room it’s installed in, not the whole house.
• Wood burner — Expect the amount you pay to be $2000-$5000. The price will depend on the type of wood burner – some regions require ultra-low-emission burners, which are more expensive than low-emission burners. Wood burners require dry firewood stored in a sheltered space, ideally for at least 12 months, and have low running costs, even if you need to buy firewood.
• Pellet burner — Expect the amount you pay to be $2000-$5000. The price will depend on the type of pellet burner - some regions require ultra-low-emission burners, which are more expensive than low-emission burners. A pellet burner provides instant heat and temperature control with a thermostat. You will need to buy pellets and store them in a dry space.

Learn more about what kind of heater would suit you best(external link)

Some details worth knowing

• If your house can't be insulated — for example if there's no space under the floor or ceiling — you may still be able to get a grant for a heater. An insulation provider contracted to EECA will have to assess your home — request this through the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool or call 0800 749 782.
• You're only committed to go ahead with insulation or a new heater when you sign a contract with the installer.
• If you need building consent for a wood or pellet burner, the installer can apply on your behalf.
• There may be other payment options to help you pay the rest of the cost - talk to an insulation and/or heater installer contracted to EECA to find out more.
• Right now, you can expect installation to take up to 4 months, due to supply chain constraints and availability of installers. Once you’ve applied, your service providers will keep in touch with you to let you know timelines.

Please note

• Funding is limited, and grants may not be available in some remote locations and islands. Use the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool to see what's available in your region.
• Grants for wood and pellet burners are not available in some areas. The Warmer Kiwi Homes tool will tell you if there's a contracted insulation and/or heater installer in your region.
• Wall insulation isn't included.
• The grant can only be used for the home you own and live in — not a bach or holiday home.