Stewart Island Healthy Homes

Southland District Council is exploring the possibility of a Healthy Homes project on Stewart Island/Rakiura, led by Awarua Synergy, to alleviate strain on the island’s residents and its electricity supply.

Group Manager Awarua Synergy Sumaria Beaton-Sikisini said the project would create a partnership between the Southland Warm Homes Trust, SDC and the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board EECA (Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority)’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. It would ensure a wraparound service was being offered that would support people in helping to keep their homes warm and dry while also identifying members of the community that could be helped further by accessing government subsidy and working with banks. 

To bring the plan to life, Awarua Synergy will spend a week on Stewart Island/Rakiura to scope the project, assessing properties and delivering Healthy Homes workshops.  “This is a good project for local residents who need assistance in keeping their homes warm and energy efficient,”  said Stewart Island/Raikura Community Board chair Aaron Conner.

Stewart Island/Rakiura residents are being encouraged to register their interest in the project and to be on the lookout for the team during scope week, September 23 to 27.

“Our Awarua Synergy team will be on the island assessing properties, hosting workshops and we’ll have a pop-up stall so that people can come and ask questions about what we do and how we can help,” she said.

Stewart Island/Rakiura is unique in that the community faces the same difficulty keeping their homes warm and healthy as people on the mainland, but with the added pressure of a limited electricity supply, she said.

The Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority network is powered by five diesel generators at a central power station, and the power is delivered by 30km of overhead lines, 10km of underground cables and 35 distribution transformers.

“A commitment from these partners to working on the island would contribute to the wider energy project through energy efficiency and usage through improved insulation,” she said.

The idea was first raised by SDC representative Jared Cappie and Great South representative Steve Canny on behalf of Southland District Mayor Rob Scott during a Southland Warm Home Trust meeting. Subsequent discussions involving the Southland Warm Home Trust, Awarua Synergy, Great South, and SDC have begun to shape the project, Beaton-Sikisini said.

Awarua Synergy is a Government contract holder for the delivery of insulation and heating subsidies and has 20 years’ experience installing insulation and heating and delivering public education workshops.

“We believe everybody deserves to live in a warm, dry and healthy home and we’re just thrilled to be able to expand our services to Stewart Island/Rakiura through this project,” Beaton-Sikisini said.