300,000 more Kiwi homes — including many in Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui — are now eligible for government-backed insulation upgrades.
Winter in Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui can be unforgiving. Cold mornings, damp air, and soaring power bills are familiar challenges for many households. For some families, it’s a choice between cranking up the heater and stretching the weekly budget. For others, it means putting up with living rooms that never quite feel cosy, or bedrooms where condensation builds up on the windows.
But there’s good news. The Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation funding programme, run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has just expanded, opening the door for thousands more New Zealand households — including many right here in Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui — to access generous grants for insulation. This is a game-changer for our community.
Big changes to the funding scheme
On 5th August 2025, EECA announced the largest extension of the Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation funding programme since it began. An additional 300,000 homes nationwide are now eligible for support.
Previously, many middle-income households missed out. The grants were focused on those with Community Services Cards or living in the highest-need neighbourhoods. While those households still receive the most generous help — with subsidies covering up to 90% of the cost of insulation* — the door has now opened wider.
From August this year, homes in medium-need areas (deprivation zone 5 – 7) can also qualify for 50% insulation funding*. That’s a significant shift, meaning families who may have thought insulation upgrades were out of reach can now take advantage of meaningful government support.
What’s covered? The insulation grants focus on ceiling and underfloor insulation, which deliver the biggest gains in warmth and energy efficiency.
The catch? Funding is limited. Demand is already high, and applications are processed on a first-come basis. Homeowners are urged not to wait — the sooner you apply, the sooner you can lock in your subsidy.
Why insulation matters in Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui homes
The benefits of insulation go far beyond comfort. A properly insulated home:
Saves money — households can save around $340 per year on energy costs. That’s money back in your pocket, year after year.
Protects health — cold, damp homes are linked to respiratory illness, asthma, and poor well-being. Insulation reduces condensation and helps prevent mould growth.
Supports families and tamariki — children sleep better in warm bedrooms, and older people are less at risk of cold-related illnesses.
Reduces emissions — by using less energy to heat your home, you’re lowering your carbon footprint too.
For regions like Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui, where frosty nights and cold, damp winters are the norm, insulation is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. And with the government footing half — or even most — of the bill, there’s never been a better time to act.
A local solution: Easy Insulation
That’s where Easy Insulation comes in. As the only Warmer Kiwi Homes service provider based in Taupo, we’ve been helping families across Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato, and Taumarunui stay warm since 2008. Easy Insulation knows the ins and outs of the funding scheme and how to make the process simple for homeowners.
Easy Insulation can:
Check your eligibility — we’ll let you know exactly what funding you can receive.
Provide a free home assessment — we’ll inspect your existing insulation, identify what’s needed, and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.
Handle the paperwork — we apply for the grant on your behalf and take care of the details.
Supply and install quality products — we use leading New Zealand insulation brands you can trust.
Deliver professional installation — from start to finish, our installers ensure the job is done safely, efficiently, and to EECA standards.
We’re proud to be part of this community and to help make Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato and Taumarunui homes warmer, healthier places to live.
Act now — don’t miss out
Because funding is limited, demand is expected to outpace supply. The earlier you apply, the sooner you’ll be booked in. Waiting until winter isn’t recommended — now is the time to get ahead.
If you checked your eligibility in the past and were declined, it’s worth trying again under the new rules. With more households now covered, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Take the first step today
It’s simple to find out if your home qualifies. Visit our EECA Insulation Grant website page or call the friendly team on 0800 327 946. We’ll guide you through the process, arrange your free assessment, and help you secure the maximum funding available.
A warmer, drier, and healthier home doesn’t have to cost the earth. With the Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation funding programme and Easy Insulation on your side, Taupo, Rotorua Lakes District, South Waikato, and Taumarunui families can finally enjoy the comfort they deserve.
