Government Grants for Home Improvements in NZ

New Zealand has recognised that cold, damp, and unhealthy homes are a national problem. In response, various government programmes now offer grants and subsidies to help homeowners improve their properties. If you have been putting off insulation, heating upgrades, or other improvements due to cost, it is worth checking whether you qualify for assistance.

This article outlines the main programmes available to New Zealand homeowners. Eligibility criteria and funding levels change, so always confirm current details with the relevant agency before making plans.

Warmer Kiwi Homes

Warmer Kiwi Homes is the flagship government programme for improving home energy efficiency. Administered by EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), it provides grants covering a substantial portion of insulation and heating costs for eligible homeowners.

• Ceiling and underfloor insulation
• Ground moisture barriers
• Efficient heating (heat pumps)

Note: Grants for wood and pellet burners ended on 9 January 2026.

Insulation grants are currently 90%, 80% or 50% depending on qualifying cards or the home address. Heating grants are more narrowly targeted and are up to 90%. Community funding may reduce the remaining cost in some areas.

Funding Tiers

• 90% insulation coverage – For qualifying cardholders or homes in a high-need area. Eligible heating support is also up to 90%, capped at the current EECA limit.
• 80% insulation coverage – For homes in certain eligible areas.
• 50% insulation coverage – For homes in an area EECA identifies as middle-income.

Eligibility Criteria

Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility differs for insulation and heating. Current core criteria include:

• Hold a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo card
• Own a home in a high-deprivation area (based on the NZ Deprivation Index)
• For insulation, live at an address EECA identifies as low- to middle-income
• For heating, meet the narrower card or low-income-area rules and the heater-specific requirements

You must own and live in the home being improved. Rental properties and investment properties do not qualify under this programme, though separate requirements exist for landlords under the Healthy Homes Standards.

The home must also have been built before 2008, as newer homes should already meet better insulation standards under the Building Code.

How to Apply

Start with EECA's online eligibility checker. If the initial check indicates eligibility, it suggests service providers who can confirm eligibility, inspect where required, provide a no-obligation quote and arrange installation.

Council Rates-Based Schemes

Some councils may offer or administer property-improvement finance through rates. Availability, interest, eligible work, repayment periods and property-sale treatment are scheme-specific.

• Insulation and heating
• Solar panels and battery storage
• Rainwater tanks
• Clean heating conversions
• Earthquake strengthening in some regions

Rates-based finance can spread repayment, but interest, disclosure, early repayment and sale treatment depend on the scheme. Check current council terms and obtain legal advice on sale obligations where relevant.

Check current information with your council. Auckland Council's Retrofit Your Home scheme, for example, closed to new applications in 2020 and its page now applies only to existing loans.

Disability and Health-Related Assistance

If you or a household member has a disability or chronic health condition, additional funding may be available for home modifications that improve accessibility, safety, or health outcomes.

Disability Support Services, now part of the Ministry of Social Development, manages government funding for eligible home modifications. Support may cover all, some or none of the cost after assessment and application.

For disability-related modifications, ask a doctor, community health service or NASC team about referral to an Equipment and Modification Services assessor. For insulation or heating, use EECA's current Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility rules.

Regional Clean Air Programmes

Some councils periodically offer clean-heating assistance, but programmes, eligible appliances and funding levels change.

Check the relevant regional or local council for current clean-air rules and any open assistance scheme before choosing equipment or arranging work.

Check with your regional council to see what clean heating subsidies are available in your area.

Heritage Building Assistance

Heritage funding may be available in some years or locations for eligible conservation work, but open rounds, property eligibility and co-funding requirements change.

Heritage grants typically cover conservation-focused improvements rather than general modernisation. Work must usually be carried out according to heritage guidelines, which may involve specific materials or techniques.

Heritage-listed homes often face restrictions on visible external changes. If your home has heritage protections, consult Heritage New Zealand or your council before planning improvements to understand what consents may be required and what funding may be available.

Other Potential Funding Sources

Beyond government programmes, other funding sources may help with home improvements:

• Community trusts and charities: Some community organisations provide grants or interest-free loans for home improvements, particularly for elderly homeowners or those with health conditions.
• Energy retailer programmes: Some electricity companies offer interest-free finance or subsidies for efficient appliances, heat pumps, or solar installations.
• Bank green loans: Several banks offer discounted interest rates on loans for environmentally beneficial home improvements like insulation, solar panels, or double glazing.

Tips for Accessing Funding

Navigating government programmes can feel complicated. Here are some practical tips to improve your chances of success:

Check eligibility first: Before getting quotes or making plans, confirm you meet the eligibility criteria for any programme you are considering. This saves time and avoids disappointment.

Use approved providers: Most programmes require you to use approved or accredited providers. Work done by unapproved contractors typically will not qualify for grants even if you meet other criteria.

Check before starting work: follow the programme's eligibility, approval, quote and provider rules; completed work may not qualify.

Ask whether top-up funding is available and whether the programme permits it. EECA says community support in some areas can reduce or eliminate the remaining Warmer Kiwi Homes cost.

Keep documentation: Retain quotes, invoices, and completion certificates. Some programmes require documentation for payment, and you may need records for future property sales or insurance purposes.

Getting Started

If you think you might be eligible for home improvement funding, start by visiting the EECA website for information on Warmer Kiwi Homes and contacting your local council to learn about regional programmes. For Warmer Kiwi Homes, EECA's checker can connect eligible households with providers offering a free, no-obligation quote.

The funding landscape changes regularly as programmes are updated, expanded, or replaced. What is available today may differ from what was available last year or what will be available next year. Checking periodically ensures you do not miss opportunities to improve your home at reduced cost.