Environment Canterbury will be on the streets of Kaiapoi and Rangiora for six weeks from October 19 to promote its Clean Heat Project. During this time, Clean Heat representatives will call on households in the towns, offering to make an appointment for a free, no-obligation assessment. All Clean Heat representatives will be wearing Clean Heat uniforms and show ID cards.
Environment Canterbury's Clean Heat Project provides financial assistance to help homeowners and landlords in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Timaru and Ashburton who are using open fires or older solid fuel burners to change to cleaner home heating.
Councillor Jo Kane, Environment Canterbury air portfolio chair, says that the Clean Heat Project could make a real difference to winter air quality in Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
Waimakariri Mayor Ron Keating says he is pleased to welcome this initiative to bring the Clean Heat Project to people’s doorsteps. “There’s no doubt that pollution is high at times during the winter and I see this as a helping-hand that can help us address that issue,” says Mayor Keating.
“I have pushed for a more direct approach in Kaiapoi and Rangiora and you can’t get much more direct than this. I would like to urge people to take up the opportunity to listen one-to-one to what is on offer and make the best choice for their home heating needs,” says Mayor Keating.
“Clean Heat assistance has only been offered to Kaiapoi and Rangiora homeowners for just over a year. We are looking to boost uptake and kick-start the word of mouth recommendations that make all the difference. Everyone benefits from clean air and Canterbury people have consistently told us that clean air is one of their top environmental priorities,” says Cr Kane.
“There are several assistance options for both insulation and cleaner and more efficient heating on offer to Kaiapoi and Rangiora homeowners as well as a variety of Clean Heat approved appliances, including ultra-low emission log burners, pellet fires and flued gas heating as well as heat pumps,” she says.
“There’s more incentive than ever to act now and the Clean Heat Project works all year round, so there’s no need to wait until next winter. Most people are eligible for assistance,” says Cr Kane.
Find out if you qualify and register for a free assessment by calling Clean Heat customer services on freephone 0800 329 276 or visit www.cleanheat.co.nz.
For further information: Contact Cr Jo Kane, Chair Environment Canterbury Air Portfolio Committee on 027 323 2326.