The Warmer Kiwi Homes grant for heat pumps in Tauranga
If you own and live in an older Bay of Plenty home, the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant can cover most of the cost of a heat pump. Here's how it works and what we do once you're approved.
The Warmer Kiwi Homes grant is EECA funding that pays 80 to 90% of the cost of a heat pump for eligible lower-income homeowners. You apply through EECA, not us. Once you're approved, we fit the heat pump. It's aimed at older, colder homes with no fixed heating.
Why a warm dry home matters so much here
Bay of Plenty winters are damp more than they're cold. That damp gets into older single-glazed bungalows around Greerton, Gate Pā and Merivale, sits on the windows as condensation, and turns into mould in the corners. For a family that can't afford to heat the place, that's a health problem, not just a comfort one.
A lot of these homes started with no fixed heating at all. A heat pump changes that fast. It warms a room and pulls moisture out of the air, so the walls dry out and stay drier. That's exactly the gap the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant was set up to close.
How we fit into the grant process
We're a Tauranga installer, not EECA. We don't run the grant or approve anyone, so we can't sign you up. You apply to EECA (or through one of their registered providers) and they check your eligibility and sort the funding.
Once you're approved, we're the ones who come out and do the work. We'll size the unit for your rooms, quote it, and handle the heat pump installation in Tauranga from start to finish. If you're not sure whether you qualify yet, you can check your eligibility with us and we'll point you in the right direction before you go any further.
Picking the right heat pump for a grant install
The grant covers a standard, sensible heat pump, not the biggest unit on the shelf. For most Tauranga homes that means one high-wall unit heating the main living area where the family spends its evenings. If you've got an open-plan bungalow, one well-placed unit often does the whole space.
There are a few types of heat pump that suit different layouts, but for a single living zone a high-wall is usually the straightforward choice. We fit Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps a lot for grant jobs because they're quiet, reliable and easy to run cheaply, which matters when the whole point is keeping running costs down.
What it costs if the grant doesn't cover everything
The grant pays a big share, but not always all of it. There can be a small top-up to pay, and if your home needs extra work like a longer pipe run or a difficult mounting spot, that can add to the bill. We'll tell you upfront if that's the case rather than spring it on you.
If it turns out you don't qualify, a heat pump is still one of the cheapest ways to warm a home. Have a look at the honest heat pump installation cost so you know what a full-price job looks like before you decide. Not sure where to start? Give us a call on 027 725 2525 or send through your details and we'll talk it through.
Think you might qualify?
Tell us your suburb and a bit about your home. We'll help you figure out the next step, whether that's applying or just getting a straight quote.
Common questions about the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant
Who is eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes?
It's for people who own and live in their home, where the house was built before 2008. You'll generally need a Community Services Card, or to live in a lower-income area that EECA has identified, which covers a fair bit of greater Tauranga and the western Bay. The home usually needs ceiling and underfloor insulation already in place. EECA has the final say on eligibility.
How much does the Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump grant cover?
The grant covers 80 to 90% of the cost of installing a heat pump, up to a set cap. The exact share depends on your situation and the funding rules at the time. There's often a small amount left for you to pay, and any extra work your home needs sits on top of that.
Do I need a Community Services Card to get a heat pump grant?
A Community Services Card is one of the main ways to qualify, but it's not the only one. You can also be eligible if your home is in a lower-income area that EECA has mapped, even without the card. EECA checks this when you apply, so it's worth putting your details in either way.
How do I apply for the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant?
You apply through EECA or one of their registered providers, not through us. Head to the Warmer Kiwi Homes page on the EECA website, or call them, and they'll run through your eligibility. Once you're approved, get in touch and we'll quote and fit the heat pump.
Warm up your Tauranga home the right way
Whether you're going through the grant or paying yourself, we'll size and fit a heat pump that suits your home. Call 027 725 2525 or send us your details to get started.