The Heat Kits into Schools initiative gives tamariki a hands-on way to learn about what makes a warm, dry, and energy-efficient home. With support from Powerco and Health New Zealand, this programme puts practical tools directly in students’ hands, helping them explore their own homes while sharing knowledge with their whānau.
Starting with the basics: what makes a healthy home?
Each session kicks off with a Healthy Homes Presentation. We cover the essentials: insulation, curtains, ventilation, and how to reduce moisture. These simple ideas spark conversations and get students thinking about how their houses really work.
After that, it’s time to get practical. Students are introduced to the Heat Kit tools, which they take home along with a workbook designed to guide them step by step as they assess the health and energy efficiency of their own whare.
What’s inside a Heat Kit?
Every Heat Kit comes packed with clever, easy-to-use tools:
Moisture Meter: checks dampness in walls, floors, or furniture.
Hygrometer: measures humidity levels to show if a home is too damp or too dry.
Milesight Device: monitors carbon dioxide (CO₂), highlighting why good airflow and ventilation matter.
Thermal Image Camera: makes invisible heat loss visible, showing where energy is escaping.
Heat Gun: compares surface temperatures around the home, from windows to walls.
The workbook ties everything together, encouraging tamariki to record results, look for patterns, and think about improvements.
Learning by doing
This isn’t just theory. Students become “home detectives.” They get to explore heat loss, moisture, and energy use in a way that feels fun, interactive, and empowering. When they share their findings at home, families start to see how small changes can make a real difference.
A big thank you
Last week, our team visited Devon Intermediate School to launch the Heat Kits into Schools programme. The students were eager to learn more about what makes a healthy home.
At WISE, we believe knowledge is power. By giving tamariki these skills and resources, we’re not only helping them today but setting them up to make healthier choices for the future.
Looking ahead: empowering youth through energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating healthier homes and communities. By teaching tamariki how to spot heat loss, measure humidity, and understand how energy moves through a home, we’re giving them skills they can carry for life.
The Heat Kits into Schools initiative isn’t just about today’s lessons, it’s about building a foundation for the future. When young people understand how small changes add up to big improvements, they become confident decision-makers for their own homes and advocates for healthier living in their whānau and communities.
At WISE, we believe that empowering youth with practical knowledge is the key to shaping a future where homes are warmer, drier, and more energy efficient. By investing in tamariki now, we’re ensuring the next generation has the tools to create lasting change.
