WISE Charitable Trust hosted a Healthy Homes Community Day in Ōpunakē this month. Families and whānau joined us to explore simple, effective ways to make their homes warmer, drier, and healthier. Our team shared advice, demonstrated practical tools, and connected with people who want to improve their living conditions.
Community events like this bring people together, spark conversations, and give families the knowledge they need to create healthier homes.
Why Healthy Homes Matter
Cold and damp homes affect more than comfort. They increase the risk of asthma, colds, and other health problems, especially for children. In Taranaki, many families face energy hardship, which means keeping homes warm and dry becomes a challenge.
Healthy Homes initiatives reduce those risks. With the right support, families can improve their houses, lower power bills, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Highlights From the Day
Our team spoke with many new faces at the Ōpunakē event and enjoyed meaningful conversations about home health. Fire and Emergency New Zealand joined us with their demo escape house, showing how important fire safety is in every household. Together we offered a day full of learning and practical solutions.
Sponsors made this day possible, and their support ensures more families can access healthier living conditions. We value these partnerships because they allow us to extend our reach across the community.
Practical Tips for Warmer and Drier Homes
At the Community Day, families learned quick changes that make a difference:
Open windows for at least 10 minutes a day to improve airflow.
Dry clothes outside whenever possible.
Wipe away condensation each morning.
Check gutters and downpipes regularly.
These small actions keep moisture levels down and support a healthier living environment.
How WISE Can Help Your Family
Practical tips are only the beginning. WISE Charitable Trust offers services that go further:
Free insulation for eligible families through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.
Free curtains from our Curtain Bank.
Home energy assessments to identify problem areas.
Advice and hands-on solutions to improve home warmth and dryness.
Our goal is simple: healthier homes for families in Taranaki.
Bring a Healthy Homes Community Day to Your Area
The Ōpunakē event showed how powerful community engagement can be. If you belong to a community group and want to host a Healthy Homes Community Day, we would love to hear from you.
Call us today on 0508 238 837 or visit www.wise.org.nz to learn more about our services and how we can support your whānau.
