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Wellington Public Policy Seminar - Improving the Quality of Housing: How Public Policy can Promote Multiple Benefits
Wednesday, 09 May 2012, 12:29pm to 1:59pm
Speakers: Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, Director, He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme, University of Otago, Wellington, and Dr Arthur Grimes - Senior Fellow at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
When: Wednesday 9th May, 12.30-2pm
Where: Spectrum Theatre, BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay Wellington
All Motu Public Policy Seminars are open to the public and are free to attend. You can sign up to recieve email notification of Motu’s events and publications here.
Abstract
Considerable evidence now exists that housing quality affects health status. Sub-standard housing contributes to respiratory disease and impacts negatively on other health and social outcomes. Energy use is inefficient in poorly insulated houses, while poor heating choices can both increase energy use and decrease health status. This seminar outlines key findings from a programme of research into healthy housing issues in New Zealand conducted by Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman and colleagues at He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme, University of Otago. In a recent study, University of Otago researchers joined with researchers from Motu and elsewhere to evaluate initial impacts of the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme This programme is designed to promote installation of retrofitted insulation and healthy heating options in over 188,000 houses over 2009-2013. Results from this initial evaluation will be presented in the context of the broader healthy housing research programme.