Retrofit programme transforms thousands of older state homes

The Gisborne property is the latest of thousands of older state homes across Aotearoa New Zealand which have been improved and rejuvenated in recent years, providing better quality homes for whānau.

Retrofit work takes 3-5 months and brings older homes up to modern standards while extending their lifespans by up to 50 years. It includes installing insulation in the walls, ceiling and floors; double glazing; new heating and carpet. The work can also include installing new kitchens and bathrooms.

New tenants have now moved into the two-bedroom home, which has been renovated extensively throughout while preserving the character of the original 1940s build.

In the South Island, the 1,000^th home was also recently retrofitted, with a family now living in the Dunedin home.

This retrofit work is part of our nationwide renewals programme, which aims to renovate or replace about 2,000 older homes annually nationwide over the next few years.

Improving our older housing portfolio

Caroline McDowall, General Manager Housing Delivery, says the work is making older homes more comfortable to live in, while also helping to reduce heating costs for families.

“Tenants notice the difference living in a retrofitted home straight away. They’re warmer, easier to heat, and this has an impact on tenants’ health and overall wellbeing.

“With around half of our housing portfolio now at least 40 years old, this work is a cost-effective way to bring our older homes up to modern day standards. It also helps us to achieve our goal of providing modern homes that are in the right place for our tenants, close to schools, employment, and the other services they need,” Caroline says.

A key benefit of the programme is its focus on improvement over replacement where possible. Retrofitting a home can also be more sustainable and economical than demolishing an older home.

The retrofit programme began in Lower Hutt in 2018 and was expanded to other parts of the country in late-2020.

The difference retrofitted homes can make

Gisborne tenant Okeroa says he loves living in his new retrofitted home, having lived in one of the oldest state homes in Gisborne, which is now undergoing retrofit work. “Moving into the newly renovated home has made a huge difference for me and my family.

“In the new home, we noticed the change straight away. On the very first night, it was warm and cosy, and now that it’s warmer, it stays cool too.

Practical things have also made life easier, he says.

“I really appreciate having an open shower. We used to have a shower over the bath, which was slippery for the kids and hard for me because I have arthritis in my hips. The open shower is much safer for the kids and easier on my arthritis. The new kitchen feels clean, solid, and safe to use. Overall, the home is easier to look after, and it’s made a real difference to how we live.”