Major BRANZ study reveals marked gap between perceived and actual health of Kiwi homes

The recent BRANZ study on the health of New Zealand homes sheds light on a reality we at eHaus have been addressing for years: too many Kiwi homes remain cold, damp, and unhealthy. While it’s promising to see some progress in home temperatures and insulation compared to 20 years ago, the findings also underline how far we still have to go to provide truly healthy living environments.

At eHaus, we’ve long recognised the direct link between home performance and health outcomes. International research and resources clearly show how high-performing, energy-efficient homes can drastically improve living conditions, yet New Zealand has been slow to adopt these proven solutions.

The good news? We’re seeing a growing awareness among Kiwis about the importance of building better. More people are asking the right questions about insulation, ventilation, and airtightness — all critical to creating a home that stays warm, dry, and free of mould. However, we need broader systemic change to make this the standard, not the exception.

We hope the findings from this report will spark meaningful action at the government level, driving policy changes that prioritise building performance as a health and climate necessity, ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can live in a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.