5
$\begingroup$

New Zealand is relatively new country.

It essentially was founded in 1840 in a contract between the native Maori people and the British Government.

For some reason a large chunk of the housing stock in New Zealand is badly insulated and drafty and cold, compared to houses in Europe for example.*

I don't understand how a country that was essentially built in the modern era, has built such bad houses.

What economic factors contribute to this?

*Here's a good paper about the subject. PDF.

| improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ Based on personal experience, houses in the US are also badly insulated. So I wonder if it's in Europe where because of a combination of higher heating costs and also environmental awareness that lead to people building better insulated houses. $\endgroup$ – Kenny LJ Jul 18 '15 at 18:54
  • $\begingroup$ Aside from whether conditions, heating oil prices/taxes should influence this as well as potential government regulations/tax incentives on insulation. This would require a more detailed analysis. $\endgroup$ – HRSE Mar 11 '16 at 5:44
1
$\begingroup$

Insulation is more of a luxury than a necessity in the oceanic climate. If you don't have insulation in a continental climate, you'll die. In NZ, it will be uncomfortable, but you'll be ok.

Dunedin may provide arelevant counter argument. It gets below freezing often there. I don't know about insulation rates.

My second answer is: We're just tough mate. Harden up.

| improve this answer | |
$\endgroup$
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ On your second point, I wonder how much of it is a cultural thing. $\endgroup$ – dwjohnston Jul 17 '15 at 7:40
  • $\begingroup$ Roughly, how much does it cost in NZ to insulate an average sized house? $\endgroup$ – dbm Jul 19 '15 at 2:08
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @dbn Would that be significantly different to Europe? $\endgroup$ – dwjohnston Jul 19 '15 at 2:15
  • $\begingroup$ @dwjohnston, I don't know. I am just wondering if the cost of insulation in NZ can be a factor. I am also just in general curious on how much it cots to insulate a house in NZ. $\endgroup$ – dbm Jul 19 '15 at 15:34
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Large parts of Europe without a continental climate still have well insulated houses. Note also that people in continental climate zones used to live without insulation in their houses and did not die. $\endgroup$ – HRSE Mar 11 '16 at 5:46

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.