Author: Matthew Cutler-Welsh
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Political Party Comparison of Affordable Housing Policies
Here it is. A comparison of the affordable housing policies from the three main New Zealand political parties. While National and Labour target 1,000 houses per year, the Green’s proposal targets 3,000 units per year plus another 1,000 per year through funding provided to third sector organsiation. The estimated demand of housing in New Zealand…
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Housing Affordability
I worry about the seemingly constant reference to greenfield development and opening up current city limits, in the debate over housing affordability. Another article just today concluded with that sentiment. And greenfield development seemed to be the foregone conclusion even at the outset of the Productivity Commission report last year. What are the other solutions?…
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Summer Projects – Outdoor Laundry Line
Well it’s been far too long, but I have been busy while I’ve been away from the computer. Most recently I enjoyed a great Christmas & summer break. My Dad was also here and we got some great projects done around that house, many of which will help improve the overall sustainability of our home.…
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Housing is a Health Issue
Poor quality housing is housing that doesn’t do it’s job well. So what’s the job of a house? I think it’s to keep us warm, dry and healthy. These are the basics. Above that it’s a place for us to live; grow, entertain, learn, rest and share happy times with friends and family. Perhaps sometimes…
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Small Homes are the Next Big Thing
Just heard a recent interview with ‘Urbanist’ Tommy Honey talking on Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon. The topic was micro units. You can listen to the interview here: As Tommy Honey points out, microacrchitecture is not a new concept and there have been some other recent developments here in New Zealand. The bright young…
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New Energy Efficiency Standards for Lighting
How do you know how efficient a light bulb is? Well soon we’ll be able to use the a similar system that’s available for comparing fridges, dishwashers, heat pumps and various other appliances. It’s called Minimum Energy Performance Standards, or MEPS for short. You can find out more about MEPS on the EECA website. From…
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What is the best form of home heating?
I was fortunate to be part of the Auckland Home Show last weekend. Yes, for me this was fortunate because I like that sort of stuff – getting to see what’s happening in the industry and also talking with people about what their concerns are about their homes. I got the chance to talk to…
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16 That’s Not Rubbish!
I have a thing about ‘rubbish’. I guess I have a thing about a lot of things that don’t really makes sense in our modern lives, but let’s not get started on all that. A presenter at the recent Auckland Home Show summed it up well when she said that no organic material should ever…
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15 Who do you call for free eco design advice?
Eion Scott is an Eco Design Advisor with the Auckland Council. Eco Design Advisors around the country offer free, in home, independent advice on how to improve the warmth, health and comfort of your home. For more information go to the Eco Design Advisor website.
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Episode 14: What’s an architectural designer and do you need one?
An architectural designer sits somewhere between a draughter and an architect. Bob Burnett is an experienced architectural designer in Christchurch and he explained to me some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to consult with a designer if you’re planning a new build or a renovation. Bob is also an experienced energy modeller…