Warmer Kiwi Homes Heat Pump Grant
EECA's heat pump subsidy explained — eligibility, what's covered, and what to do next
Up to 80% off a heat pump for eligible NZ homeowners
The Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme is a NZ government programme run by EECA that helps eligible homeowners install a heat pump in their main living room at a heavily subsidised price — typically 80% covered, with the homeowner contributing $500–$2,000.
The scheme is delivered through EECA-approved service providers, not private installers. We're a private installer — so if you qualify for Warmer Kiwi Homes, applying directly via EECA is the right path. If you don't qualify, or you want an independent quote for comparison, Airmax provides fixed-price standard installs across the Waikato.
Who qualifies for the Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump grant?
You're likely eligible if
- Own your home (owner-occupied — not rentals)
- Built before 2008 (when the building code changed insulation standards)
- Hold a Community Services Card, or
- Live in an area on EECA's targeted low-income equity list, or
- Have a SuperGold Card with the Community Services concession
Not eligible — but still need a heat pump?
If you own a rental, the home was built after 2008, or you don't hold a qualifying card, you can still install a heat pump at the standard rate. Standard high-wall installs start from $2,500 across the Waikato.
Landlords: the standard path for rental properties is the Healthy Homes heating standard.
Get a Standard QuoteWhat the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant covers
- Up to 80% off the cost of an approved heat pump (capped — usually $3,000 max contribution)
- Installation by an EECA-approved installer
- Heat pump model that meets EECA's energy-efficiency spec
- Pre-install assessment to confirm fit and capacity
- Documentation for your property records
The scheme also covers ceiling and underfloor insulation — often installed in the same visit. Insulation grants are managed separately by EECA's delivery partners.
How to apply for a Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump
Check eligibility
Visit warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz or call EECA to confirm whether your property and circumstances qualify. The check takes about 5 minutes.
Apply for the grant
If eligible, EECA refers you to an approved service provider in your region. They handle the grant paperwork — you don't pay anything upfront.
Site visit & spec
An approved installer (or Airmax for standard installs) visits your home, measures the main living room, and recommends the right heat pump.
Installation
The heat pump is installed, commissioned, and you receive paperwork showing the work is complete and the subsidy applied.
Warmer Kiwi Homes questions
What is the Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump grant?
The Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme is a NZ government programme run by EECA that covers up to 80% of the cost of installing an approved heat pump in eligible low-income, owner-occupied homes. The remaining 20% is paid by the homeowner — typically $500–$2,000 depending on the unit and install complexity. The scheme also covers ceiling and underfloor insulation.
Who is eligible for the Warmer Kiwi Homes heat pump grant?
Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility requires you to own and live in the home, the home must have been built before 2008, and you must hold a Community Services Card, a SuperGold Card with the Community Services concession, or live in an area on EECA's targeted equity list. Rental properties are not eligible — landlords need to use the standard Healthy Homes pathway.
How much does a heat pump cost under Warmer Kiwi Homes?
Under the Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme, eligible homeowners typically pay $500–$2,000 for a heat pump installed in their main living room — that's the homeowner contribution after EECA's subsidy. Total install value is usually $2,500–$4,500, with the government covering up to 80%. The exact contribution depends on the heat pump model and install complexity.
Can I use any installer for the Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme?
No — only EECA-approved installers and service providers can deliver Warmer Kiwi Homes installations. EECA contracts regional service providers (often Community Energy Action or similar) who manage the install. If you'd like an independent quote for comparison, or you don't qualify for the scheme, Airmax can quote standard installation across the Waikato.
What heat pumps are approved under Warmer Kiwi Homes?
Heat pumps approved under Warmer Kiwi Homes must meet EECA's minimum energy-efficiency standards — typically a Coefficient of Performance (COP) above a set threshold, plus a heating capacity matched to the room's volume and insulation. Most modern Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Hitachi, Fujitsu, and Panasonic units meet the spec. The approved installer confirms model eligibility before install.
What if I don't qualify for Warmer Kiwi Homes?
If you don't qualify for Warmer Kiwi Homes — for example you own a rental, the home was built after 2008, or you don't hold a Community Services Card — you can still install a heat pump at the standard rate. Airmax provides fixed-price quotes from $2,500 installed for a single high-wall unit, with finance options available to spread the cost.
How long does the Warmer Kiwi Homes application take?
Warmer Kiwi Homes applications typically take 2–6 weeks from initial enquiry to installation, depending on regional service-provider workload. Peak winter months can run longer. If you need heating sooner, a standard install (no grant) can usually be booked within 1–2 weeks across the Waikato.
