A leader of the lower North Island iwi, Ngati Toa, says the Government is waking up to the problem of cold damp homes.
The Government is to spend $100 million over three years on insulating more cold homes.
The programme, to be called Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes, will target low-income households, especially families with children and high health needs.
Te Runanga o Ngati Toa chairperson Taku Parai said it's important to improve home standards, such as insulation.
He said the Government is just waking up to the problem of ensuring housing standards are appropriate.
Mr Parai said cold damp homes lead to mental and physical health issues for children and adults so it's important that homes are brought up to standard.
He said warmer and healthier homes would mean better lives for children.
The new programme is expected to insulate 46,000 extra houses.
