Moss, mould and mildew standing up to be counted at next Census
The next census has a new question…
Zealand houses. Photo: Joanna Bu.
For the first time in census history, New Zealanders will be asked about the moss, mould, and mildew in their homes.
Statistics New Zealand has added the state of housing to the types of data to be collected in March, 2018. The aim is collect a national picture of the state of homes and other dwellings around the country.
New Zealand Statistician Liz MacPherson said: “Our consultation highlighted the importance of collecting information on aspects of housing quality that affect health, and the highest priorities were information about mould, dampness, and access to basic amenities.”
According to the latest House Condition Survey report issued by BRANZ, a research and consultancy organisation, nearly half of all houses surveyed within New Zealand show visible signs of mould. For many of those households, minimising exposure to dampness can be a simple task.
“If I find any leaks I fix them straight away and dry them out with the fire or dehumidifier. The fire helps out a lot to keep the house dry and warm,” homeowner Tony Collumbell said.
However, permanent solutions are not always easy as the leaky home era complicated issues.
“I wanted to insulate the garage. A company said they would will not touch my house because of the leaky home thing. They say it’s because they can’t guarantee it,” Collumbell said.
