Superhome Movement
The Superhome Movement is a not-for-profit, industry-led group focused on creating transformative change in the New Zealand building industry. The goal of the movement is to raise standards so that all new homes are healthier and more energy efficient, while also promoting environmental, economic, and socially sustainable practices.
In terms of building standards, New Zealand is around 20 years behind other developed countries in the OECD. In fact, almost all houses built today are built to the minimum standard allowed by law (equivalent to a Homestar rating of 3). This is well below what is acceptable in other developed countries where minimum standards are around a Homestar rating of 6 or above. New Zealand has one of the highest childhood asthma rates and childhood poverty rates in the OECD. Our children have 3rd world diseases that are rarely seen in developed countries. It economically and socially makes sense to invest in better houses. In a University of Otago study, it showed that for every dollar spent on housing, it saved $4 on healthcare. We need to update our houses and building codes so that our homes and children are healthy.
The Superhome Movement was founded in response to the Christchurch Earthquakes when Bob Burnett, who co-founded the movement, experienced first-hand the serious health effects sub-standard housing was having on his two young children. Seeing a lack of action by government and council groups inspired him to employ a grassroots, ground up approach to educating residents and industry groups in order to initiate behavioural change in decision making around designing and building warm, healthy homes.
Superhome movement participants are dedicated to helping you get a new home that will be warm and healthy, use less energy, be affordable, and last longer!
Exemplar Homes tour presentation 2016