The mobile curtain bank is back just in time for winter

With thanks to a unique partnership between Kāpiti Coast District Council, Energise Ōtaki Inc., Citizens Advice Bureau Ōtaki and Sustainability Trust in Wellington, free curtains are being provided to Ōtaki homes in need just in time for winter this year.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Corporate Planning and Reporting Manager Kevin Black says the curtains, available to Ōtaki Community Services Card holders, can prevent up to 60% heat loss from draughty and older houses during the coldest months of New Zealand winters.

“Lined curtains – those with two or more layers of material – are thermally effective and a good first step toward a healthy home. Power and medical bills can be reined in quite a bit just by hanging curtains in windows. Combine this with draught stoppers and insulation around windows and doors and heat loss can be cut by more than half.”

Last year, the Curtain Bank helped 56 families in Ōtaki, and the initiative aims to supply even more families with curtains this year. Forms to apply for curtains can be picked up at the Ōtaki Citizens Advice Bureau and then dropped off next week. As the curtains are made to measure in Wellington, they will be ready for pick-up in Ōtaki late-April.

If you miss the Ōtaki Mobile Curtain Bank deadline, you may still be able to access the scheme by contacting Sustainability Trust Wellington directly by phone – 0508 787824 (ext. 705) or email – [email protected].