A partnership between Perpetual Guardian and Awarua Synergy is helping elderly Southlanders stay warm through winter with free insulation and heating upgrades.

The collaboration has been running for a year, building on a relationship that started 21 years ago when the Guy Waddel Trust first partnered with Awarua Synergy to launch the Bluff Healthy Homes Project.

Catherine Aerepo's father Tei recently had a heat pump installed through the programme. "The heat pump has brought real comfort, warmth and peace of mind," she said. "We are incredibly grateful to Awarua Synergy and Perpetual Guardian for their generosity and support in helping us get over the line under our special circumstances."

National Development Manager David Boyce said Guy Waddel's legacy continues to benefit the community. "Guy Waddel showed remarkable foresight by getting his affairs in order and choosing to leave a legacy that continues to benefit his community," he said. "His generosity is still warming homes and lives across Southland."

Rising living costs are putting pressure on older residents, with many Southlanders over 65 struggling to afford heating. Cold, damp housing poses significant health risks for elderly people, particularly during the region's harsh winters.

Awarua Synergy, a Southland-owned service provider, has delivered insulation, heating and home efficiency solutions across the region for more than 21 years. The company works with elderly residents to make homes warmer, drier and healthier at no cost to eligible participants.

With winter approaching, both organisations are encouraging Southlanders aged 65 and over to contact them about free insulation and heating support. "If you're over 65 and living in Southland, now is the time to prepare for winter. We're here to help."

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