Hundreds of native trees are being raised for planting on the Kapiti Coast as a result of residents investing in making their homes warmer and healthier last year.

K?piti Coast District Council and local company Brien Electrical worked together to encourage homeowners to install heat pumps and insulation with government grant assistance last winter. A contribution from each heat pump sale went towards purchasing seedlings for local environmental restoration projects.

The 300 seedlings have been added to others being raised at the K?piti Community Enterprises Trust nursery in Leinster Ave, Raumati South, and will be planted in projects co-ordinated by Kapiti-Mana Forest and Bird this autumn.

As well as working with the groups involved, the Council supported the promotion by offering free, independent advice to homeowners on efficient home heating from their Eco Design Advisor. Council officer Jake Roos says the enterprise is a win-win for the environment. "We are glad to have helped residents reduce the impact and increase the comfort of their homes while providing a way for them to support the dedicated volunteers restoring the natural environments we all enjoy."