Energy Poverty among Tertiary Students in Aotearoa New Zealand

Isobel Kiri Harris Clark, Saera Chun, Kimberley Clare O’Sullivan and Nevil Pierse
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Isobel Kiri Harris Clark: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington P.O. Box 7343, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
Saera Chun: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington P.O. Box 7343, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
Kimberley Clare O’Sullivan: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington P.O. Box 7343, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
Nevil Pierse: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington P.O. Box 7343, Wellington 6242, New Zealand

Energies, 2021, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Energy poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand is well-documented, and tertiary students have been identified as an at-risk group. However, there has been very little research on tertiary students’ experiences of energy poverty in New Zealand. This paper used a nationwide online survey to investigate the extent and impact of energy poverty among tertiary students. Furthermore, it aimed to identify disparities between different demographic groups, understand the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate the effectiveness of the support policies available to students. Responses from 522 students were analysed; 85% were under 30 years old, 72% were female, 14% identified as M?ori, and 14% reported having long-term disabilities or health concerns. The findings of this study are concerning. Tertiary students in New Zealand are largely living in dwelling conditions that do not meet recommended health standards and exacerbate energy poverty. Energy poverty has adverse effects on their physical and mental health; however, available support is limited or inaccessible. Most significantly, the impact of energy poverty is disproportionally affecting students with long-term disabilities or health concerns as well as students identifying as M?ori. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 further strained students experiencing energy poverty and again, disproportionally affected more vulnerable students.

Keywords: energy poverty; tertiary students; COVID-19; disability; housing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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