HEALTH AND HOUSING - SEASONALITY IN NEW-ZEALAND MORTALITY

The common belief that New Zealand's climate is mild appears to be sup ported by the statistics of deaths directly attributable to cold. Howe ver an initial analysis of seasonality of mortality using the modified Edwards method suggests New Zealand has a greater seasonality of mort ality than the more extreme climates of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Japan or Sweden. Examination of New Zealand monthl y mortality from 1976 to 1986 suggests this is driven by the seasonali ty of mortality of those aged 65 and over. Three surveys of temperatur es within New Zealand homes have suggested that few are fully maintain ed in the 18-degrees-C to 24-degrees-C comfort range. Mean temperature s close to or below 16-degrees-C were found in two of these surveys. F urther research is suggested to examine the links between health and h ousing thermal performance. This research should combine both health a nd building science knowledge and techniques.