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More than one-third of Māori and Pacific people were living in damp homes at the time of the 2018 Census.
Stats NZ census data delivery manager Susan Hollows says it was the first census to ask about household damp and mould, and the results were eye-opening.
She says the new information will be valuable for those seeking resources for vulnerable communities, and also in informing the ongoing response to COVID-19.
Just over 35 per cent of Māori had damp homes, compared with just 22.3 per cent for New Zealand overall.
In the Northland and Counties Manukau District Health board areas, the proportion was over 40 per cent.
Cold, damp, and mouldy homes adversely impact whānau health and wellbeing, with mould linked to serious health conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, and rheumatic fever.
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