06 AUG 2026
For women and children escaping family violence, a safe place to stay can mean everything.
It needs to be warm. It needs to feel secure. And it needs to be somewhere they can begin to rebuild.
That's the work Women's Refuge does every day across Aotearoa. But like many community organisations, rising costs can put pressure on resources that are needed elsewhere. That's why Contact's partnership with Women's Refuge is focused on something simple: helping remove the cost of essential services so more funding can be directed to supporting women, tamariki and whānau.
Creating spaces where people can feel safe
A warm home is something many of us take for granted. For families arriving at a refuge, it can make a world of difference.
Power and broadband help ensure safe houses are warm through winter, welcoming at any hour of the day or night, and equipped with the everyday comforts that help people settle into a new environment. From heating and lighting to staying connected with family, schools and support services, these essentials help create stability during a difficult time.
For many organisations, knowing these services are taken care of means one less thing to worry about and more focus on supporting the people who need them most.
Turning savings into support
The value of the partnership isn't measured in power bills saved. It's measured in what those savings make possible.
Across the country, funding that would otherwise be spent on electricity, broadband and utilities is being redirected into frontline support. That includes emergency accommodation, food, clothing, children's programmes, transport assistance and the everyday essentials families need when starting over.
Some organisations have used the savings to improve children's spaces and safe houses. Others have expanded programmes, purchased new resources or provided extra support to families during times of crisis.
Every organisation is different, but the outcome is the same: more of their funding can be invested directly into helping people.
Supporting the journey beyond refuge
The need for support doesn't end when someone leaves a safe house.
Starting again can come with practical challenges, including setting up power, managing household costs and establishing a home of their own. Through Contact's Wellbeing programme, additional support is available to help remove some of those barriers and make the process easier for people who may be facing financial hardship or difficult circumstances.
It's one of the ways we can help people move forward with greater confidence, knowing they have access to the essentials needed to create a safe and stable home.
More than energy
At Contact, we believe access to energy can have a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Our partnership with Women's Refuge is about more than providing electricity and broadband. It's about helping create warm, welcoming environments, supporting organisations that are doing incredible work in communities across Aotearoa, and enabling more resources to reach the women and children who need them.
Because when essential services are taken care of, more time, energy and funding can go towards helping people feel safe, supported and ready for what comes next.
For independent complaint or pricing advice, UDL, Billy & Powerswitch can help.
Read our Residential Consumer Care policy on how we'll keep you safe and connected.
