Contact Energy (Contact) has made a long-term commitment to help improve the wellbeing of Northland communities by establishing The Northland Contact Energy Community Wellbeing Fund in partnership with Northland Community Foundation.
Contact recently donated $30,000 to the new charitable fund, which will be managed by Northland Community Foundation, to support organisations that provide foodbanks, budgeting and welfare centres services.
Bryan Middleton, Head of Customer Experience at Contact, says the energy company was mindful people living in Northland have had a tough time this year and looked for a way to help.
“At Contact, it’s important for us to serve the communities we work in, and to be a good neighbour. We sought guidance from Northland Community Foundation, who have a good understanding of the needs of the region, and discussed tangible ways we could help those who are struggling. We really hope this fund makes a difference,” says Mr Middleton.
Contact has also made a $10,000 donation towards the operational costs of the Northland Community Foundation, which is a charitable organisation that facilitates investing donations to worthy causes in Northland.
Sophie Lane, Chief Executive at Northland Community Foundation says, "We are very happy to work with Contact Energy to make a long-term difference in Northland. We are looking forward to delivering the first grants from The Northland Contact Energy Community Wellbeing Fund to groups that are providing practical support to Northlanders who need a helping hand. This fund will enable local organisations to provide vital support, fostering resilience and wellbeing across the region.”
Since July 2023, Contact has provided more than $2million of assistance to customers and communities in need, including support credits to customers, and funding for communities affected by weather events. This also includes providing free energy and broadband to Women’s Refuge’s safehouses and refuges across the country. In addition, in August, Contact removed disconnection and reconnection fees for non-payment for all customers struggling to make ends meet.
Contact has a dedicated Energy Wellbeing team that works alongside the most vulnerable customers on a wide range of plans, payment options and tailored support to help them stay out of debt.
“We encourage any of our customers who are finding it tough to speak to us as soon as possible. We’re here to help.” says Mr Middleton.
ENDS
Lotty Hird, Senior Communications Advisor
M: 027 207 8684
E: lotty.hird @contactenergy.co.nz
Contact Energy is one of New Zealand’s largest energy generators and retailers. We have more than 607,000 customer connections with electricity, gas, broadband and mobile plans. We currently operate 11 power stations across New Zealand, using geothermal, hydro and thermal energy to generate electricity.
We are committed to leading the decarbonisation of New Zealand, and it is our vision to create and contribute to a better place to live; from the homes and communities we live in, to the land and resources that future generations can enjoy.
Website: contact.co.nz More information can be found in Contact’s 2024 Integrated Report