Lighting the way for community connection
On Saturday, 9 August, 100s of people are expected to walk or wheel a section of Te Awa Cycleway under lights at Light Night Cambridge – and we’re proud to support the event through our sponsorship programme.
The upcoming event that looks to bring people together through the power of light is just one of twenty significant sponsorships that the 100 per cent customer-owned business has committed to support since the turn of the last financial year.
Starting at the Gaslight Theatre on Alpha Street in Cambridge, Light Night encourages people to bring along headlights and torches to light up the 2km section of path, creating a unique experience for people to enjoy along with food trucks and half-way hot chocolates.
Te Awa River Ride Trial Manager, Sarah Ulmer, says they’re thrilled to bring the Te Awa River Ride to life after dark with the third Light Night event in Cambridge.
“It’s a chance for the community to enjoy the trail in a whole new way – walking or riding through a really unique, illuminated experience that’s fun, free, and family-friendly!”
“We’re stoked to have the support of Waipā Networks through their sponsorship programme.
“It’s a great example of both organisations’ commitment to putting the community first – because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” says Ulmer.
General Manager Customer and Community, Anna Watson, says this particular sponsorship has a clear goal in mind – to benefit the people of Waipā and surrounding communities.
“The great thing about Light Night is it blends two things synonymous with our business, light (or electricity to be more specific), and community, making it the perfect match for our sponsorship programme,” says Watson.
Designed to deliver tangible outcomes and build community resilience, Waipā Networks sponsors a number of key initiatives which fall into two categories. The Level Two Sponsorships programme aims to give back to the people of Waipā, offering financial support above $1000 for qualifying initiatives. Sponsorships of up to $1000 are awarded twice a year through online application rounds.
Watson says the types of larger sponsorships vary. It’s not just one size fits all.
They span a wide range of topics and initiatives, from community events and education to environmental trusts and local chambers of commerce, each aligning with one or more of our focus areas: energy hardship, future technology, regional growth or education.
“This includes developing our youth and supporting local emergency service providers like the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade, who received funding for a new response vehicle as part of the programme.”
While there’s always a feeling to do more, Watson says the business needs to remain strategic when selecting recipients, ensuring outcomes are community-focused, align with strategic principles and ensure maximum return for the community.
“As a 100% community-owned organisation, we’re not accountable to specific shareholders, but to all our connected customers. This shapes every sponsorship decision we make and reflects which events and initiatives we support.”
Some of the other recent recipients include the Cambridge and Te Awamutu Chambers of Commerce, Waipa/King Country Life Education Trust, House of Science, Mathematics for a Lifetime, Evolocity and Kāwhia Museum, to name just a few.