Energised community connections ahead in 2026

Waipā Networks is reaffirming its commitment to its communities, continuing its long-standing support for local organisations at the heart of local wellbeing: Ko Wai Au Trust, Cambridge Community House and Kainga Aroha Community House.

General Manager, Customer and Community, Anna Watson, says that, as a customer-owned organisation through the Waipā Networks Trust, Waipā Networks reinvests its profits back into the communities it serves. Supporting local groups that uplift whānau, connect communities and build resilience is a key part of their mission.

“At Waipā Networks, keeping our customers connected means more than just delivering electricity to homes and businesses,” says Watson.

“It also means walking alongside local organisations that help our communities thrive and support whānau, rangatahi, and those facing life’s challenges when it’s most needed.”

Ko Wai Au is a kaupapa Māori initiative that helps young people explore their identity and strengthen their sense of belonging. Waipā Networks supports the Trust through its higher education scholarships, and the Trust also has full access to one of Waipā Networks’ electric vehicles to support its mahi.

“Through the partnership with Waipā Networks, we’re seeing the impact of sustained, wraparound support for rangatahi facing complex challenges,” says Ko Wai Au co-founder and general manager, Georgina Christie.

“One of our recent scholarship recipients initially engaged with our services because her attendance at school was low, and she had limited support to get back on track,” Christie explains.

“Over the past year, with mentoring, hauora support, and practical guidance, she not only improved her attendance but also completed a first-aid course, gained volunteer and casual employment experience, engaged in counselling, and successfully completed school. With growing confidence and independence, including support toward her restricted licence, she has now been accepted into the University of Waikato to study law,” she adds.

Waipā Networks will continue collaborating closely with each partner throughout 2026, helping to expand their reach and strengthen their impact across its network.

“These partnerships are about connection, compassion, and creating a stronger future together,” says Watson.

“When we support the mahi of Ko Wai Au, Cambridge Community House and Kainga Aroha, we’re not just supporting their services. We’re backing the people who show up day in and day out to help our community’s most vulnerable.

“Whether it’s helping a young person find pride in who they are, guiding a family through tough financial times, or offering a safe space to heal, this is the kind of impact that truly matters. And it’s exactly the sort of work Waipā Networks is proud to support,” says Watson.