It’s discount time, Waipā

The latest round of customer discounts is on the way for Waipā Networks customers as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our community.

As a 100% customer-owned electricity distribution company, every dollar we earn is reinvested back into Waipā, supporting local families, businesses, and community initiatives.

LOCAL OWNERSHIP DELIVERED PROFITS BACK TO CUSTOMERS

More than $3.58 million will be returned to customers this month, bringing the total discounts given back to eligible customers in 2025 to $6.44 million.

Waipā Networks Trust chairperson Sarah Matthews says the twice-yearly discounts are calculated based on each property’s energy usage and pricing plan, with an average discount of $123.80 for each eligible property.

“As a customer-owned company, Waipā Networks is proud to serve Waipā. These discounts reflect our values and ensure that profits generated are reinvested back into the community, and that customers share in the success of the network they own,” says Matthews.

KEEPING EVERY DOLLAR LOCAL

Local ownership through the Waipā Networks Trust ensures that decisions are made with the community’s best interests at heart, and that benefits, such as customer discounts, sponsorships, and community donations, are returned to Waipā communities, not external shareholders.

Since 2001, Waipā Networks has returned over $100 million to customers through discounts, dividends, and community support programmes.

Waipā Networks chief executive Sean Horgan says the value for customers extends to ongoing investment in regional growth. New businesses can set up in our region with confidence, and existing businesses have more opportunities to expand, as there is greater network capacity to meet the increasing demand that comes with growth.

“With Waipā being one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, infrastructure projects like the new 33kV Hautapu Substation make sure our network’s reliable and ready for the future,” he explains.

“In the past financial year alone, we invested nearly $30 million in network projects to support growth and reliability across the rohe.”

COMMUNITY VALUE IN ACTION

Beyond customer discounts, an estimated $14 million has been returned to Waipā over the last year through sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and employment.

Horgan says sponsorships power everything from grassroots sports and education programmes to community events and energy efficiency initiatives.

“One of our most recent partnerships was with Waikato Rugby, where we helped bring New Zealand’s premier women’s rugby, the Farah Palmer Cup match between Waitomo Waikato FPC team and Manawatū Cyclones, back to Hautapu, inspiring the next generation of wāhine in Waipā.

The event provided the perfect opportunity to champion another important local cause: a pie fundraising campaign for Cambridge-based not-for-profit, Kids in Need Waikato,” says Horgan.

“We’re also supporting hands-on learning in local classrooms through Mathematics for a Lifetime Trust, House of Science, School Kits and the Waipā King Country Life Education Trust, resilience initiatives like our Winter Warmer Packs programme, and partnering with community organisations like Cambridge Community House, Kainga Aroha and Ko Wai Au, to support their mahi.”

A CENTURY OF SERVICE AND WE’VE ONLY JUST STARTED

As we celebrate more than 100 years of powering Waipā, our focus remains on strengthening our network, supporting local initiatives, and ensuring the benefits of community ownership are felt across the region.

Our future plans include continued investment in infrastructure resilience, support for energy efficiency, and deeper engagement with local organisations.

“Customer discounts are just one way we’re showing that when the community owns the network, everyone benefits,” says Matthews.

“While a discount can provide a small bit of financial relief for many households and businesses in Waipā, we’re proud to be part of the wider movement that proves electricity distribution can be efficient, reliable and community-focused.”

Visit Customer Discounts – Waipa Networks or call 0800 800 769 to learn more about how customer discounts work.