Waipā Networks aiming to warm over 600 bellies this winter

Nominations have now closed for Waipā Networks’ 2025 Winter Warmer Packs initiative, with over 600 people set to benefit from packs loaded with winter goodies to keep bellies and hearts warm during winter.

Running since 2023, the initiative encourages people to nominate individuals and whānau in need or who may be struggling, particularly through the colder months when energy costs tend to be higher.

Waipā Networks’ General Manager of Customer and Community, Anna Watson, says the initiative continues to gain traction and interest with more and more nominations received year on year.

“As an organisation that is 100% owned by its customers, our kaupapa is not shareholders or profit – it’s putting the community at the centre of everything we do as we build tomorrow’s network today.”

“Another key focus is supporting community members facing hardship—and this initiative helps us do exactly that,” she says.

Nominations are made by individuals, schools, and community groups, including Ko Wai Au Trust, Citizens Advice Cambridge, Kainga Aroha Community House, Cambridge Community House, Ngāti Maniapoto Marae PACT Trust, and Salvation Army, who then support delivering the packs.

Watson says that it’s also about the businesses that get behind this Kaupapa to make it happen.

Sponsored by Fresh Choice Leamington, Ingham Mitsubishi Te Awamutu, CHP Electrical, and Rosetown Print Te Awamutu, this year’s packs are centred around an air fryer, a grocery voucher, and several family-friendly, cost-effective air fryer recipes.

“The manākitanga and support people have for each other in our community is amazing, and we’re just proud that we can be a part of it,” says Watson.

With nominations now complete, this year’s Winter Warmer packs are being loaded and delivered to collection points across the district.

Stay tuned for updates!