Media Release: Meridian Energy Limited, 29 November 2013
Vulnerable Whaingaroa residents battling with damp and drafty homes will soon benefit from a new energy conservation programme, thanks to a $1,500 grant from Meridian Energy’s Te Uku Community Fund.
Vulnerable Whaingaroa residents battling with damp and drafty homes will soon benefit from a new energy conservation programme, thanks to a $1,500 grant from Meridian Energy’s Te Uku Community Fund. “Many of our low income community members live in substandard homes, suffering health problems and high energy bills. Our programme will install recycled carpets, draft stoppers, and other energy conservation measures into homes that desperately need them” says John Lawson, Secretary of Whaingaroa Affordable Housing Trust.
Raglan’s Surf Lifesaving Club is preparing for the summer, with a grant of $5,612 for the purchase of new rescue equipment. “Last year was pretty busy for the Club, with 91 rescues and 51 searches. This new safety equipment means we can continue to provide this much-needed service to our community, and we’re very grateful for Meridian’s support” says John Thomas, Administrator for Raglan Surf Lifesaving Club.
Over $16,000 has been granted in the latest allocation from Meridian Energy’s Te Uku Community Fund. “Supporting grass-roots community projects is a key part of our operations here in the Waikato,” says Hamish Scott, Te Uku Site Manager and Chair of the Te Uku Community Fund. “These organisations perform a vital role in rural communities like Te Uku, Raglan, Waitetuna and Te Mata, and Meridian is proud to support them” says Hamish.
$120,000 has been made available to local community initiatives over three years through the Te Uku Community Fund. Funding allocations are managed by a panel of community representatives and Meridian staff. In the past Meridian’s Community Funds have supported a diverse range of projects including environmental conservation, volunteer emergency services, schools, education programs, and heritage restoration.
Projects supported in this round of Meridian’s Te Uku Community Fund include:
Te Mata School Basketball Team
$380 will purchase a compressor to inflate basketballs and other sporting equipment.
Te Mata School Parent Teachers Association
$375 will purchase paint to mark out courts and other play areas, helping to encourage more people to use the playing grounds.
Community Violence Prevention and Awareness Group
$1,500 will contribute to the running of the Everyday Theatre Programme in Raglan. The programme addresses violence in families.
Revive Te Mata Early Childhood Education Centre
$3,430 will install a new sliding door at Te Mata Hall to enhance safety.
Raglan Community Medical Equipment Pool
$3,377 will contribute to the purchase of medical equipment for use by health care professionals across the Raglan community.
Whaingaroa Affordable Housing Trust Energy Conservation Project
$1,500 will purchase and install carpet fittings, draught excluders and other energy conservation solutions in homes in the Whaingaroa area.
Trust Waikato Raglan Surf Life Saving Club
$5,612 will purchase replacement rescue equipment (stretcher equipment and 12 rescue tubes) and a trailer for their rescue boat.
To find out more about Meridian’s award winning Community Funds, including how and when to apply, visit meridian.co.nz/communityfunds