Energising Community Investment

Our vision to reimagine energy to put control in our customers’ hands is reflected in our community investment programme.

There is a growing awareness in New Zealand of the need to encourage young people to develop science, technology and maths skills. Why? Because it is these skills that will be required in the jobs of the future. So, from a community investment point of view, we feel we can make a difference by helping young people get excited and interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) so that they can be the ‘energy innovators of the future’.

Central to this new direction is our own School-gen programme, which provides educational resources and activities for students, teachers and families, and is our flagship community initiative. Read more about that programme here.

Over time we will be looking to partner with organisations and initiatives that are aiming to help young people develop STEM skills. If you are interested in finding out more about our community investment programme contact:

Jenny Burke
Community Investment Manager
09 951 9283
021 816 533
[email protected]

Our community investment initiatives

School-gen

School-gen is our way of inspiring children to become energy innovators. Since 2006 we have given all New Zealand schools open access to our School-gen education programme. School-gen has worked with almost 100 schools so the students can see in ‘real time’ how much electricity their solar panels are generating, and what a difference their energy efficiency can make. Since 2018 our focus has been on engaging students with STEM and sustainability, through new resources, games, maker projects and competitions.

National Whio Recovery Project

Genesis and the Department of Conservation have been working together since 2011 to secure the future of one our most endangered native birds, the whio (Blue Duck).
The partnership funds predator control programmes to secure the population of this highly endangered species. In addition Genesis and DOC run communication and advocacy activities to grow awareness of the plight of the whio and the need to protect it.

School-gen Trust

The Genesis School-gen Trust provides equipment to schools that will help grow their students understanding and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and renewable energy. The Trust was established in January 2019 and is governed by a Board of Trustees. Every dollar donated to the Trust goes to schools as Genesis covers all infrastructure, accounting and administration costs. In addition to covering this, Genesis has donated $100k to the Trust during 2019. The Trust runs two funding rounds per year (April / July).

Curtain banks

Genesis is a major supporter of Curtain Banks in Wellington - Sustainability Trust and Christchurch - Community Energy Action. These Curtain Banks take donated second-hand curtains or fabric and re-cut and line them for distribution to households in need. The aim is to assist families to save money on their energy bills by creating warmer, healthier, more private homes.

Duffy Books in Homes

Duffy Books in Homes aims to encourage reading and targets students in low socio-economic areas where the children are more likely to come from bookless homes. Genesis supports the Books in Homes programme at Huntly Primary School and Huntly West Primary School.

Aoraki Bound

Aoraki Bound is a 20-day programme which brings together Ngai Tahu tikanga culture with the learning and development expertise of Outward Bound to foster personal development and build leadership.

Taupo for Tomorrow

The Taupo for Tomorrow programme is an educational programme run in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and the Tongariro Trout Centre Society at the National Trout Centre in Turangi. The focus of the programme is on environmental sustainability with a specific focus on the importance of protecting the fresh water habitat.