Inspiring tomorrow’s innovators

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.  It’s important for kids to study STEM subjects to develop their problem solving and critical design thinking skills. This is important as, according to the New Zealand Government, almost all future jobs will require some STEM knowledge.  

Successful schools will be able to choose equipment from 5 categories, including:

1. Devices (e.g. iPads, Laptops or Chromebooks)
    
2. Device/STEM bundles (e.g. iPads, Laptops or Chromebooks combined with Sphero BOLT & Electronic kits)
    
3. STEM (e.g. Literacy Kits, Sphero BOLT, Electronic kits)
    
4. Science (e.g. lab, biology, earth science, chemistry or physics kits and equipment)
    
5. Solar/monitoring bundle (e.g. solar array, monitoring equipment, installation and connection to the School-gen solar programme)

You can find out more about what’s included in each of the packages here.

Yes, the Trust’s registration number is CC56571.  It is also incorporated under the Charities Trust Act 1957 and statutory documentation on the Trust can be found on the Societies and Trust section of the Companies office website.

Genesis wants to help schools find ways to encourage their students to engage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learning and recognised that having the right equipment and resources is vital in doing this.

Genesis supports the Trust by linking it to its Genesis School-gen programme and by covering all legal, financial and administration costs.  This means 100% of customer donations go to the Genesis School-gen Trust. 

The Genesis School-gen programme is a community initiative that Genesis has supported for over a decade, helping over 90 schools throughout New Zealand by providing free educational resources focused on getting young people engaged in learning about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and renewable energy. 

The Genesis School-gen Trust supports this initiative, by providing free science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and solar equipment to New Zealand schools.  Through the School-gen programme, Genesis became aware that having the right equipment and resources to engage kids in STEM subjects is vital. As an energy company focused on innovation, Genesis saw another opportunity to support schools and further develop the next generation of energy innovators.  So, the idea of setting up the Trust was born. 

Donations can be set-up and managed through Energy IQ (web or app) or by calling 0800 436 025 and following the automated voice prompts. Some customers will also be invited to set-up their donation via an online form.

How easy is it to manage or change my donation?
If you’ve set-up a donation and want to change the amount or cancel your donation, you can easily do this via Energy IQ (web or app) or by calling 0800 436 025 and following the automated voice prompts.

Donations are processed on the 1st day of each month. You can change your donation at any time and this will apply from the next calendar month.

How will my donation appear on my Genesis bill?
Your donation will appear on your bill under the area titled “Other Transactions”

When is my donation amount added to my bill?
Your donation amount will always be added to your bill on the 1st day of the month. 

Why is there more than one donation amount on my bill?
Your donation amount will always be added to your bill on the 1st day of the month.  If your billing period extends across 2 months, it may include two 1st of the month. For example, if your billing period is 28th August to 3rd October, you will see two donation amounts dated 1st September and 1st October.

Can I nominate a school to receive my donation?
Unfortunately, no.  The Trusts’ Board of Trustees carefully considers all applications before selecting the successful schools.  There are over 2,500 schools in New Zealand and to make a difference to any one school, a certain amount of funding is required and so all donations are pooled. 

How do I find out where my donation is being used?
At the end of each of the Trusts’ funding rounds, Genesis will update our website with details on the successful schools.  From time to time, we may also contact customers directly to let them know how the successful schools are using the equipment they received.

What happens to my donation if I’m no longer a Genesis customer?
If you’re no longer a Genesis customer, your donation will be automatically stopped.  A tax certificate will be sent at the end the financial year ending 31 March, to the postal or email address you provided to us.  If you move, please ensure you update your details by calling on us 0800 300 400.

I’m not a Genesis customer, can I still donate?
At this time, we can accept donations from Genesis customers who can add a donation amount to their energy bill.  If you’re a Genesis Business customer or not a Genesis customer and would still like to donate, please contact the Trust Administrator at [email protected].

Can I put in a tax claim for my donation?
It is worth putting in a tax claim for all donations over $5 as the Government will refund 1/3 of the amount donated.  A tax certificate will be sent to you at the end of the financial year ending 31 March.

What if I move, where is my tax certificate sent?
If you move, please ensure you update your contact details by calling on us 0800 300 400 so we can email or post your tax certificate to you at the end of the financial year ending 31 March.