Community Initiative of the Year
This award recognises a partnership or initiative that delivers meaningful and enduring benefits to communities through genuine collaboration and a commitment to community outcomes.
Sponsored by

Contact Energy
The Good Initiative
finalist
Community Initiative of the Year
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2026
Launched in September 2025, Contact's 'The Good Initiative' is a $5 million programme which is focused on supporting customers and communities facing hardship. Through partnerships with 57 social agencies and heartland community groups, Contact covers energy costs so organisations can direct more funding to frontline support. The initiative reflects Contact's Tikanga of being a good neighbour, responding to growing pressures across communities in Aotearoa. The programme builds on the success of Contact's long-running customer wellbeing programme, including flexible payments, credits and no disconnection fees. It also expands support beyond customers and into communities in need.