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
Todd Energy
Otaraua Hapū and Todd Energy business partnership initiative
winner
Community Initiative of the Year
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2025
Todd Energy and Otaraua Hapū proudly share the success of their partnership initiative, conceived in 2014, leading to the formation of Nga Ringawera Otaraua (NRO), a business entity of the Hapū. Since 2022, NRO has diversified from catering and cleaning into business ownership, environmental and cultural monitoring, biodiversity project design, and land development. This initiative has enabled Otaraua whānau to return to their whenua, strengthened the Hapū's independence, and uplifted the Waitara community. For Todd Energy, the partnership has enhanced operational efficiency, built trust, improved environmental and cultural outcomes, and set a benchmark for community engagement.