Plant seedling growing

Supporting local communities to thrive

Being a genuinely sustainable company means empowering the communities of which we’re a part, and others around New Zealand.

Community development

We actively support the communities around our generation assets through employment and business opportunities, sponsorships, community events, access to outdoor recreation and our Power Up Community Funds. Since 2010 we’ve provided more than $11 million through these funds to support community-led projects, making tangible differences where they matter most.

We’re also driving positive change across Aotearoa with our Community Decarbonisation Fund. Since 2022 we’ve allocated nearly $3 million to initiatives that help community groups reduce costs and emissions through EVs, solar panels, boiler conversions, batteries and other electrification projects.

Meridian also stands proudly alongside KidsCan as its principal partner. With our support, KidsCan helps school kids in hardship get access to food and essential items like jackets, shoes, socks and health products.

Find out more:

Power Up Community Fund

Community Decarbonisation Fund

KidsCan

Iwi engagement

We take action to support tangata whenua to be active kaitiaki of the lands and natural resources on which our business is based. As an organisation, we’re building our cultural capability and are committed to developing trusted and mutually beneficial relationships with iwi and hapū in the communities in which we operate.


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Engaging with stakeholders

Delivering on our purpose – clean energy for a fairer and healthier world – requires engaging and collaborating with a variety of people and groups. We take a consistent and evidence-led approach to ensure we are talking to the right people, in the right way, at the right time, to build trust with our stakeholders.

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Case study: Wind farm benefits local economy

The construction of our Harapaki wind farm in Hawke’s Bay had a strong focus on social procurement, including local employment and local spend. This has set the standard for other Meridian projects.

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Man by a truck at Harapaki

Creating a space for kids – Ashhurst's community skate park

Building a skate park in Ashhurst was a massive job that required huge amounts of community effort and funding support from Meridian and others. Now, it's a treasured community asset.

Tackling Zero

Tackling Zero is Meridian’s quarterly newsletter for people whose roles or studies are focused on sustainability, or for whom this is an area of interest. Each issue will offer Meridian’s insights into a topical sustainability issue, as well as stories on how we, our customers and supply chain partners are tackling sustainability. It also includes links to recent Meridian disclosures such as new policies and reports.


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