AWARDS FINALIST: Beach Energy – Tackling homelessness
A transformative partnership between Beach Energy and the Roderique Hope Trust is reshaping the way the Taranaki community responds to homelessness.
What began as a sponsorship has evolved into a deeper collaboration that's delivering lasting change for whānau facing housing insecurity.
The latest initiative in the six-year partnership is the creation of a Housing Community Connector role, fully funded by Beach.
In just its first year, the connector has supported more than 35 whānau, helping them access housing, mental health services, financial support and employment pathways. The connector walks alongside whānau, offering personalised guidance through complex systems.
Hands-on
Beach's collaboration with the trust goes beyond financial support. Members of the firm's team have literally rolled up their sleeves, helping prepare transitional homes, maintain properties and deliver Christmas care-packages through Operation Blue Santa.
But the impact runs deeper than hands-on help. The scheme is backing strategic, long-term solutions with a series of cornerstone programmes that empower whānau to move from crisis to stability.
The trust's Sustaining Tenancies Service works proactively with families at risk of eviction to address issues with landlords and prevent the families being forced into unsuitable accommodation or made homeless.
The Ready-to-Rent programme is a two-day course designed to equip people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the private rental market. With Beach's support, more than 300 individuals have completed the programme, and more than 200 of them are now securely housed.
Participants learn everything from budgeting and tenancy rights to how to maintain a home and keep it warm and dry - practical skills that restore dignity and open doors.
The trust says Beach's model of partnership is not transactional, it is transformational. Its actions speak louder than words, and the impact in Taranaki proves it.
Results
This sentiment is echoed in the results that are being seen. Transitional housing capacity has grown from four to 14 homes. The Sustaining Tenancies Service has prevented countless evictions by funding urgent repairs and maintenance. And Operation Blue Santa has delivered more than 550 food boxes to whānau in need.
For Beach, the benefits are mutual. Staff members report a stronger connection to the community and a renewed sense of purpose. The initiative has enhanced the company's reputation, strengthened relationships with iwi and local agencies and inspired a more holistic approach to community engagement.
Beach is involved in designing the projects as well as funding them. It participates and adapts them as the community's needs evolve, and it says its commitment is long-term, grounded in compassion and focused on empowering whānau to thrive.
The annual Energy Excellence Awards will be held in Wellington on 13 August. The Community Initiative of the Year Award is sponsored by Eagle Technology.