Meridian Energy has made $120,000 available to local community projects over the next three years through the new Meridian Te Uku Community Fund.
“After conducting research in the community it was clear the Community Fund concept would work well for those living near our Te Uku wind farm” says Neal Barclay, General Manager of Markets and Production at Meridian Energy. “We’re managing similar Funds in other locations, and they have been a great way to support genuine grass-roots initiatives” says Neal.
The first round of applications closes on 6 September 2012 and will be assessed by a panel of community and Meridian representatives.
“We are looking for projects that generate direct benefits for the local community, and welcome applications from the communities of Te Uku, Raglan, Waitetuna and Te Mata” says Hamish Scott, Meridian Te Uku Site Manager and Chair of the new Fund.
“In the past Meridian’s Community Funds have assisted a diverse range of projects including environmental conservation, volunteer emergency services, schools, local events, education programs, and heritage restoration. We’ll be looking for a similar spread for this Fund” says Hamish.