Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust to wind

There’s huge demand, there are communities that have been asking for our help . . . we haven’t been able to reach them. We will be able to now. Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty regional manager Dan Allen-gordon

community funding at its core.

“So many opportunities go out to things that wouldn’t exist if not for it,” she said.

Anderson said she was supportive of the diverse range of recipients TECT donated to and this, in turn, made her feel invested. Redistributing the balance into a community grant fund “is a win, win, really”.

“Personally, I’m a TECT customer and I’m always happy that anything I’m contributing to is going to good causes. I think that’s the way people should be thinking.”

Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty regional manager Dan Allen-gordon said “everyone’s going to be a winner”.

“Our community is going to be so well resourced . . . I’m not sure why there were negative comments. Our community will be much better off.”

TECT funding helped the foundation support 3600 young people every week, Allen-gordon said.

“There’s huge demand, there are communities that have been asking for our help . . . we haven’t been able to reach them. We will be able to now.”

Allen-gordon said TECT funding not only helped young people but contributed to some of Tauranga’s most “amazing assets” such as the University of Waikato campus, the arena at Baypark and local surf club buildings.

“We are the envy of the rest of the country, I think. It’s going to be a game-changer for the region.”

Not all submitters were in favour, however. In her submission, Sally Paterson opposed the move because she did not believe it was fair to consumers “and effectively unjustly enriches and favours the community charities aspect over the best interests of the consumer beneficiaries.”

Submitter Alison Julian said: “This money came from the customers and should go back to the customers.”

J H Strickett said: “It is our money, therefore, it should be paid out in full”.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Matt Cowley said TECT’S decision was necessary “because doing nothing was a bad decision”.

Cowley said TECT did well to protect the cheque while also creating a new community trust that will benefit local communities.

“Future generations are the main