About Z

Z is a company that’s owned by Kiwis, that serves Kiwis and that is based in Kiwi communities right across the country.

Our customers have told us they want us to give back to communities at a local level. To contribute to the things that matter locally, in our neighbourhoods.

So what does this mean for how we approach what people have traditionally called sponsorship? Well we call it community investment because that’s more like what we want to do. So for starters we won’t be sponsoring a rugby team or a stadium or a motor race. We won’t sponsor projects or events simply for the brand recognition. We think our brand is better strengthened by word of mouth and for contributing to things that matter to local people.

We will instead invest in the things that really matter to people locally. To things that help people that need it and to make a difference.

Starting next year, all of our community investment decisions will be made locally, by our retailers in their own communities, rather than by a corporate guy in a Wellington head office. How would he know what matters to the locals in Picton, for example? On the other hand, the couple running the local Z service station are going to have a damn good idea.

But this happens next year, what are we doing now?

Every Z site that is rebranded will see $5,000 contributed to local community or charitable organisations in that community. A group of locals led by the retailer will choose four or five local organisations and customers get to vote for which one matters most to them. After a month, the $5,000 will be split between the organisations as per the customers’ votes.

If you assumed 220 sites were rebranded, that’s well over $1 million invested directly back into local community initiatives and organisations. This is the focus of our community investment programme while our rebranding project continues.

Want to request support from Z?

People considering requesting support for initiatives from Z should consider the approach outlined above. We will consider local initiatives that support charitable causes that are helping people and making a difference in people's lives.

People considering seeking support from Z should reflect on the following questions:

• Is the main benefit in brand recognition or promotion, as opposed to making a real and tangible difference for people / communities that need it?
• How does this project, initiative or organisation matter to New Zealanders at a local level?
• What tangible difference does this project, initiative or organisation make to people that need help or assistance?

If you have read this section, considered these questions and believe your application satisfies our criteria, applications for support should be emailed to the local Retailer in your neighbourhood. 

A list of our retailers and the regions they cover can be found here.

*Following the recent events in Christchurch, there will be one or two exceptions in relation to these guidelines that are specific to Christchurch only.