Some call it corporate social responsibility. At Z, we simply call it community. And it means we're big on empowering our youth, neighbourhoods, and our Z whānau.

 

Doing good in our hoods

Through our community mahi, such as Good in the Hood, we've given away in excess of $10 million to local charities and organisations doing great things in their local neighbourhoods, right across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We know, now more than ever, that local community groups are in need and that's why we'll be once again running Good in the Hood soon, so if you are, or know, a community group who could benefit, keep your eyes peeled for more information.

 

We've got your back

In line with our Z values and the diversity of our Z whānau, we want to be able to provide a safe work environment for all Kiwis, no matter who they are or where they come from. Creating better workspaces, where no one feels isolated or excluded.

A recent health and safety survey showed that 62% of our service station staff feel like verbal abuse (including racial, religious, or sexual references) on site is treated seriously "to a great extent” by Z and their Retailers, and 22% “to a moderate extent.”

While this is fantastic news, as it shows most retailers are doing an amazing job in this space, it still shows there is 16% (the equivalent of hundreds of people) who do not feel this support. As such, we believe we can do better.

 

Powering up the future generation

Using our values, people, scale and networks, we want to lift the potential of young people by building their capability, confidence and career choices.

Some of the things we’re focused on:

  • Partnering with organisations who work directly with Kiwi kids to teach life, education and health skills.
  • Providing internship opportunities for young people looking to gain real-world experience.
  • Providing a workplace that empowers Z whānau to act as mentors and role models within their own whānau or community groups.

 

We're proud to support our communities

In addition to our Good in the Hood Programme, we've looked at ways we can help support our communities when they need it most. When COVID-19 appeared in our community in 2020, we provided a months free fuel to St John and the Wellington Free Ambulance, and continue to support them.

We have also supported the Student Volunteer Army to help provide meals/groceries to those unable to leave their home during the various lockdowns/isolation needs. We've also helped the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and working to keep our communities safe through the anti-racism pledge.

Z is continuing our support of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Career Navigator programme, in service of empowering young people to realise their full potential.

As an organisation, we provide all Z staff two paid volunteer days each year and encourage community groups that need assistance through people power to contact us to see if we can help.

We now focus towards the 2022 Good in the Hood programme where we’ll be looking at how best we can assist our communities as we all face new challenges.