Counties Energy Boosts Local Projects with Fourth Year of Environmental and Sustainability Grants
Counties Energy is thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of its Environmental and Sustainability Grant. Now in its fourth year, this initiative continues to energise grassroots efforts that protect and enhance the environment across the southern Auckland and northern Waikato regions. The grant programme aims to promote environmental education, kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and cultural awareness, with a focus on reducing waste, restoring natural habitats and lowering emissions.
This year’s successful applicants, the Mangatangi Maramarua Catchment Group and the Western Firth Catchment Group, have each received $5,000 to bring their innovative, community-focused projects to life. From restoring native habitats to educating future environmental leaders, these projects reflect the creativity, commitment and care within our local communities.
Counties Energy General Manager Safety, Culture and Sustainability, Tracey Kay says, “We’re proud to support grassroots initiatives that are creating meaningful change for both the environment and the communities we serve. These grants go beyond financial support. They’re about empowering local groups to take action, protect biodiversity and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. It’s a privilege to work alongside organisations that share our commitment to sustainability and building local resilience.”
Since its launch in 2021, the Counties Energy Environmental and Sustainability Grant has supported a wide range of impactful projects across the categories of Education, Environment, and Culture. The 2025 programme continues this tradition by selecting projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits and long-term community impact.
The Mangatangi Maramarua Catchment Group will utilise its funding to enhance pest control efforts across high-value native bush remnants and riparian zones, targeting invasive species including possums and rats to create a safer habitat for native wildlife and support biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the Western Firth Catchment Group is undertaking a riparian restoration initiative along the lower Hauarahi Stream in Kaiaua. This initiative involves collaborating with private landowners to retire land from grazing and plant approximately 2,500 native seedlings, supported by local schools, businesses, and community volunteers.
These initiatives exemplify the long-term environmental and social value the Grant programme seeks to enable. As a locally owned and operated organisation, Counties Energy remains committed to building strong partnerships with its communities.
Previous recipients of the Counties Energy Environment and Sustainability Grant have included Āwhitu Peninsula Landcare, Trees for Survival Charitable Trust, and Tamaoho School, with projects ranging from stream restoration and zero-waste education to iwi-led environmental stewardship.
All 2025 funded projects are expected to be completed by March 2026, delivering lasting environmental and educational benefits to the community.
To learn more about the Counties Energy Environmental and Sustainability Grant, visit https://countiesenergy.co.nz/environmental-grant-2025