Community

Respecting and contributing positively to the communities in which we operate and upholding our reputation.

At AWE we will always seek to “do the right thing”. AWE has formed strong relationships with many of the communities in which we operate – recognising its responsibility to contribute in a positive way. This is the key principle behind our decision for allocation of sponsorship funds. In addition to this key principle, AWE sponsorship opportunities should be:

• based on community needs, and designed in consultation with the community;
• measurable positive impact: socially, economically and environmentally;
• sustainable
• delivering long term benefits; and
• self-support once AWE participation ends

In 2009, AWE in conjunction with Taranaki oil venture partner Mitsui became the national champion of the highly successful youth mentoring program, Big Brothers Big Sisters (“BBBS”). A three-year sponsorship deal (worth $NZ450,000) has guaranteed the program’s national future, giving countless young people the chance to improve their lives and make the most of opportunities for the future.

The national sponsorship deal compliments the existing local sponsorship arrangement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Taranaki. AWE and its partners in the Tui oil project have successfully sponsored Big Brothers Big Sisters of Taranaki for two years, and have just confirmed an additional $NZ100,000 per year for a further three years for the program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a youth program, managed in some regions including Taranaki, by NZ Police’s Youth Development section, which enjoys overwhelming positive community recognition.

In addition to supporting the BBBS program, AWE sponsors a variety of other youth focused programs including supporting the local high school Science and Math fairs, local Youth Summer Soccer league, and contributions towards assisting local schools with art and cultural programs. Support of these youth based programs is complimented by AWE’s involvement as a sponsor of the Young Enterprise Scheme, where AWE staff provide business mentorship to local schools.

AWE’s support extends into the community through contributions towards the purchase of new safety equipment for the Taranaki Surf Lifesaving Clubs, Waikirikiri Lagoon and Beach Restoration project which was developed with the local iwi and community to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the lagoon and beach areas through planting of native vegetation and ongoing maintenance of the area. A summary of the 2009 community activities is available on the AWE website.

As AWE expands new challenges will arise in interacting with diversity of locations, languages and cultures that will frame our interactions with communities.

Looking forward

In 2010 we look to continue to engage with our communities through stakeholder engagement processes and to continue to respond to community concerns – including the impact of our development activities on local communities, and responding to broader community needs.

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