The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund was launched earlier this year as part of our MPowered Future strategy. The fund provides up to $100,000 annually to support local organisations, businesses, and individuals whose projects contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions across the network.
Acting Chief Executive Damien Whiffen says a wide range of projects applied for support from the fund.
“We were delighted to receive a broad range of applications. We were particularly heartened by the time and effort most people put into their applications. They were well considered and great opportunities to explore decarbonisation efforts across the network.
“After a thorough review process, four outstanding projects were selected with each project demonstrating a strong alignment with our goal of “decarbonising our place” and delivering meaningful environmental and social benefits.
“We’re delighted to announce the inaugural recipients of the Decarbonisation Fund,” Mr Whiffen says.
“Each project will have real and immediate benefits not only for the organisations that have received funding but also for the wider community. We are proud to be able to contribute to the amazing work these organisations do to support and lift the communities across our network.”
The MainPower Decarbonisation Fund will reopen in June next year, Mr Whiffen says.
“In the meantime, the MainPower Community Fund, which distributes $40,000 twice a year to community organisations across the network, is now open. Applicants can find more details on the MainPower website. Applications close 5pm Monday 22 September.”
Recipients of the 2025 MainPower Decarbonisation Fund are as follows:
Rangiora High School Nursery School
Funding: $7,268.54
Project: Full LED lighting upgrade
Impact: Improves energy efficiency and enhances the learning environment. The nursery is a community-based non-profit governed by volunteers.
“A huge thank you to the MainPower Decarbonisation Fund for helping us switch to LED lighting. This means a brighter, greener, more sustainable environment for our tamariki at Rangiora High School Nursery School.”
Jeanine Mackenzie (Administrator)
Waikuku Beach Surf Lifesaving Club
Funding: $19,491
Project: Solar panel installation
Impact: Supports volunteer lifeguard services and junior surf programmes while reducing operational emissions.
“Waikuku Beach Surf Life Saving Club is beyond grateful to be approved for this funding for solar panels. This will allow our club to use this saved money on important lifesaving assets for our club and community so we can continue to provide our services over summer.
It will also help us to move the club forward to align with good environmental conservation principles and kaitiakitanga, which is the principle and practice of guardianship and stewardship of the natural environment. We look to nurture and look after our surrounding environment for the present and future generations.
Thank you MainPower”
Amy Philip (Lifeguard Captain)
North Canterbury Mini Bus Trust
Funding: $48,897.63
Project: Purchase of an electric vehicle
Impact: Provides low-emission transport for elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents in Oxford and Rangiora. The Trust is volunteer-run and purchased the vehicle from Cockram MG in Christchurch.
“We’re grateful to MainPower for supporting our application to the Decarbonisation Fund and for generously funding a new vehicle. This comes at a vital time as we respond to growing demand for transport to medical appointments across our region. We’ve appreciated the helpful and proactive communication from the MainPower team—thank you for backing our community and sustainability goals”
Don Fairbrother
Loburn School
Funding: $23,000
Project: Heat pump installation to replace ageing solar tubing
Impact: Enables consistent swimming lessons onsite, eliminating the need to bus students to the Rangiora pool during winter months—saving emissions and improving access.
“We’re incredibly grateful to MainPower for their generous donation towards a heat pump for our school pool. This long-awaited upgrade will allow us to run our swimming programme onsite, removing out need to bus students to Dudley Pool, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging greater community use of the pool.”
Stuart Priddy (Principal)
