14 Community Fund recipients announced

Recipients of the 2018 MainPower Community Fund have been announced, with $20,000 to be shared between fourteen community groups and schools.

Throughout August, North Canterbury residents were invited to nominate groups to receive a share of the contestable fund through the MainPower website. The groups who received the most votes and proved alignment with the eligibility criteria will receive a share in the fund.

MainPower Chief Executive Andy Lester says, “We’ve been running the MainPower Community Fund for four years now. Including this year’s winners, we’ve supported 23 different causes, all due to the community getting involved and rallying behind these groups that are doing great things for the region.”

Several groups are first-time recipients of funding through this initiative. North Canterbury Coast Guard President Gordon McKay was pleased to receive a funding boost. “It’s great to see the level of support we get from the local community. This money will be well received and help us to continue our work of saving lives at sea.”

Other groups have received consistent support from the community, receiving funding for several years running. North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled is one such group (NCRDA). NCRDA Chair Lin Bisman is appreciative of the boost and the support from the community. “We certainly have been fortunate to have been the recipient of funds previously from this source and with it being by public vote, is testament to the work that North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled provides to those less able in the community. This is always very heartening, and although we do not do it for reward, it is always nice to receive some recognition.”

More information about each of this year’s recipients, and previous winners, can be found here.

2018 MainPower Community Fund recipients (total fund amount: $20,000)

  • North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled
  • North Canterbury Coast Guard
  • You, Me, We, Us Kaiapoi
  • Amberley ‘Save our Pool’
  • Rachel’s House Trust
  • Rangiora High (Sheppard House)
  • Omihi School
  • North Canterbury BMX Club
  • Mini Ha Ha Horse Haven
  • Rangiora Community Choir
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury
  • Rangiora Toy Library
  • Southbrook School
  • Leithfield School

More news

Recovery in pictures

27 October 2025

Crews continue while country takes a day off

27 October 2025

More customers to be restored today

26 October 2025

Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Quick links