Good in the Hood voting opens, shining a light on local heroes making a difference

Voting for Z Energy’s (Z) flagship community programme, Good in the Hood, opens next week, giving customers the chance to help direct a share of $1 million to community groups doing incredible mahi in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Now in its 14th year, Good in the Hood is about more than funding. It’s about celebrating the people, organisations and volunteers who help make our communities stronger, safe and better connected.   

To mark the start of voting, Z is sharing the stories of three Taranaki organisations that took part in Good in the Hood last year and are making a meaningful difference in their communities every day.  

Z's GM of Corporate Affairs, Haley Mortimer, says the stories highlight the real impact community support can have.  

“Every orange token is a simple way for customers to back the people and organisations making a difference in their communities. Good in the Hood helps local groups raise awareness of the work they do, while providing funding that can help them continue supporting the people who rely on them,” says Haley. 

One of those organisations is Horses Helping Humans, which supports rangatahi to build confidence, resilience and life skills through equine-assisted learning programmes.  

Founder Laura Menzies says Good in the Hood creates opportunities that go beyond financial support.  

"When the ponies visited our local Z station during voting, it gave us the chance to meet people in the community and share what we do. Through those conversations we've received referrals from other organisations and support that has helped more rangatahi access our programmes," says Laura.  

For Nicky Kuklinski from the Inglewood Volunteer Fire Brigade, the programme provides a simple way for local people to support the service’s volunteers.  

“The community knows that we’re only volunteers, so even when they can’t support us with their own money, they’re able to do so by putting their token in our container, which is just fantastic,” says Nicky. 

Food rescue organisation On the House has also seen the benefits. General Manager Terry Hancock says the funding helps keep their service running while also creating valuable connections with other community groups.  

“The support we get means a lot. It keeps our transport running, and our ability to collect and distribute food humming,” says Terry. 

From 18 August to 21 September, customers visiting participating Z stations can vote for one of four local community groups selected by their service station. Each participating Z station will give away $5,000 in total; split between the four non-profit organisations and community groups they have selected.  

“Good in the Hood is one of the ways we support the communities we're part of. It gives customers a simple way to support local organisations and volunteers, while helping raise awareness of the important work they're doing every day,” says Haley. 

How to vote  

How Good in the Hood works