The little token with a big impact: Good in the Hood is back for 2025

Aotearoa New Zealand has no shortage of inspiring grassroots groups delivering vital services to Kiwi across the motu. With many facing tough times, and a growing need for their services, these groups say that now more than ever, having community support and extra funds makes a huge difference to their mahi. 

Good in the Hood is designed to do just that, and this year alone will see Z Energy (Z) give away $1 million to non-profit organisations throughout Aotearoa. Initially created in response to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Z has shared more than $10 million with thousands of worthy recipients since the campaign began. Applications to be selected to be part of this year’s funding are open from 3-29 June. 

How to enter Good in the Hood 

The process is straightforward and simply requires each community group to complete an online application form explaining who they are and what they do in the community around the Z station they apply to. Being a registered charity is not a requirement – Z knows that many unregistered non-profit groups are also doing wonderful work that deserves support. 

For every participating Z service station across the country, four local community groups are chosen by the local retail site teams. Then, from 26 August to 21 September, customers who shop in-store can vote on how to share the $5000 available at each site by dropping an orange token into the box of their chosen group. The money is then shared proportionally between the four groups, based on the number of votes they each receive. 

At its heart, Good in the Hood is driven by Z’s belief in giving back to local communities. It recognises that local people know what matters most in their neighbourhoods. As well as receiving funds, groups get the opportunity to share their mahi with customers in the community they serve. 

How Good in the Hood supported community groups in 2024 

Here, we meet three proud recipients from 2024 who, with the help of Good in the Hood, are bringing hope, courage and care to the people around them.  

Raising rangatahi to shine 

“We work with rangatahi who are facing a lot of challenges,” explains Mana Inc CEO Kelly Peterson-Tearik. “Some of them may have involvement with Oranga Tamariki or might be within the youth justice system, but all of these kids are out of education, training and employment. What we do is provide a safe environment where they can be children again. We strip back those layers of deficit and help them find who they are and who they’re meant to be.”  

Mana Inc runs a range of programmes that change every 10 weeks and allow the kids to connect with all kinds of skills, from teaching them to dive and fish, to focusing on their physical health, to coming up with business ideas they can build on and develop. 

“The underlying approach is to tap into all parts of their wellbeing so that by the time they leave us, they’ve got the skills, tools and strategies to navigate any challenge,” says Kelly. “They can go out into the community knowing what it means to really stand in your mana.” 

While Mana Inc is having a hugely positive impact on rangatahi, whānau and their communities, the need continues to be great. “We’re finding more and more of our beautiful rangatahi out of school and out of employment, so they’re not getting those important life skills,” explains Kelly. 

But Good in the Hood has been a great help, “You can never overestimate the power of localised community support and exposure. It was a big buzz for us to have our name on the token box in the Z store. The funding we got last year went straight into helping our young people to pursue a creative project. They had a vision to build a table so they did their research, they went to Bunnings and bought what they needed, and they learnt about health and safety. Basically they did all the things that young men might do with their dads in the garage, but these kids don’t get to. It was super empowering for them.” 

Mana Inc also received a sum from Z’s regional boost fund which enabled them to buy their first van. “One of the biggest barriers we have is just getting the rangatahi through the door,” says Kelly. “Some of them wouldn’t be able to come if we didn’t pick them up and this is the only vehicle we have. For us, it’s been the gift that keeps giving.”  

Taking good care 

Tōtara Hospice looks after South and South East Auckland and is the largest hospice region in the country. “It’s also the most diverse and economically challenged,” explains Fundraising Manager Kim Sinfield. “It’s been a very hard few years for so many communities in New Zealand, but it’s very much evident in South and South East Auckland, so fundraising can be a bit harder for us.” 

On top of the economic challenges these communities face, the need is also increasing. “We’re seeing health issues happening to people earlier and earlier, and they’re more complex. Often people think of hospice or palliative care as being for our elderly grandparents, but that’s no longer the case. On average, our patients range from 102 to 16 years old,” says Kim. 

The services Tōtara Hospice provides are wide and varied. While they have a 12-bed in-patient unit in Manurewa, 80% of their patients are in their own homes. 

“Our care includes anything from social work visits to patient clinics, counselling services, grief support and education resources for the family – to care for the carers. We also have a 24-hour phone line available.” 

With almost one in three Kiwi using hospice services at some point, it’s an organisation that touches many lives. “We feel so proud to be part of Good in the Hood,” Kim says. “Our team looks forward to going into Z and talking to customers about what we do. When it comes to fundraising, every little drop helps and goes towards filling our bucket. To put it simply, it helps us keep the doors open.” 

Educating emergency responders 

Brett Harper, the National Operations Manager for Youth Search and Rescue (YSAR), says that thanks to the support from Good in the Hood, young people across New Zealand are gaining life-changing skills.  

“YSAR is a unique programme that trains the next generation of emergency responders,” explains Brett. “Our focus is on preparing youth to assist in real-world disasters and emergencies, and YSAR equips students with essential search and rescue skills, leadership development and hands-on experience in emergency management.”  

But beyond the technical training, the students gain vital life skills too. “One of the most powerful outcomes has been the positive impact on students’ mental wellbeing and the encouragement for them and their whānau to connect with the outdoors in a safe environment.”  

Last year, Good in the Hood helped raise money for YSAR’s Waikato, Tauranga and Wellington branches. Brett says their support has directly assisted students facing financial hardship, and for whom these opportunities might otherwise be out of reach.  

“These young people are now gaining meaningful, transferable skills that not only support their future careers, but also build stronger, safer communities. It’s helping to shape confident, capable youth and ensuring that the next generation is ready to respond when their communities need them most.”