Contact Energy will continue its support of the Hororātā Community Trust, building on the partnership previously provided by Manawa Energy, following Manawa becoming part of the Contact whānau.

The partnership reflects the company’s long-standing connection with the communities stretching from Coalgate through Hororātā to Lake Coleridge, where it has generated electricity for generations. Through this partnership, the Trust will continue delivering events, supporting local initiatives and investing back into the communities it serves.

Executive Officer Cindy Driscoll says the partnership has always been about more than sponsoring events.

“Contact is part of our community through Lake Coleridge for generations, so this is a natural partnership built on a shared connection to the area.

As a self-funded charitable trust, long term partnerships like this are vital. They help us bring people together through our events, support local organisations and invest back into our communities. Without partners like Contact, we simply couldn’t deliver everything we do.”

Beyond the events, the partnership creates opportunities for the Trust and Contact Energy to tell the story of the communities they are both part of. Through the Trust’s events, media partnerships, newsletters and digital channels, the partnership will showcase the people, projects and initiatives helping rural communities thrive.

Ryan Kane from Contact’s community relations team says Contact is proud to continue supporting the Hororātā Community Trust and the communities connected to Lake Coleridge.

“The Trust’s work aligns perfectly with our aim of helping local communities thrive and creating opportunities for people to come together through events, initiatives and shared experiences.”

Contact will be the naming rights partner of the Contact Energy Heavy Arena at the Hororātā Highland Games, where New Zealand’s strongest athletes compete in traditional Scottish heavy events. Contact will also support the Contact Energy Glow Walk when the Hororātā Glow Festival lights up the community in 2027.