Collaborating for youth outcomes,
powered by solar technology
Last week Bill English undertook his first official opening as Prime Minister, unveiling the new Momentum Hub at Vector Wero Whitewater Park. The youth-focussed charity hub consists of retro-fitted containers, including a sustainable energy container driven by Vector, AUT and the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust.
“The Government knows how to tax and how to spend that tax but we don’t do a good job at innovative community solutions. That’s why we’ve placed a huge focus on supporting good community-led projects like this.”
– Prime Minister Bill English.
The initiative is led by the Second Nature Charitable Trust, custodians of the park and neighbouring Vodafone Events Centre. Organisations include Big Buddy Foundation, John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams, Life Education Trust, The Rising Foundation, iSport Foundation and Second Nature Charitable Trust.
It gives the groups a place to operate, collaborate and build on their work with office spaces, classrooms, and meeting rooms. Public can access the Momentum Hub area free of charge with a café and bar overlooking the magnificent waterpark.
Interactive energy sustainability space
Vector is collaborating with AUT and the Manukau Beautification Trust on a special energy efficiency container, powered by its solar and battery technology. In fact, the solar technology will be powering a whole block of containers also sending excess energy back to the wider park.
This partnership is a fantastic fit for Vector, bringing together its focus on energy innovation, the environment, and community responsibility - all in the setting of the Vector Wero Whitewater Park. The container’s mural brings to life this partnership story, including Vector's journey and the shared vision of a smart and sustainable energy future.
The energy space will be used to showcase the work of the three organisations, for schools programmes, and as a hosting spot during big events at the park. Interactive and educational displays will also include real-time data showing much energy the block is using, energy savings for the water park, and the emission savings made.
Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust's biggest NZ cleanup
MBCT does extensive work in south Auckland promoting care and interest in our natural environment, a significant amount through school programmes. Last year MBCT organised New Zealand’s largest clean up at the Puhinui Stream with these fantastic results in just 4 hours!
Over 1900 volunteers
9 tonnes of rubbish collected
500kg of recyclables collected
200 shopping trolleys
300 car tyres
With the help of the community they now have a range of projects turning rubbish into treasure, including trolleys into chairs and tyres into garden beds.
Keep an eye out for more!