The Lines Company (TLC) has delivered Winter Wellness Packs to households across the King Country, Central Plateau and Ruapehu, providing practical support to whānau who could use an extra hand this winter.
The packs were distributed through TLC’s Power it Forward: Winter Wellness programme, which combines practical winter essentials with Power it Forward credits on power bills, to help ease both household and electricity costs during the coldest months of the year.
The initiative was made possible through nominations from the community and the support of local iwi and community partners, who helped identify households where the packs could make a meaningful difference. It is also a practical example of what TLC’s community ownership makes possible, with value being returned directly to local whānau through winter support and Power it Forward credits.
“We know there are people who quietly do it tough, and often they’re first noticed by neighbours, teachers, friends, workmates or extended whānau,” says Kyle Barnes, TLC general manager community and innovation.
“Power it Forward was created to turn that local care into practical help, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to put someone forward.”
Each Winter Wellness Pack included groceries and food vouchers, energy-saving items and household essentials, alongside Power it Forward credits on power bills to help households manage electricity costs through winter.
“TLC couldn’t deliver the Winter Wellness programme without the generous support of our partners,” says Barnes.
“I want to make special mention of AppliancePlus in Te Kūiti. Owner Guy Whittaker supplied 200 air fryers at cost and worked with the supplier to secure an even better deal.
“We are also grateful to Te Nehenehenui, Ngāti Rangi, Kokiri Trust, New World Te Kūiti and Ngāti Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust that donated items or money and provided staff to help distribute the packs across the network area. We also want to acknowledge the electricity retailers that helped make the programme possible by processing the Power it Forward credits.”
For recipients, the support was both practical and deeply appreciated.
Ayla of Ohakune was very grateful for the support. “Thank you so much for making winter a little easier for me and my children.”
Mr and Mrs Cridge of Mangakino thought the Winter Wellness pack was a great surprise. “We are very appreciative of the help it would provide through winter.”
Several TLC staff also used their TLC Volunteer Day to help with the distribution, working alongside community partners to make sure the packs reached households respectfully, safely and where they were needed most.
Mike Fox, TLC chief executive, says the programme reflects TLC’s deep connection to the communities it serves, and the willingness of its people to step in and help.
“As a 100 per cent community-owned business, we’re here to look after our people – especially when times are tough,” says Fox.
“This programme is about support, care and connection. It was heartening to see our staff using their volunteer day to support the mahi, and to work alongside partners who know their communities and understand where help can make the biggest difference.”
TLC’s Power it Forward programme is designed to provide targeted support to customers and communities across its network.
“This is what Power it Forward is all about,” says Barnes. “People helping people, and small acts of kindness making a real difference when it matters most.”
