31 March 2025
Supporting our wellbeing
We are genuinely committed to keeping our people safe, well and healthy both mentally and physically. Our wellbeing programme has included several significant initiatives for our people this past year.
Mental health poses several challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand’s electricity supply and contracting industry, and we have identified it as one of our ten critical risks because of the potential to cause serious harm.
A key mental health critical risk control is the training of mental health first-aiders throughout our business. Participants complete certification through a Mental Health New Zealand curriculum and are trained to support those experiencing mental health issues or crises by identifying signs of distress and referring to professional help.
We have trained 36 mental health first-aiders in the past year, which brings the total to 54 MHFA’s in our business.
29
kaitaki across all locations
13
domestic violence first responders
54
mental health first aiders
Being there for our people
Another sensitive topic is domestic violence. It is estimated that one in four females and one in eight males some form of violence their lifetimes. This year 13 members from our Kaitiaki peer support network and People and Capability business partner team have completed domestic violence first responders training, which was delivered by specialist family violence and education training agency Shine NZ.
As domestic violence first responders, they are equipped to connect anyone experiencing domestic violence to the right support and they know how to create safety plans for the workplace.
Additional support networks are also available at any time for our people through our Kaitiaki peer support network, who foster open and honest conversations, helping them to share their feelings and experiences, particularly those related to anxiety and stress related work situations.
Northpower’s Kaitiaki act as the guardians and custodians of our people. Kaitiaki members are trained to listen and connect them to resources or support during challenging times and periods of growth. They must be empathetic, confidential, experienced in personal challenges, and passionate about helping others.
We now have 29 Kaitiaki across all our locations, enhancing our wellbeing culture.
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