Bridget Abernethy from Project Crimson talks about Meridian's sponsorship and how it is helping renew pohutukawa and rata.

As a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) we have a duty to be an organisation that exhibits a sense of social responsibility and to have regard for the communities we operate in. Our commitment is not simply based on this requirement. We have a sponsorship programme because we believe in making a contribution to the communities we serve. We seek to establish long-term relationships that make a positive difference to New Zealand and New Zealanders.

Our starting point for any sponsorship is that it reflects our values and philosophy. Our sponsorship of Project Crimson (which commenced during the year) is a good example of an initiative that aligns with Meridian's concern for the environment. Project Crimson is a charitable conservation trust established to protect and restore New Zealand's iconic tree species, the pohutukawa and rata. As a commercial organisation, we also seek opportunities that help us further our business goals.

Our sponsorships encompass a wide range of initiatives that meet these objectives, including the arts, the environment, the rural sector, sport, energy efficiency and community projects.