Community focused energy transition: Trust Horizon supports Waka Eastern Bay to provide more sustainable transport options
Transitioning to a sustainable energy and low emissions future is a key component for limiting climate change. It serves as a driving force as Trust Horizon advances its efforts across operations, grant-making, and investment strategies to promote equitable, inclusive and transformative energy transition. To support local organisations to begin their own sustainable energy transition, Trust Horizon offers low interest loans to support the installation of solar or other climate-change reduction initiatives.
The Trust also supports community organisations improve their energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels with grant funding.
A recent sustainable transition-focused initiative is the approval of a $87,976 grant for Eastern Bay Accessible Transport Charitable Trust towards the supply of an electric van for their Waka Eastern Bay transport service. The electric van will play a significant role in supporting the organisation’s carbon footprint reduction and lowering its operating costs, in addition to offering their clients a cleaner, greener and quieter ride. In addition to the vehicle being fully electric, the ability to “transport multiple people during trips, will also help increase efficiency and decrease impact on the environment,” explained Project Manager and Executive Officer Reneé Lubbe.
Another important feature of the new electric van is the mobility fitout which is designed to provide maximum accessibility, comfort and safety for wheelchair users.
Trust Horizon would also like to acknowledge Knox Presbyterian Church’s support for the transport service which operates from their facilities. Following approval of a $4,098 grant, an EV charger has been installed which will enable overnight charging of the new electric van by Waka Eastern Bay.
The current public transport options available locally do not meet the needs of the community and this disproportionately affects vulnerable people. To fill this gap initiatives have been setup by various groups mostly aimed at getting people to medical appointments. These leave many gaps, especially for people wanting to access shops, banks, marae, social events or vocational opportunities. Andrew Iles, Chairperson of Waka Eastern Bay shared that; “we not only provide people a service that supports them to travel to doctors and specialist appointments, but invaluable social catch ups and community activities. It’s an opportunity to see beyond the four walls which unfortunately has been the norm for so many”
“When people don’t have the ability to access public transport because this doesn't exist in a way that meets their needs, we have the ability to step into this gap, and the demand has grown.”
Long term solutions are needed to ensure accessible and affordable transport is available to everyone, no matter where they live. David Glover, Chair of Trust Horizon recognises the dual benefits of this grant; “it’s an opportunity to support both equity and environmental responsibility in transport for communities throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”
If you want to apply for funding from Trust Horizon, look at our funding page here for more information.