Over the last 12 months, we’ve continued our efforts to strengthen the long-term resilience of our people, customers and communities. We’re proud to have deepened our partnerships to uplift communities across the nation. Here are some of the ways we’ve stepped up to support those around us.
Celebrating connection and community at Eden Park
As part of our ongoing partnership with Eden Park, we’ve continued to host community partners, employees and customers in our Give Back Shack, a dedicated space within New Zealand’s iconic stadium. Since its introduction in 2023, we have hosted more than 30 groups at the Give Back Shack. Over the last 12 months, 19 groups have been welcomed in the Give Back Shack including Piha Surf Life Saving Club, The Little Miracles Trust and Duffy Books in Homes.
Supporting the next generation of athletes
Since 2018, our Big Little Sponsorship has helped support our littlest athletes, inviting communities from across the nation to nominate primary schools in need of a helping hand. This year, we received over 4,000 nominations for 1,075 schools. Our panel of judges chose four primary schools, awarding each one a $10,000 sports grant. Congratulations to Mahana School near Nelson, Matipo School in Auckland, Our Lady of Kāpiti School in Wellington and Ōhaupō School in Waikato!
Partnering with Student Volunteer Army (SVA)
Our partnership with Student Volunteer Army continues to grow. Following the success of the 2024 Clubs Conference last November, where we brought together student leaders to restore a strawberry farm in Hawkes Bay, our focus turned this year to developing high quality training material for the University Clubs. This material helps ensure successful deployments in communities after major events, such as in Nelson in July 2025. Over 300 volunteers supported more than 100 properties across the Nelson region after intense rainfall, reinforcing our goal to equip student volunteers with the tools and confidence to respond effectively in times of need.
Creating pathways through trade
As well as championing the next generation of athletes, we’re also committed to helping young talent build a career in the trades. Through our AA Insurance Sponsored Apprentice Programme, we’ve supported and trained 18 young automotive professionals since 2017, including 5 who started their apprenticeships this year. The programme covers training costs, provides essential equipment vouchers, and offers mentorship throughout their qualification, setting them up for long-term success in the industry. One of our exceptional wāhine apprentices, Sidney Clow from Matamata Panelworks, was awarded the Golden Gun this year. She partnered with fellow tradeswoman Victoria Hine from A1 AutoFinish, the Golden Hammer award winner to restore a car and donate it to Eastern Refuge Society (Women’s Refuge). Together, they used their technical expertise to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Living our values through volunteering
Volunteering connects us to each other, to our values, and to the communities we serve. Over the last 12 months, over 20.9% of our people used their paid volunteer leave, dedicating over 1,800 hours to serving communities across New Zealand. Teams have supported a wide range of causes, such as packing essential items for children with Foster Hope, restoring native ecosystems with Conservation Volunteers New Zealand, helping feed families through Kiwi Harvest and helping prepare and serve meals for Auckland City Mission.
Partnering with the UFBA
Building on last year’s car donations to the United Fire Brigades’ Association’s national Road Crash Rescue Challenge, this year we contributed 72 vehicles that couldn’t be repaired following a motor claim. The donation helps volunteer firefighters hone their life-saving skills by practising emergency rescues and medical responses in realistic scenarios. We also sponsored the annual Firefighter Challenge in Palmerston North and Christchurch. Thirteen people chose to use their paid volunteer leave to support the UFBA across three UFBA events in 2025.
Creating new opportunities
Wheels of Hope has been running in the Gisborne District since 2023, in partnership with one of our repairers, Gisborne Collision Centre. We donated a written-off vehicle for refurbishment, and the charity selected a deserving recipient of the gift. 17-year-old Aroha, nominated by her community for her resilience and service to others, received a Toyota Prius and a year of free insurance, helping her take a vital step towards independence.
Giving our office equipment a second life
When we refreshed our workspace this year, we chose to rehome high-quality items, giving them a second life in local schools, charities and housing projects. We donated 50 of our conference chairs to Glendene Primary School. We worked with All Heart NZ to repurpose a large meeting room table, cabinet and electronic whiteboard so they could find a new home in schools, community groups or small businesses. Other lightly used furniture and kitchen equipment were donated to Woven Earth, a charity that furnishes empty homes for women and families escaping domestic violence. Excess office carpet tiles were passed on to Habitat for Humanity, so they could be used in the extension of their Humanity ReStore operation in South Auckland. Through these initiatives, we’ve not only diverted these items from landfill – we’ve also contributed to giving others an environment in which they can thrive.
We’re committed to meeting the needs of today, while ensuring we can be here for our people, customers and communities well into the future. You can find out more about the progress we’re making on our sustainability journey on our website.
