On 17 October 2013 I was very proud to attend the fabulous awards evening event for the Westpac Auckland West Business Awards, where our company was awarded the Excellence in Social Responsibility and Sustainability award.
In the presentation of the award to our Director Richard Thomas, the judges stated that they had been extremely impressed by the company’s commitment to contributing positively to the local and global community through a range of innovate initiatives.
The award recognises partnerships with volunteer organisations aligned with the company’s vision and expertise, and commitment to local community and the wider city. These include Conservation Volunteers NZ, EcoMatters Trust, Community Waitakere, Tag Out Trust. The company also supports local organisations assisting the disadvantaged, including CAP Money, a budget advice service operating in South Auckland and throughout many NZ communities.
Driven by a gap in environmental restoration advice available to local landowners, Richard had also recently formed The Stream Restoration Trust. This has been established as a registered charity to take an active role in driving positive change in stream restoration, leveraging on the company’s extensive experience in this field. The trust will provide leadership, promote knowledge and facilitate action in stream restoration across the greater Auckland region and support private landowners to undertake this work.
On the global stage from 2011 to 2013 Thomas have sponsored the construction of 5 wells in Cambodia to provide fresh water to disadvantaged communities without clean water supplies.
The judges also commented on the company’s commitment to running a sustainable and environmentally friendly business.
Sarah Whitwell, Thomas Ecologist
