Winter Energy Grants support 1,500 students facing winter power costs
Fourth annual campaign helps students stay warm and focused on their studies.
A successful fundraising effort has supported 1,500 Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students with their winter power bills, easing financial pressure during the coldest months of the year.
Staff, corporate donors, and student grant recipients gathered in late September to celebrate the success of the fourth annual Winter Energy Grants campaign, which raised nearly $50,000. The campaign also received its highest-ever level of corporate support, with sponsors contributing $28,000 in matching funds.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Bryony James highlighted the impact the grants have on students' wellbeing and academic success.
"That's 1,500 students who didn't have to decide between paying for food or heat," she says. "1,500 students who could be warm enough to focus on their studies and complete their assignments. That's a great outcome for our students and a sign of the immense generosity of our wider community."
The Winter Energy Grants campaign takes a collaborative approach to supporting students. Corporate partners pledge matching funds to double public donations from alumni and staff, while the Student Finance team combines the amount raised with money from the Student Hardship Fund to maximise the number of grants awarded. Students can apply individually or as part of a flat, with grants scaled to household size depending on how many VUW students live at each residence.
Paige Jarman, manager of the Student Finance team, says the grant programme was created in response to growing financial pressure on students as living costs continue to rise.
One of this year's recipients, second-year geography student Art Mandemaker, said receiving a grant made an immediate difference.
"When I got the approval email, the only thing my flatmates and I could feel was relief," says Art. "A few days earlier we'd received a $440 power bill. Thanks to the grant, the amount each of us had to pay dropped from around $150 to about $65. It gave us some much-needed financial security that month."
Art says his flat relies on a dehumidifier throughout winter to keep mould at bay, adding significantly to household power costs. The grant meant he and his flatmates could pay their bill without sacrificing other essentials, such as healthy food or bus fares.
Paige says Art’s financial dilemma is common, and many students continue to face difficult decisions about how to stretch their limited budgets.
"These students are often weighing up whether to turn on the heat pump or buy groceries," she says. "The Winter Energy Grants are a true collaborative effort, and they make a tangible difference to students' lives."
For Art, the grant was more than just financial assistance. It was an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when people from across the University and beyond are invested in helping students succeed.
"I'd like to thank every donor who contributed to these grants," he says. "Your support is more appreciated than you could know. It makes me feel really proud to be part of this community."
