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Te hapori whānui 

Connecting with the communities that make Aotearoa so special, so we can learn better how to help the people who need it most.

 

 

 

Utilities are an essential part of modern life. We build relationships with individuals and community groups across New Zealand so that everyone in Aotearoa knows we are here to help them resolve utilities disputes.

Some of the things we can offer communities are:

  • Speaking at community meetings about what we offer.  
  • Expert advice for the issues you might face as an individual, or as a business.
  • Opening communication channels between consumers and providers to more effectively resolve disputes.
  • Promoting accessibility. We use Interpreting NZ interpreters and the Relay service for the hearing impaired.   
  • Sharing expertise. Our staff are trained mediators who investigate what happened and facilitate resolution using various techniques, including conciliation conferences.  We use independent technical and legal experts when necessary.

We all have the potential to make a difference to an individual, an organisation, a community. UDL resolves disputes about electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, and broadband installation on shared property.

If you would like to know more or have UDL come and talk with you and your community, please get in touch by email with Jessica or UDL or you can call Jessica on 021 0817 3040 or leave a message on 0800 22 33 40 to discuss ways we can support your community and specifically resolve conflict on utility issues.


Jessica Niemack, Āpiha Rauhī Hapori  

2024 Quarterly Updates

  • Winter was extremely busy for everyone here at UDL - including Jessica!

    Braving the biting wind and flash downpours, Jessica was finding new ways to reach different and diverse communities to share our mahi.

    This quarter she built some really strong new connections with community groups we hadn't worked with before, and learned a lot about how we can best support these groups. 

    Here are some of the bigger moments from the last quarter - and remember to reach out to jessica@udl.co.nz if you're interested in arranging a hui with Jessica!

    Manurewa Wellness Expo

    Jessica made her way to Manurewa for the Community Wellness Expo, where she shared the ways that UDL can help keep the lights on. She was joined by other great groups that help support those dealing with issues like gambling or alcohol addiction.

    She spoke to the local community about how we can support consumers if they have a complaint they can't solve with their utility provider.

    Disability Connect

    Jessica was joined by another member of the UDL team at the Disability Connects Transition Expo in early September. The expo gave young adults with disabilities an opportunity to meet with social services that can help with the path from school to later life.

    We had UDL staff there talking through what we do, and how we can help if energy issues spark up in the future. We also discussed Medically Dependent Status – a status you can get with your power company if you rely on electricity or gas for your health – which comes with different protections and rights.

    Power in the Park

    Power in the Park was a brilliant event at Eden Park on 12 September, which brought together heaps of social service providers to share their mahi. The event, hosted by Permobil, focused on accessibility and support systems.

    Jessica was joined by UDL Commissioner Neil Mallon at the event, where they connected with local communities and answered all electricity and gas questions. This was our second consecutive year supporting the event, and it's second year being held, and was brilliant to see how it has grown and developed already. 

    Bits and Pieces

    Jessica connected with heaps of other groups this quarter - like the Middlemore Foundation, local CABs, Rawiri House, Te Tahawai Marae, Skills Update, Mangere Budgeting Services, and many more.

    Some of these organisations she presented to, while others she met to korero about the issues in the community and the ways UDL can best help out.

  • Jessica's mahi continued into the winter months, continuing to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.

    We also introduced a new narrative booklet which Jessica trialed throughout these months. The booklet is a quick and easy read that sets out what we do, how we do it, how to get in touch, and everything else you need to know to sort a complaint.

    Check out the booklet here.

    Africa Day

    Over the weekend of May 24-25, Jessica attended two Africa Day events. 

    On the Friday, Jessica was invited to a formal conference celebrating African culture. This conference was a platform for speakers to discuss diversity and progress and gave Jessica the chance to connect with leaders in Aotearoa's African communities. 

    The Saturday gave way to celebrations as Auckland's Silo Park was packed with stalls and activities. Jessica hosted a UDL stall to share our services with the public, letting them know how we can help with their utility complaints. 

    Matariki Music Festival

    Jessica was invited to the Matariki Music Festival by the President of the Music Association of Auckland, the second time she's been invited. This event was supported by the Howick Local Board, with whom Jessica also has a strong relationship. The event was a celebration of Matariki with performances from local choirs, and gave the opportunity to connect with other community groups.

    This included the President of the Chinese Community Association, who Jessica had not met before. This gave Jessica the opportunity to build the relationship so we can better understand how to support that community going forward.

     

  • Jessica had a busy start to 2024, making moves around Aotearoa to connect with more consumers. We held two roadshow events to start the year - making our first trips to both Northland and Te Tairawhiti.

    This is in addition to the ongoing outreach in the wider Auckland and Waikato region with agencies and organisations including AWHI, The Pride Project, ACOFI and I Am Mangere. 

    Northland

    In only a few days, the Northland trip went through Te Kao, Kaitaia, Pawerenga, Kaeo, and Whangere - all of which we plan to visit again later in the year. Jessica stopped by CABs, out-of-parliament offices, libraries, and more - all to speak on what UDL does and how our services can help.

    This first trip allows us to build relationships with the social services in the region, which we'll look to build on moving forward. We hope to host public events in these regions in the future - if you're local, keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates!

    Jason Reti at Mauri Social Services

    Jessica doing the mahi for Bellyfull in March

     

     

    Te Tairawhiti

    Another member of the UDL team connected with rural areas of Tairawhiti as part of the Rural Roadshow.

    The rural roadshow brings together different community groups from around New Zealand, visiting people in rural areas to make sure they are aware and have access to their services. 

    This included groups like The Cancer Society and IRD, meeting with consumers in rural areas to share our services and provide support. We appreciated connecting with this great group to share what we do and assist those living rurally.

     

     

    Victoria University O-Week

    UDL hosted a stall at the VUW O-Week earlier in the year, taking the opportunity to learn more about what issues impact students and how we can best help support them. 

    Many of these students are leaving home for the first time, and don't have experience managing their own energy responsibilities - so it was great to talk to them about common issues and how we can help resolve them. 

    Sharifa - winner of the Udee photo competition

     

2023 Quarterly Community Engagement Updates

  • Jessica was out and about to close 2023, making time for a final roadshow while also pursuing heaps of opportunities closer to home.

    Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s second quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

    November Roadshow

    November's roadshow was shifted into a two-week programme to fit in more huis with local community groups, this time taking Jessica through Matamata, Hamilton, Rotorua, Turangi, and Waitara. On this roadshow Jessica was accompanied by the Banking Ombudsman, together providing a one-stop shop for energy and banking complaints.

    Week one took Jessica through Matamata and Hamilton over three days. Two korero's with local community organisations led to the week one finale at the Western Community Centre, where Jessica helped pass out packaged fruit and veg parcels to the local community while answering all their electricity and gas questions.

    After a short trip back to Auckland, Jessica was back on the road for week two in Rotorua, Turangi, and Waitara. This extended second week included huis with the local SeniorNet in Turangi and the Rotorua CAB, amongst other stops. We ended this week on the Saturday, at the Waitara Night Market. Thousands came out for the amazing event, with heaps of local organisations bringing out stalls to connect with the locals. Jessica had the opportunity to connect with local audiences and, together with the Banking Ombudsman, help the community with their disputes.

    Jessica was also joined this month by a new member of our community engagement team - Udie Bear! Udie is our new community engagement mascot, always happy to pose for a photo and run a prize draw at each stop.

    Bari Lane Community Expo

    Jessica joined dozens of other community groups at the first ever Bari Lane Community Expo - a new initiative in Bari Lane, Auckland, looking to bring together community groups to create a support network for those in need.

    The event was run by local police as a project looking to explore how access to social services can reduce crime and harm in the community. The mahi on display was excellent, and Jessica took advantage of the collaboration to speak with local doctors and take steps to give some at-risk locals access to medical dependency status. 

    The event was a massive success that had huge benefits for the local community.

    Bits and Pieces

    As always, Jessica has been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attended weekly hui’s this quarter with local organisations, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

    For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!

  • Jessica kept busy through the Winter months, travelling far and wide to connect with communities across Aotearoa. She completed another roadshow, made time for regular community events, and maintained her already packed schedule - all to make sure that consumers across the country are aware of our services.

    Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s second quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

    Roadshow and Owae Marae

    After the success of our first roadshow, Jessica returned to Hamilton, Rotorua, and New Plymouth for another visit!

    Over the course of one week, Jessica traveled across Northern Aotearoa, meeting with consumer groups and hosting presentations. It was great to strengthen the connection with the consumers we met on our previous visit in June, while also building new connections with new kiwis. We're looking forward to our next visit in November, and to potentially adding new cities to our network going forward!

    She also made one special stop along the roadshow last Friday, visiting Owae Marae in Waitara to celebrate the signing of Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo - a collective redress package deal that will see Taranaki Maunga gain personhood as Te Kāhui Tupua, and a co-governance framework applied in management of the national park now known as Te Papakura o Taranaki. A significant day for Aotearoa, that recognises the claim of Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, after a lengthy settlement process.

    Women's World Cup

    Earlier in the year, Jessica was selected as a FIFA Community Champion for her excellent community work in Mangere - one of only 150 chosen across Australia and New Zealand. And her involvement in the Women's World Cup didn't end there! The African Communities Forum Inc, who she regularly works with through her position at UDL, asked her to represent them as a cultural ambassador at Eden Park for Zambia vs Spain. 

    The invitation is reflective of her amazing mahi in the local community.

    Community Days

    Jessica has been getting amongst it at local community days over the last few months. Her first was in Manukau for a community Hauora Day, which gathered social services that could provide support to those with health issues. Jessica attended to provide advice to anyone medically dependent on electricity or gas, and ensure they are aware of our services should they encounter any problems with their energy provider.

    This event was followed by a Youth Day in Papakura and a Community Expo in Mangere, both bringing the local community together and giving Jessica the opportunity to discuss our services with consumers. 

    Bits and Pieces

    As always, Jessica has been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attends hui’s this quarter with local organisations, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

    For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!

  • Another busy one for Jessica, as several major events dominated the last three months. The biggest was UDL’s first roadshow, taking Jessica out of Auckland and across northern Aotearoa. We’re incredibly excited to be connecting with new consumers and can’t wait for the next one!

    Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s second quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

    Roadshow

    The event commenced in Hamilton presenting for local community groups, discussing our services, and letting them know how we can help. Jessica, joined by UDL Early Resolution Conciliator Willow, brought a presentation for attendees to let them know exactly how we sort complaints. They also took the opportunity to meet with local community groups while in Hamilton, and stopped by the Genesis HQ to meet the team. From there back on the road to New Plymouth.

    Time in New Plymouth coincided with the Are Ake Reducing Energy Hardship Conference. Jessica joined our Deputy Commissioner Neil Mallon and Māori Cultural Advisor Selwyn at that key conference that brought together experts from far and wide to discuss the impacts of energy hardship and propose solutions. It was a great opportunity for UDL to learn more about the difficulties of consumers and engage with the innovative solutions being proposed. When Jessica wasn't at the 2-day event , she made sure to find time to visit local community groups and let them know how UDL can support their members.

    The next stage of the roadshow became complicated. With fog and other disruptions to flights, the planned event had to be cancelled as Jessica’s support – UDL Conciliator Caitlin – unable to fly into Rotorua. Not to be dissuaded, Jessica found time to meet other community organisations along the route - particularly during a long wait while UDL’s EV was charged. Caitlin managed to meet with Jessica in Auckland to conclude the trip, the two attending a milestone ACOFI event on Saturday. They operated a booth at the busy event, connecting with new consumers and teaching them about UDL’s processes.

    Power at the Park

    This Eden Park event brought together community organisations from across Aotearoa. The event, hosted by Permobil, was a chance for people to learn more about the many groups that can support them during difficult times. UDL was thankful to host a booth at the event and connect with those in attendance, particularly the vulnerable consumers.

    Events like these are crucial to connect with new consumers and discuss and learn more about the communities that we support. We’re thankful to all those that attended.

    Bits and Pieces

    As always, Jessica has been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attends hui’s this quarter with local organisations, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

    For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!

  • It was a busy quarter one for Jessica. The severe weather throughout Auckland saw many local communities fractured and struggling with utility issues. Not to be discouraged, Jessica has done an amazing job connecting with vulnerable consumers and directing those in need to UDL.

    Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s first quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

    Civil Defence

    In February, Cyclone Gabrielle struck Auckland.

    Jessica with the other volunteers who helped operated the CDC.

    Jessica was asked to support the opening of a Civil Defence Centre due to her strong local community connections. Her role was to gather volunteers to help with the opening of the centre. When she arrived on 13 February, she quickly realised that a miscommunication had occurred somewhere along the way. She wasn't just there to lend a hand... she was leading the entire CDC. This included the sourcing and distribution of hot meals, the collecting of donations, and the operation of accommodation for those without homes during the cyclone. She was responsible, with others, for operating the entire defence centre in coordination with the national relief effort.

    She rose to the occasion and led a diverse group – including council staff, soldiers, and occasionally MP’s, to operate the centre for nine days before its eventual closure. A host of other social service providers were also present, sharing ways that their organisations could support those impacted by the cyclone. Over this period she was in constant contact with the local council and the cyclone relief leadership, and was ultimately commended by the Howick Local Board for her efforts in supporting the community throughout the disaster. 

    This particular story is available in more detail on our website under ‘Enews, media releases, & updates’, by accessing our most recent newsletter.

    Community Champion

    Jessica with others at the WWC Community Champions DayJessica was recognised for her community work this year with an invitation to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Community Champions Induction event. The event celebrated those supporting their local communities, bringing community leaders and social service providers together at Eden Park in April. Jessica was selected for the event after being nominated by members of the Mangere community, in recognition of her incredible work in the area.

    Roughly 150 champions were celebrated over Australia and New Zealand, and we’re proud to see Jessica amongst the selections.

    Bits and Pieces

    Jessica has also been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attended hui’s this quarter with local organisations such as Diamonds in the Rough, Dress for Success, and Community Law Mangere, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

    For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!