Starting as General Manager of WISE today is truly special to me. It’s a testament to the kaupapa of WISE – providing opportunities, supporting growth, and nurturing people. I’ve grown here through training, mentorship, and the opportunities I’ve been given, and now I feel humbled and proud to lead this incredible team.
Looking back, I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together:
Creating employment and training pathways – thanks to New Plymouth District Council
Helping whānau live in warmer, healthier homes through HHI & WHIPIT – thanks to Toi Foundation, Health New Zealand Taranaki, Todd Energy, Todd Foundation, and Whanganui Community Foundation.
Running community workshops and Heat Kit into Schools – thanks to Powerco.
Continuing free home insulation across Taranaki – thanks to EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), Toi Foundation, OMV (we’re celebrating 25 years of this program!)
We won the Environmental Leadership in Climate Action award at the Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards! We are moving into The Junction’s new building – we’ll be closing on 12 January and opening on 20 January 2026, thanks to New Plymouth District Council, Toi Foundation, and Sustainable Taranaki.
Curtain Bank processed 300+ sets of curtains this year, growing our volunteer base and supporting those in need! Thank you to Toi Foundation!
Landcare & Cleaning team continuing their mahi at Pohokura OMV site.
Comms team sharing our stories creatively, even on a tight budget, we are so blessed to have such great talent!
This year, we continue creating opportunities, supporting whānau, impacting lives, and making positive change in our rohe, with the support of our funders, guidance from our board, the passion, hard work, and drive of our kaimahi, and strong collaboration with our stakeholders.
I’m grateful to Paul Scouller for the opportunities I had as Business Manager – every experience helped prepare me for this next chapter. Thank you, Paul, for your passion for the mahi we do and for inspiring us all – we wish you all the very best in what comes next.
2026 feels full of promise, and I can’t wait to continue making a difference with this incredible team.
Petunia Twala
