Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand reflects on 2023 community efforts

As 2023 comes to a close, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) reflect on the year that has been. With a community focus at the heart of what they do, CCEP NZ has supported and partnered with local communities throughout the year to help drive positive change.

From providing relief in the wake of devastating weather events, to supporting local charities, having a positive impact on local environments, and spreading some Christmas cheer; CCEP NZ remains committed to giving back to the community and is dedicated to making a positive impact.

“At CCEP NZ, people and community are embedded into our ethos, and we take great pride in lending a helping hand to local communities around the country, whether it be through providing essential supplies, financial support, or providing some extra hands to get the job done,” said Wendy Rayner, General Manager Strategy & Brand.

“This year has been challenging for many and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve alongside our incredibly passionate employees,” continued Rayner.

The beginning of 2023 brought hardships to communities nationwide, with the devastating floods in Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle battering the East Coast of the North Island. Responding to the urgent need for relief, CCEP NZ employees engaged in on-ground support efforts in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne. Notably, Sarah Crasborn, Sales Manager and resident of the area, created and organised a free mini supermarket of essential items, distributed water to the community, and drove to and from Wellington to bring fuel and food to those without in the Hawkes Bay.

Throughout the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, Coca-Cola New Zealand (consisting of CCEP NZ and Coca-Cola Oceania) donated 36,000 bottles of 1.5l Kiwi Blue Still Spring Water to those hard-hit regions. In addition to product donations, Coca-Cola New Zealand also donated NZD $70,000 to the Cyclone Gabrielle Community Support Give-a-little campaign. Additionally, an internal donation programme was setup, with a donation just shy of NZD $10,000 to the Auckland City Mission and the New Zealand Red Cross.

Later in the year, CCEP NZ worked closely with its east coast team to distribute $10,000 worth of product to those in the community continuing to be affected by the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

In September, CCEP NZ’s annual Support My Cause initiative resulted in the company donating $44,000 to four local charities in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This global initiative is crafted to support local charities, community organisations, or good causes nominated and voted for by CCEP NZ employees. The selection of local charities this year was based on their impact in sustainability, community, or diversity and inclusion.

The recipients for the 2023 Support my Cause NZ funding round were, Heart Kids NZ and Pet Refuge, who each received a donation of NZD $12,500, and Fair Food and Buttabean Motivation, who each received a donation of NZD $9,500.  

CCEP NZ is always committed to working towards a more sustainable future and 2023 saw the business partnering with the Styx Living Laboratory Trust, a local community organization in Christchurch. For the past 22 years, this dedicated Christchurch-based trust has focused on restoring the Styx/Pūharakekenui River. Together, employees from the CCEP NZ Christchurch branch and Styx Living Laboratory Trust planted 7,000 indigenous trees on the CCEP NZ owned land that runs adjacent to Ka Pūtahi Creek in Christchurch.

In its 29th year, Coca-Cola New Zealand is once again bringing the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park to Christchurch and Auckland. This beloved, free event is a gift to the community, offering an evening filled with entertainment, music, and fireworks. Over the course of 29 years, Christmas in the Park has brought communities together and left a positive impact, becoming an iconic Kiwi tradition for welcoming in the festive season. This year, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is proud to support the Kindness Collective.

Additionally, Coca-Cola New Zealand has once again donated NZD $5,000 of product to the Kindness Collective’s Joy Store, an initiative that invites parents and caregivers that are unable to afford Christmas presents, to choose gifts for their family for free.  

“We hope our efforts and initiatives in 2023 eased some stress in communities around the country and we want to thank our CCEP NZ team for all their work across our communities this year. Supporting New Zealand’s communities has always been a focus of CCEP NZ, and this will continue in 2024 with numerous initiatives for both employees and the wider community,” concludes Wendy Rayner.