Tiwai Point

NZAS is committed to building enduring relationships with our neighbours based on mutual respect, active partnership and long term commitment. We do this by establishing and maintaining relationships that contribute positively to the quality of life where we live and work, and by supporting partnerships that are mutually beneficial and which deliver long term sustainable results. Some of our key partnerships and community programmes are outlined below.

Rio Tinto Aluminium (New Zealand) has a long term partnership with the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird to protect the critically endangered Kakapo. Eighty six birds remain in existence in New Zealand. Rio Tinto Aluminium has been a major sponsor since 1990. NZAS entered into an active partnership in 2004 with NZAS employees volunteering to assist with supplementary feeding duties, along with repairs and maintenance on the Kakapo inhabited islands.

NZAS operates a Community Assistance Programme which provides support for local non-profit organisations in the areas of health, safety, education, welfare and environment. Groups are invited to apply for funding quarterly.

NZAS has a three year commitment to support the Southland Life Education Trust. The partnership gives school students throughout the region opportunities to gain valuable knowledge about personal health. Mobile classrooms tour Southland primary and secondary schools delivering factual health-based education programmes. The Trust does not receive government funding and thus relies solely on support from industry and the community. NZAS is pleased to play a key role in the continuation of this initiative.

NZAS has supported the New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Southland Science and Technology Fair for over four years. The Fair is held annually at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery. The Fair aims to encourage students to think and act like scientists by investigating topics of their choice using hypothesis, method, test and conclusion.