We’re proud to share some exciting news with our community — Awarua Synergy has been recognised on an international stage!

At the PROtrade United Industry Awards in Brisbane, Australia, we were honoured to take home the Community Impact Award, celebrating our commitment to making a real difference for people across Southland.

Competing against leading trade companies from both New Zealand and Australia, our team was nominated in three award categories, with the Community Impact Award being the highlight of the evening.

Putting Community at the Heart of What We Do

This award acknowledges the work we’ve carried out to improve the wellbeing of Southland families and communities. Over the years, our team has:

  • Insulated and heated thousands of homes across the region
  • Provided education on power savings and efficient home heating
  • Supported youth development through events like Rangatahi Zone — a two-day gathering in Bluff that brings together more than 1,000 rangatahi for fun, creativity, and connection

Our General Manager, Sumaria Beaton, accepted the award on behalf of the team, sharing:

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised among so many respected businesses. This award reflects the heart of our team and the difference we’re making in our community.”

The recognition also drew praise from PROTRADE United CEO, Jon Mailer, who commended Sumaria’s leadership and community focus. “Sumaria is an inspiring leader who puts purpose and passion for her community first, which engages her team and customers in the ‘good’ that she brings to the Southland region,” Mailer said. “The world could benefit from more visionary business leaders like Sumaria.”

A Night of Celebration

The awards ceremony, attended by more than 300 guests, included a special appearance by rugby league legend Mal Meninga, whose powerful speech reminded everyone of the importance of grassroots impact and community-focused initiatives.

Looking Ahead

At Awarua Synergy, our work goes far beyond homes — we support farms, businesses, and community groups, always with the same mission: to create healthier, warmer, and more energy-efficient spaces.

Whether it’s through our Healthy Homes workshops or supporting our young people to thrive, our team is passionate about building a brighter future for Southland.

We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey — this recognition belongs not just to our team, but to our community.

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From the windswept shores of Bluff to the remote beauty of the Chatham Islands, Awarua Synergy is proud to announce its latest milestone: delivering Healthy Homes upgrades to eligible households under the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

Founded 21 years ago in the small seaside town of Bluff, Awarua Synergy has grown into a nationally respected leader in energy advocacy and community wellbeing. Now, the team is preparing to travel over 860 kilometres east to Wharekauri (Chatham Island) to bring warmth, comfort, and energy efficiency to homes that have long faced isolation and high energy costs.

“This is more than just an insulation project—it’s about honouring the mana of the Chatham Islands community and building trust-based partnerships that last,” says Sumaria Beaton, General Manager of Awarua Synergy. “We’re humbled to be invited to support this kaupapa and bring our experience from Stewart Island and other remote deployments to the Chathams.”

The initiative is made possible through the careful planning and strategic investment of the New Zealand Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, administered by EECA. This nationwide effort prioritises low-income households and remote communities, ensuring equitable access to healthier, warmer living environments. The Chatham Islands deployment reflects the programme’s commitment to reaching even the most geographically isolated whānau.

With over 80 expressions of interest already received, the project will begin with assessments and installations near Waitangi, the island’s main settlement. Owner-occupied homes built before 2008 will be eligible, with a focus on insulation and heating upgrades tailored to local conditions.

Delivering this work requires meticulous coordination. Freight will be shipped from Timaru via Chatham Islands Shipping, with materials arriving on a 9-day circuit.

“Energy costs on the Chatham’s are among the highest in Aotearoa, and many homes rely on wood burners or diesel-generated electricity,” Beaton adds. “By improving insulation and heating, we’re not just reducing bills—we’re improving health, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.”

Awarua Synergy’s journey to the Chatham’s marks a full-circle moment: from a humble Southland startup to a trusted national provider reaching the farthest corners of New Zealand. The team looks forward to working alongside the community to create warmer, healthier homes—one whare at a time.

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