Utilities Disputes

Utility issues aren’t exclusive to inner city life - so we aren’t either! Check out some of the action as we shot through the Tairawhiti | Gisborne region up to Ruatoria to connect with the awesome communities across state highway 35.   Its important to us to understand the different needs of different communities throughout Aotearoa, so we can best resolve all your utility complaints.   Here are some of the stunning shots we got while on the road!

One of UDL’s key objectives it to educate - that’s why we’ve launched a new ‘know your rights’ page that breaks down the important rules and regulations that protect consumers.   This puts all the important info in one place so kiwis can make sure they’re getting the service they need. It’s also a great tool for making sure the right processes are being followed – and making a complaint if something has gone wrong. Check it out now!

Thanks to the Best Places to Work Awards for hosting some of the team last night, and ka pai to all the winners! We couldn’t quite nab a trophy, but the whole UDL whānau was delighted to recognised for our mahi as finalists in the small workplaces category.   The awards recognise the workplaces that work hard to support their staff across Aotearoa, so it really means a lot to us to be amongst the best. Huge thanks to the team here – building good culture comes from everyone in the office, and we’re lucky to a team of absolute legends.

It’s mental health awareness week in Aotearoa – this year’s theme: Community is what we create together.   Dispute resolution is an area that involves a lot of stress, both for the UDL whānau and for those struggling with complaints. That’s why we think it’s so important to always look after each other.   We hope this week is a reminder that mental health is best managed together, so no one set of shoulders carries the whole load. Check out https://mhaw.nz/# for daily acts you can do to brighten someone’s day, and help build a stronger, happier community.

Ake ake ake – a forever language!   Te Reo is an integral part of Aotearoa’s past, present, and future. That’s why we’re so excited to be celebrating it this week for Te Wiki Te Wiki o te Reo Māori │Māori Language Week 2024.   And while this week is a great opportunity to learn, this year’s theme more than ever serves as a reminder that boosting our knowledge of te reo Māori should always be a priority.   Kia māhorahora te reo – let’s make it seen, let’s make it heard.

Check out some of the amazing mahi on display at Eden Park yesterday! Our Commissioner Neil Mallon made the trek to Auckland to lend a hand at Power in the Park, supporting our Community Engagement Officer Jessica. The two took the day to answer community questions and share how we can best help them with their energy complaints.

Prepped and ready to go at Eden Park for Power in the Park! Come on through today between 9.30am and 4pm to chat with us about your electricity and gas issues, and learn about how we sort complaints.   Huge thanks to Permobil for putting together this brilliant event, and to all the great groups that have come out to support the community. We hope to see you here!

Check out some of the set-up mahi on display at the Disability Connects Transition Expo, which is happening right now in the Auckland Netball Centre. The expo gives young adults with disabilities an opportunity to meet with social services that can help with the path from school to later life.   We’ve got UDL staff there talking through what we do, and how we can help if energy issues spark up in the future. We’re also discussing 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.   We’re always looking for opportunities to engage with the community and share what we do – so drop by if you’re in the area!

Huge thanks to the Wellington Gold Awards for hosting some of the team last night! It was great to be nominated in the support and infrastructure category, and to connect with the other fantastic nominated organisations.   While we didn’t walk away with the win, it meant a lot to the whole UDL whanau to be nominated for our work sorting complaints.   It was a great experience to share the space with so many great Wellington groups – ka pai to all the winners!

Today at UDL we celebrate a ten year anniversary. Many Congratulations to Paul Moreno at UDL for exemplary service and celebrated in style with the iconic fish and chips favourite for brunch! An amazing ten years of service providing quality research and reporting with key insights for submissions, reports and more. Thank you Paul - it is wonderful having you as a key part of UDL.