NZAS and The Grace Street Project partnership mutually beneficial

The Grace Street Project is delighted to announce that it has met the requirements to secure a generous grant of $450,000 from the NZAS Community Development Fund. Janette Malcolm, Chair of The Grace Street Project, emphasized that while the financial contribution is significant, the longterm partnership with NZAS will provide ongoing benefits to the community.

The NZAS Community Development Fund, a $2 million initiative established in 2023 by Rio Tinto, NZAS, and Murihiku Rūnaka, was created to support community, cultural, and business projects in Southland. The Grace Street Project was selected as one of the flagship recipients of the fund, contingent upon securing additional community funding.

“NZAS and Rio Tinto have been incredibly supportive from day one,” said Malcolm. “They recognise that by investing in south Invercargill, they are not just supporting a project—they are investing in the wellbeing of their community.”

Chris Blenkiron, CEO & General Manager of NZAS, expressed pride in being a founding supporter of The Grace Street Project, underscoring how the financial contribution aligns with the company’s values and benefits both the community and the business.

“The kaupapa of The Grace Street Project focused on fostering connection, wellness and opportunities through education and technology. It reflects our commitment to care at Rio Tinto,” said Blenkiron. “This partnership ensures a lasting impact on the community, rather than just a one off investment.”

Blenkiron also acknowledged that many NZAS employees live in south Invercargill, adding that it was particularly meaningful for the company to contribute to an initiative that directly benefits so many of their employees and their families.

“Partnerships like the one with The Grace Street Project are mutually beneficial,” Blenkiron noted. “We provide the financial support to help them bring this transformative project to life, and in turn, the project enhances the wellbeing and equity of our community. NZAS has a long-standing tradition of investing in south Invercargill, going back to the establishment of housing in the 1970s, and we’re proud to continue that legacy.”

Danielle Ralph, Shipping & Logistics Crew Leader at NZAS and a long-time resident of south Invercargill, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership and the positive impact it will have on the community.

“Rio Tinto likes to work with local organisations to make sure projects really work for the community.” said Ralph. “I love that as a company we are looking after the people that look after us.”

Ralph was enthusiastic about the impact The Grace Street Project would have and believed the benefits of the funding would extend far beyond the present generation.

“It’s like planting a seed that will grow over time. This project is just the beginning. Without this funding, that seed couldn’t even be planted.”

Left to Right - Lyndal Ludlow (Deputy Chair of The Grace Street Project), Chris Blenkiron (CEO & General Manager of NZAS) and Dion Williams (NZAS Manager Communities and Social performance).