Stakeholder dialogue is key to sustainable business success. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development defines dialogue as communicating with stakeholders in way that takes serious account of their views – giving them voice, listening to what they have to say, and being prepared to act or react accordingly. This does not mean that every stakeholder request must be met but it should be acknowledged and thoughtfully considered. In New Zealand Methanex has demonstrated leadership in stakeholder dialogue.
Methanex New Zealand plays an active part in the North Taranaki community where it operates. Methanex’s independently audited Responsible Care programme requires that the company maintain regular communications with its stakeholders.
On an annual basis Methanex identifies which groups its operations may have an impact on – employees, local residents, government, customers, and Iwi. communication plan, with management responsibility, ensures that each stakeholder group is communicated with regularly throughout the year.
For Methanex’s local community stakeholders this communication plan resulted in the establishment of Community Advisory Panel in 1996. The Panel is made up of 13 representatives from local groups representing wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. The Advisory Panel meets with Methanex quarterly, to bring concerns and queries from the people whom they represent. They also serve to keep Methanex informed on the “big picture”, by raising issues that the company may be unaware of.
FINALISTS
Shell(NZ)
For public education on renewable energy
The climate change threat has spurred the need for greater public awareness of the high potential of solar energy as future energy source. To spread awareness of the awesome power of the sun, Shell (NZ) has developed series of innovative mechanisms and taken them out into the community. The Shell Sunspot Cafe produces solar heated tea and coffee. Over the past few years, the cafe has generated huge public interest at events around New Zealand. The cafe has won support from diverse groups including the Royal Forest and Bird Society and the Green Party of Aotearoa.
In January 2001, Shell stepped up its renewables message when it unveiled its Solar Powered Explorer Sustainable Development Vehicle. This Flash Gordon-inspired, space-age machine generates about 150-200 watts of energy to power variety of household and moving objects including computer, television and whirling antenna. Upon learning that alternative energy had become an official part of the New Zealand school syllabus, Shell partnered with Auckland-based Tri-Tek Holdings to develop the “Inspired by Nature” Module Kit that includes solar generating device and number of engaging step-by-step, self-learning exercises on alternative energy.
Vodafone New Zealand
For innovative giving to the community
Vodafone New Zealand has established an innovative way to combine corporate team building with community support. recent growth in the size of Vodafone’s engineering department meant that there was need for an engaging, hands-on activity to bring the team together. Rather than pursue the usual corporate activities, the engineering department decided to give something back to the community by revamping Auckland’s Pakuranga Children’s Health Camp.
The 53-year-old camp helps more than 400 children every year. Children are referred to the camp because of social and behavioural difficulties, as well as those needing healthcare. This camp is the only one of its kind in Auckland and was in desperate need of facelift. As result of the project, the camp now has an ongoing relationship with Vodafone, and in particular the engineering team. This relationship has provided significant benefits to employees, their families, the company and the camp. Vodafone’s ongoing support has included using its network as one way for the health camp to promote its annual appeal to buy its special issue of stamps.
Through this distinctive and innovative giving Vodafone has demonstrated real commitment to its staff and the community.
