Z Energy (Z) has returned to the top 20 of the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index in 2023, attributing its rise to its focus on demonstrating its leadership and building trust with its customers.
Z has moved up four places, jumping to 18th overall, which Z CEO Lindis Jones said was a significant development for Z given many companies on the index have seen their overall score decrease and their place drop.
Lindis, who replaced Mike Bennetts as CEO in March 2023, attributes the increase to Z’s refusal to compromise its core company values of environmental sustainability, community, diversity and inclusion, and safety and wellbeing, despite several significant changes at the company within the last 12 months.
“Z is about working together for Aotearoa. This isn’t simply about finding ways we can support Aotearoa to a future of low-carbon transport but also represents a commitment to empowering our neighbourhoods and our Z whānau because it is within these communities that our people, customers, and suppliers live. Our community is all of Aotearoa,” said Jones.
Jones continued that Z Energy was responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all who interact with the company. That means having systems that protect Z service station staff, celebrate and actively seek ways to improve diversity, and encourage positive customer behaviour at our service stations to keep them and our staff safe.
Chief Client Officer of Kantar Insights, Sarah Bolger, said the survey, conducted between February and April 2023, provided invaluable insights into public perception of Z.
“What makes Z strong is a more balanced scorecard than the competitor set, delivering on multiple facets of quality, service, value and reasons for loyalty through rewards programmes and innovation through technologies like the Z App,” said Bolger.
“New Zealanders see Z moving with the times and praise them for their commitment to improving EV charging capabilities. Lastly, revitalising community engagement is an important platform for Z, which is meaningful to many. We received several consumer statements highlighting Z’s deep community involvement.”
Jones added that Z engages with its communities through initiatives like Good in the Hood, which channels our support to smaller community groups needing more resources to seek funding elsewhere.
“I am immensely proud to announce that our commitment to ‘Good in the Hood’ will surpass a significant milestone as we commit another $1 million in donations in 2023, reaching a total of $10 million in community contributions over the past decade. By investing in our communities, we aim to create lasting positive change and enhance the lives of all New Zealanders,” said Jones.
Z aims to move with the times, with Jones stating that the move to low-carbon transport would be a critical component of New Zealand’s decarbonisation.
As part of Z’s sustainability strategy, it actively invests in low-carbon fuels and infrastructure, supports adopting electric vehicles (EVs), and develops EV charging infrastructure across its network. In addition, Z has recently taken total ownership of electricity retailer Flick Electric and is preparing to launch a home electricity offer in the coming months.
Jones said that Z believes that electrification of light vehicles plays a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner energy future, and to accelerate their adoption is partnering with government agencies, local authorities, and private entities to establish a robust charging network, making EV charging accessible and convenient for all New Zealanders.
He added that decarbonisation is not a challenge that Z can tackle alone. It requires collaboration, innovation, and partnerships.
“We’re actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with other organisations within and beyond the energy sector. We can drive greater impact and accelerate change by sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. That forms part of our commitment to leading our industry and Kiwi business.”
