PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2025
Tracey shows one introduction can change many lives
Tracey Kay is a General Manager of Safety, Culture and Sustainability at Counties Energy. Her experience with First Foundation has led her and her organisation to become an advocate for our mission to support talented youth.
One meeting inspires impact
Tracey was introduced to First Foundation over eighteen years ago when she took a role at ION Automotive Limited. There, she met the First Foundation scholar, Roseanne Leaupepe, who explained the support she’d been given.
Tracey was deeply impressed by Rosanne and what she heard about the programme. She became a champion for the programme and brought three more scholars into ION over the next couple of years. When she joined Halls Group, she spread First Foundation benefits that ensured two more young people were awarded the scholarship.
“Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve introduced First Foundation along with me”, Tracey explains, highlighting the ripple effect of her advocacy.
“Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve introduced First Foundation along with me.”
Counties Energy is an energy distribution business that is 100% community-owned and puts community at its heart. There is a natural fit with First Foundation’s mission to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty and disadvantage. Counties Energy supports the First Foundation scholarship in honour of Bob Arvidson, one of the Counties Energy Trust’s first trustees.
“Being able to offer opportunities to youth, and them being part of that journey is a privilege . We gain from this relationship – It’s not just a one-way street”.
This mutual benefit creates a positive cycle of growth and innovation, with fresh perspectives contributing to industry development.
Scholars earn their success but share the reward
Tracey says seeing scholars succeed in their journey is the biggest reward of partnering with First Foundation.
“It’s really heartwarming. It makes me feel like the tiny little piece of what we have done has contributed to that. Of course, 90% comes from their fabulous efforts; it’s humbling to see how successful their journeys are”.
Counties Energy has supported two First Foundation scholars, Sophia Chen and Isabella Coughlan, and a third, Moeata Ngataki, who will receive her scholarship in March 2025.
Sophia Chen, the company’s first scholar, recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a biomedical engineering and science degree. She then secured a position as a Product Development Engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
As a First Foundation scholar, Sophia received financial assistance, dedicated mentoring and part-time work experience at Counties Energy during her study breaks.
Tracey is thrilled to see Sophia begin her career.
“Providing this scholarship to Sophia was an honour. It not only gave her financial and professional support but also fostered an environment where she could grow personally and academically.”
Sophia Chen, 2018 Counties Energy Alumni at the First Foundation Awards Ceremony in 2022. Bottom left, Roseanne Leaupepe is a First Foundation Alumni from 2000. She was supported by ION Limited.
“We’re confident that she will excel in everything she pursues, and we wish her every success at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.”
Tracey was delighted to hear that Roseanne Lauepepe, the first scholar she met all those years ago, is now in a senior role at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. I do keep tabs, through First Foundation, on how all these amazing talented individuals are doing.
Shared values make for meaningful connections
Tracey explains that building lasting connections is a valuable part of the First Foundation’s programme. The networks and relationships that scholars build affect the opportunities they’re exposed to throughout their careers. Despite their different backgrounds, the First Foundation community shares their belief in the power of education and giving back, which creates strong bonds.
Tracey shares a touching example of getting to know 2024 Counties Energy scholar Isabella.
“Isabella is here at the moment. She comes in, and she knows everyone. It is fabulous seeing her interact with such confidence. This personal connection extends beyond the workplace, with Tracey and her team supporting Isabella through personal challenges, including a health setback that temporarily paused her studies.
Isabella Loughlan with Tracey outside Counties Energy.
Work experience builds confidence
A cornerstone of First Foundation’s programme is the work experience component, which Tracey emphasises as crucial.
“It’s not just about doing a job and earning some money. We look at it as we’re guiding them. It’s generally their first foray into the world of business. They’re learning the protocols of how business runs”.
This hands-on experience helps scholars build confidence and understand workplace dynamics. Tracey notes that scholars often return with increased assurance. They step up to take on new challenges within the organisation.
The need continues
Tracey says the need for First Foundation’s work remains, as many young people face socio-economic barriers to higher education. However, she shows that it only takes one meeting to start a ripple effect that spans generations.
You can make a difference too
Whether you’re an individual or a business, your support can open doors for talented young people facing barriers to higher education. Join us in shaping the future. Learn how you or your organisation can get involved with First Foundation today.
