ABOUT US

The Genesis Oncology Trust is registered as a charitable trust. It was set up by Genesis Energy to support the company's ongoing commitment to the community and to contribute in a positive way to a major health problem in New Zealand.


History

A flagship sponsorship for Genesis Energy is the Genesis Oncology Trust, a major community project established to assist all New Zealanders in the fight against cancer. The aim of the trust is to help in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and improvements in the palliative care of cancer patients.

Genesis Energy established the trust in 2002 by contributing $3.4 million, the funds set aside as a result of customer power savings during winter 2001. A further $2.1 million was contributed in 2003.

Bruce Blue Award: Throughout his career in the electricity supply industry Genesis Energy’s Regional Manager, Bruce Blue, had a reputation for being a true gentleman. Bruce was a warm, friendly and supportive person who would go to great lengths to ensure that his colleagues’ and customers’ needs were always fulfilled.

Bruce Blue

Following the sad death of Bruce from cancer in early 2004, Genesis Energy management decided to establish the Bruce Blue Award, which is to be managed through the Genesis Oncology Trust. A sum of $1 million, donated to the Trust by Genesis Energy, has been invested for this purpose. Each year the Board of Trustees will make an award to an outstanding applicant to honour Bruce’s memory.

The trust comprises five trustees representing Genesis Energy and medical, strategic and business aspects of oncology who will meet regularly throughout the year. The key objectives of the trust are the promotion of cancer research and palliative care services and assistance with the provision of training and development.


Key Facts

  • Population growth and ageing in New Zealand have resulted in a rise in the incidence of cancer and an increased need for preventative strategies and treatment.
  • One in three New Zealanders will be affected by cancer in their lifetime.
  • New Zealand women are reported to have the sixth highest cancer mortality among 175 countries, while New Zealand men are rated 33rd.
  • Currently the Genesis Oncology Trust provides approximately 5% of the total amount of cancer research spending in New Zealand.
  • The Genesis Oncology Trust runs an annual grant round with a distribution of up to $500,000.