For 90 years, Energy City Ford has been part of the everyday fabric of Taranaki life. Through generations of families, changing landscapes and shifting times, the business has endured. It’s been about more than selling vehicles; it’s been about showing up for a community that has, in turn, backed this business.

Backing Taranaki people and causes that matter is what drew Energy City Ford to become an Operational Supporter of Taranaki Foundation.

A Relationship Rooted in Shared Values

The connection between Energy City Ford and Taranaki Foundation didn’t begin with a brochure or a boardroom pitch. Actually, far from it. It began on the sporting field.

Russell Dempster, Dealer Principal at Energy City Ford, had already built a friendship with Taranaki Foundation CE Josh Hickford through sport, that very ‘Taranaki way’. When the conversation turned to the Foundation’s work, something clicked for Russell.

“What drew Energy City Ford to support the Taranaki Foundation is a shared belief in the long-term strength and wellbeing of the region,” says Russell. “The Foundation’s focus on lasting impact, not short-term gains, aligns with how Energy City Ford has operated for 90 years.”

For Josh, that alignment is exactly what the Foundation looks for in its supporters. “Energy City Ford is a business that has stood the test of time in Taranaki, and that really does not happen by accident. It happens because of the values you hold and the relationships you invest in.”

90 Years and Counting

Reaching a 90th anniversary in business is no small thing.

“Reaching 90 years is a powerful reflection of trust, resilience and community connection,” Josh shares. “It shows Energy City Ford has supported generations of families, built lasting relationships, and stayed true to its values over time”.

Energy City Ford in its early days. 

Community Is Not an Add-On

For Energy City Ford, community involvement is thought through and with intention. It’s how the business operates. Energy City Ford supports local sports and schools, they support events, they have a team that shows up for our region, consistently.

For us, it’s about being part of everyday life in the region,” says Russell. “Supporting our community ensures we are giving back to the place that has supported us for 90 years.”
That philosophy extends to the Foundation partnership too. Knowing that operational support helps Taranaki Foundation do more, which means fund more and grow the region’s philanthropic capacity, is key to Russell and the team at Energy City Ford.

“What keeps us connected is seeing real, transparent impact in the community,” Russell says, “and knowing we are helping build something bigger than ourselves for future generations. We love backing Taranaki Foundation, which backs the people and causes in our region. We are proud to support them how we can by providing their company vehicle.”

For Energy City Ford, community involvement is thought through and with intention.

The Vehicle That Starts the Conversation

Energy City Ford’s support takes a very visible form for the Foundation. A fully branded Ford Escape PHEV Hybrid, wrapped proudly in Taranaki Foundation colours and logos, that the Foundation team drives all around the maunga.

It is more than a practical gift. Every time the team pulls up somewhere, whether at a community event, a hui, or a donor meeting, the vehicle does its own quiet work. People notice it. They ask about it. And suddenly a conversation is underway about the Foundation, its mission, and the difference local giving makes across the region.

“We are so proud to drive it,” says Josh Hickford. “It is the vehicle that helps us do the mahi that we do, and when we arrive somewhere in that beautifully branded car, it opens doors and starts conversations we might never have had otherwise. We cannot thank Energy City Ford enough.”

Why Taranaki
Ask Russell why he is proud to call Taranaki home, and the answer comes easily, and genuinely.

“Taranaki is special because community here is real and felt every day. People support each other, back local, and take pride in where they live. It also offers a nice balance of lifestyle and opportunity. For me, it is not just where you live, it is where you belong.”

Beyond Energy City Ford, Russell is actively involved in Taranaki cricket. For years now he has given his time and energy to a sport he loves and a community he believes in.

“Being involved in Taranaki Cricket is about giving back to a game that builds connection, character, and community,” he says. “Sport in Taranaki is a key part of the social fabric.

Sport brings people together, creates belonging, and teaches life values like teamwork and resilience. Supporting it helps ensure those opportunities continue for the next generation.”

Beyond Energy City Ford, Russell has long been involved in Taranaki cricket, generously giving his time and energy to the sport and community he loves.

A Partnership for the Long Road

Taranaki Foundation is grateful for the support of businesses like Energy City Ford, businesses with clear values, who care and have a genuine love for this region.

“Energy City Ford represents exactly the kind of Taranaki business that makes this region tick,” says Josh. “They have been part of this community for 90 years and their support helps the Foundation grow, reach further, and achieve a greater impact across the region. To say we are proud to partner with them is an understatement.”

Here’s to 90 years and to the generations still to come.