A note from our Co-CEOs
Our Whakapuāwai Rautaki guides us forward
At Springload Te Pipītanga, we are led by our Whakapuāwai Rautaki. This is our strategy that focuses our actions and decision-making on ensuring what we do today benefits future generations.
Our name, Te Pipītanga, comes from the idea of water flowing, starting out as a trickle before swelling into a stream, and then a river. It speaks to growth and energy — ideas moving with purpose. It's about regeneration.
Regeneration is important for us because, while our mission is to make the things that matter better, we must do this in a way that is sustainable, diverse, equitable and inclusive.
In 2019, we became a certified B Corp, formalising our commitment to sustainability and equity. That commitment continues to shape the choices we make and the mahi we take on.
Over the past two years, we’ve tried to live up to this name in everything we do. Whether it’s how we support our people, give back to our communities, or deliver meaningful digital work, we aim to create ripples that turn into something bigger.
The following report shows what impact has looked like for us — inside our business, out in the world, and through the partnerships we’re proud to support.
We hope you enjoy reading.
Emily Vaka’uta (Ngāpuhi) and Jodi Willocks, Co-CEOs
Our internal impact: honouring our people, place, and purpose
At Springload Te Pipītanga, we’re committed to creating meaningful impact from the inside out. From reducing our environmental footprint to nurturing a workplace where equity thrives, we embed sustainability, cultural integrity, and social responsibility into our everyday actions.
Kaitiakitanga — caring for our place
At our studio, we recycle plastic, glass, paper/cardboard, and soft plastics, and we compost organic waste.
We are committed to disposing of waste responsibly, including e-waste. Where possible, we have ensured that equipment no longer fit for purpose goes to a new home to extend its lifespan, making it available to programs that support those with limited access to technology.
756
kgs of compost diverted from landfill via Enviro NZ
3x
fewer carbon emissions than industry average
110
tonnes of carbon emissions in FY2024 offset via Trees That Count
Building an inclusive and equitable workplace
Our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) circle meets quarterly to drive practical change. We run regular, anonymous DEI staff surveys to understand the makeup of our team and how our people find working here, so we can continue to improve.
We celebrate the diverse cultures of our team through regular events like our Matariki shared kai dinner and Onam Sadhya lunch.
We educate our staff on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori tikanga, providing opportunities for them to engage and learn.
Ngā awa ō Te Pipītanga — our Māori strategy
We created a Rautaki Māori to guide how we support te ao Māori in our workplace. Some of these initiatives include:
- Reo Māori KPIs and incentives
- Noho marae experiences
- Leadership-level te reo training
- Aroha Model for kaupapa Māori work
- Cultural advisors on relevant projects
- Using Te Ara Tika ethics guidelines when appropriate
- B Corp principles embedded in strategy and delivery
Our impact in the community: from classrooms to kaupapa
We’ve continued to give back through knowledge-sharing, rangatahi outreach, and sector events — helping grow the next generation of digital thinkers and doers.
Highlights from the past two years
- School visits to Tawa Intermediate, Postgate School, and multiple colleges via E2E
- Have-a-Go sessions at Rongotai and Wellington High
- Hosted WellingtonNZ student visit at our studio
- Talks at All Hands Tech, Vaka-Con, and public webinars
- Ran a public Plain Language Act session
- Presented a seminar on bilingual design at Techweek
- Informed our clients with a talk on the sustainability considerations of AI
- Made a public statement in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through an installation in our building
- Participated in the Toitū Te Tiriti hīkoi and held learning events for our team on the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Supported charities such as Breast Cancer Foundation, Trees That Count and DCM homeless service
Impact through our mahi: partnering for positive change
We believe great work doesn’t just deliver on a brief — it delivers meaningful impact. Across Aotearoa and beyond, we partner with purpose-driven organisations to amplify their missions through thoughtful design, robust technology, and shared values.
Whether it’s fighting period inequity, supporting neurodiverse tamariki, leading climate action, or fostering financial wellbeing, our partnerships help others do more of what matters.
These are just some of our most impactful partnerships.
Dignity NZ
We built a refreshed website that helps Dignity connect with more people and drive real change in period equity. Dignity is a B Corp, championing positive change and destigmatisation for everyone with periods.
Dignity’s impact over the past 2 years:
- 537,000+ period products gifted — over 1.35 million to date
- Diverted 274,000+ single-use items from landfill
- Certified carbon positive
- Helped reduce stigma and improve school attendance
Credit: Dignity Impact Report 2023 and 2024
Austin Assessment
We developed the Austin Assessment app and website, helping families and professionals identify cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in tamariki.
Austin Assessment’s impact over the past 2 years:
- App downloaded in 50 countries
- Used in schools, clinics, homes, and research
- Continual updates based on community feedback
- New free download model to increase access
Credit: Dr Nicola McDowell, 'Our first year' newsletter
Meridian Energy
We designed and built Meridian’s website to help tell their story of climate action and renewable leadership. We also recently collaborated with Meridian's EV-charging team, Zero, to develop the webpage for the new EV-charging station at Springs Junction—a key charging stop on the West Coast. The page enables travellers to check the station’s current charging capacity, helping them plan their journey.
Meridian’s impact over the past two years:
- 100% of electricity from renewable sources
- 300,000+ trees planted through Forever Forests
- 640GWh of renewable energy purchased by businesses
- $5.1m programme supporting 5,000 households in energy hardship
- Expanded EV charging network to 237 locations
Credit: Meridian Integrated Report 2023
Kiwibank
As Kiwibank’s development partner, we ensure their public website is stable, accessible, and ready to serve thousands every day. As a fellow B Corp, Kiwibank also has a strong sustainability and equity focus.
Kiwibank’s impact over the past two years:
- Reached 62,210 students with financial education
- Supported 45,000+ people with financial well-being
- Delivered $177.9m sustainable finance to NZ businesses
- Helped 724 first-home buyers and supported 924 former refugees
- 99.8% uptime and a 29% drop in operational emissions
Credit: Kiwibank Sustainability Report 2024
A steady spring
Our name, Te Pipītanga, reminds us that small actions — a conversation, a line of code, a shared idea — can swell into something bigger.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen that happen again and again, thanks to the energy of our team and the vision of our clients. Here’s to everyone that helps us make the things that matter better.
Ngā mihi nui.
Get in touch
Let’s make the things that matter, better.
Email: hello@springload.co.nz
Phone: +64 4 801 8205