MainPower announces new Chief Executive

MainPower New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Sean Horgan.

Horgan will join MainPower in January 2026 and brings a wealth of experience, having held senior leadership positions across the industry including CEO roles at Waipa Networks Ltd and The Lines Company. With a strong background in the electricity industry, he is well-positioned to lead MainPower and embrace opportunities that will benefit the North Canterbury community.

Tony King, Chair of the MainPower Board, says the appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

“We are delighted to welcome Sean Horgan to MainPower. He impressed us with his people-centric approach, strategic thinking, leadership capability and commitment to delivering value for our customers and communities. We also value his wide connections and knowledge of the industry and its participants as we focus on collaboration with other electricity distribution businesses and industry players.”

King also acknowledged Damien Whiffen who has served as Acting Chief Executive since May 2025 and will continue to act in this capacity until Horgan’s arrival.

“Damien has led MainPower through this transitional period and the Board thanks him for his commitment and contribution. We look forward to continuing to work alongside him in his role of Chief Assets and Operations Officer.”

The incoming Chief Executive says he is looking forward to joining the MainPower team and contributing to the organisation’s ongoing success.

“It’s a privilege to be joining MainPower – an organisation with a proud history and a clear commitment to serving North Canterbury. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the Board, our people and our stakeholders to deliver a future that creates real local value for our community.”

MainPower is the electricity lines company serving the communities of Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura. With a commitment to safety and reliability, MainPower ensures a secure electricity supply to over 46,000 connections, positively impacting the lives of the people who call North Canterbury home.

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Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

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