The MainPower Trust is gearing up for its elections, which take place every three years.
MainPower New Zealand Limited distributes electricity to homes and businesses across Waimakariri, Hurunui, Kaikōura and Stewarts Gully/Kainga – MainPower runs the network and keeps the lights on. It is one of 29 Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs) across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The MainPower Trust oversees MainPower’s performance, community involvement, and appoints MainPower’s directors. The Trust is made up of local representatives (Trustees) who own 100% of MainPower’s shares on behalf of people on the MainPower network (beneficiaries). Trustees ensure that rebates and discounts are returned and that initiatives that support the MainPower community are funded.
Trust Chair Kevin Brookfield says the elections are a great opportunity for community minded people with some governance experience to make a real difference in North Canterbury.
“MainPower’s network extends from just south of the Waimakariri River in Kainga and Stewarts Gully, to Kaikōura. With more than 46,000 connections delivering power to around 90,000 people, the job of the MainPower Trust isn’t one to be taken lightly.
“The business is bringing a new Chief Executive on board in 2026 and is navigating a lot of growth and change in the industry. As the Trust, we oversee the company’s performance and act on behalf of the shareholders – each of those 46,000 connections.”
Trust member Gary Walton says the work isn’t necessarily onerous, but it is very important.
“As a member of the Trust, it’s beholden on us to know what’s going on in the electricity sector and particularly how it affects MainPower. We provide the organisation with a Letter of Expectation every year which spells out our requirements on behalf of the beneficiaries, and that includes making sure that profits go back into the community for the greatest benefit of the greatest number of people.
“Every three years, three of the Trustees are retired by rotation, and those three spots are then open for public election. This year, I’m one of those retiring, but I will also be standing again and would love to be re-elected to continue the great work we are undertaking.”
Nominations for the Trust open on Thursday 8 January. Those interested in learning more about the Trust, the elections, and the nomination process are encouraged to download the nomination form and candidate booklet on the MainPower Trust website and get their application in before the nominations close at 5pm on Friday 23 January.
Elections for the Trust open on Monday 9 February and close Friday 6 March.
“We’re going to be talking about the upcoming election a lot over the next few weeks, so we hope the people of North Canterbury get involved, get excited and at least some of them stand for these very important positions on the Trust.”
