MainPower welcomes two new members to the Board

Following the retirement of Graeme Abbot and Brian Wood from the MainPower Board, the lines company will welcome two new board members at its AGM in August.

MainPower Trust Board Chair Kevin Brookfield says the two new board members bring a range of skills that will benefit the business.

“Hilary Walton has extensive experience in the digital and information technology sectors and is currently an Independent Member of the Christchurch City Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee,” Mr Brookfield said.

Hilary has held several executive roles and has a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, organisational psychology, risk management and security. She has also served as a uniformed Officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Murray Taggart is an experienced Chair and Director across a range of sectors and industries. He brings an international perspective gained from governance of large importing and exporting businesses. Murray has strong exposure to health and safety and environmental governance across large manufacturing sites and high-risk businesses. He’s also been a customer and a beneficiary of the company for many years, farming in North Canterbury on the MainPower network.

“Murray is a director who understands the importance of working collaboratively with other directors on a Board while having the experience and mana to express independent thoughts on issues,” Mr Brookfield said.

MainPower Board Chair Tony King said the Board is looking forward to new energy and fresh perspective with the new arrivals.  

“The MainPower Board welcomes Hilary’s extensive knowledge in the technology sector and broad reach through her various digital and social channels. We also look forward to making the most of Murray’s strong strategic background, robust experience and grasp of operational imperatives,” Mr King said. 

“We’d also like to take the opportunity to give our thanks to those board members who are departing after long and valuable contributions to the business. Graeme has been with us for nearly a decade and Brian joined us in 2018. We wish them both the very best for their future endeavours.”

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Outage notifications

Maintenance - Swannanoa Substation

Due to maintenance of Swannanoa Substation streetlights will remain switched on in the greater Swannaona area from Sunday 21/09/25 trough to Saturday morning 11/10/25

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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

Maintenance - Swannanoa Substation

Due to maintenance of Swannanoa Substation streetlights will remain switched on in the greater Swannaona area from Sunday 21/09/25 trough to Saturday morning 11/10/25

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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