Community members who want to make a difference and help shape the future of an important community-owned asset are being encouraged to stand in the upcoming Trustee election to the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT).
Three Trustee positions will be filled in this year's election, with the current terms of Janette Osborne, William Oliver and Yvette Ronaldson concluding on 30 September 2026. Nominations open on Thursday, 9 July and close on Friday, 31 July, with voting papers being delivered to beneficiaries from 24 August.
WESCT owns 100% of The Lines Company (TLC) on behalf of their beneficiaries, ensuring the benefits of Trust ownership continue to flow back to local people and communities. Trustees are elected by beneficiaries to act as diligent shareholders on their behalf.
Current Trustees Janette Osborne and William Oliver will not be seeking re-election, concluding 9 years of dedicated service to the Trust. Current Trustee Yvette Ronaldson has reached the end of her current term and is eligible to stand for re-election.
Deputy Chair Guy Whitaker said Janette and William had made an outstanding contribution to the Trust and the wider community.
"Janette and William have each dedicated 9 years of service to the Trust, helping guide some of its most significant work behind the scenes," says Mr Whitaker.
"Their leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Trust for the future, including playing a key role in the recent Trust Deed review and update, while always keeping the interests of beneficiaries and our community at the centre of every decision."
"On behalf of the Trustees and our beneficiaries, I'd like to sincerely thank Janette and William for their commitment, professionalism and the enormous contribution they've made over the past 9 years. Their legacy will continue to benefit our community for many years to come."
With three Trustee positions to be filled, Mr Whitaker said the election was an opportunity for community members to step forward and help shape the future of an important community-owned asset.
"Being a Trustee is an opportunity to give back to your community," says Mr Whitaker. "You don't need an electricity background—we're looking for people with good judgement, curiosity and a genuine interest in helping shape the future of a community-owned asset that benefits us all."
"Our Trustees come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and that's one of our strengths. If you've ever wondered whether the role might be right for you, I'd encourage you to come along to our Trustee information evening. It's a great opportunity to meet the current Trustees, ask questions and learn more about what's involved before deciding whether to put your name forward."
Anyone interested in standing for election is encouraged to attend the Trustee Information Evening on Thursday, 16 July at 5.30 p.m. at the Railway Building No. 3, 190 Rora Street, Te Kūiti. The evening is an opportunity to meet current Trustees, learn more about the role and ask questions in an informal setting before nominations close.
About WESCT
The Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) owns 100% of The Lines Company (TLC) on behalf of its beneficiaries, making TLC 100% Trust owned.
WESCT has beneficiaries which hold around 11,500 electricity connections across the King Country, including Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Piopio, Mangakino and Mōkau. The Trust is governed by six Trustees who are elected by beneficiaries for four-year terms, with elections held every two years on a rotational basis.
Trust ownership helps ensure the benefits of owning The Lines Company remain with beneficiaries and local communities through local governance, the TLC discount and long-term stewardship of this important community asset.
Trustee election
Current Trustees Brian Hanna, Olivia Buckley and Guy Whitaker continue in office until 2028.
Who can stand?
To be eligible, candidates must:
Be enrolled on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll.
Permanently reside within the WESCT area.
Be physically and mentally capable of holding office.
Be nominated by two eligible nominators.
Directors and employees of The Lines Company are not eligible to stand.
Key election dates
Nominations open: Thursday 9 July
Nominations close: Friday 31 July
Voting papers delivered: From Monday 24 August
Voting closes: Thursday 24 September (12 noon)
Results declared: Thursday 1 October
