Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) beneficiaries are being encouraged to keep an eye on their letterboxes, as voting packs for the 2026 Trustee Election and Ownership Review Poll will be sent from Monday 24 August.
The packs will give beneficiaries the opportunity to vote for three Trustees from a field of seven candidates, as well as have their say in WESCT’s six-yearly Ownership Review Poll.
The seven candidates standing for election are Shane Carr, Andy Connors, Leanne Massey, Shelley Mitchell, Cathy Prendergast, Maria Ralph and Yvette Ronaldson.
Following this week’s Meet the Candidates evening in Te Kūiti, WESCT Deputy Chair Guy Whitaker encourages beneficiaries to take some time to read the candidate information included with their voting pack before making their choices.
“This is your opportunity to choose three people to represent beneficiaries and help guide the Trust over the next four years,” says Mr Whitaker.
“We have seven people put themselves forward, bringing different backgrounds, experience and perspectives. I encourage people to read through the candidate profiles, consider who they believe will best represent beneficiaries, and make sure they vote.”
Beneficiaries will also receive voting information for the 2026 Ownership Review Poll in the same pack.
Held every six years, the Ownership Review asks beneficiaries to have their say on the future ownership of The Lines Company. WESCT has released separate information about the review, including the independent advisor’s report and The Lines Company Board’s report, which beneficiaries are encouraged to read before voting.
“We know there is a lot of information to consider this year, with both the Trustee Election and Ownership Review taking place at the same time,” says Mr Whitaker.
“The important thing is to read the information, make your own decisions and have your say. Every vote counts.”
Voting opens from Monday 24 August and closes at midday on Thursday 24 September 2026. Beneficiaries can vote online using the unique voting details provided in their pack or return their voting papers by post.
Beneficiaries who have not received their voting pack by Monday 31 August, or who have lost or damaged their voting papers, can request a replacement by contacting the Returning Officer on 0800 922 822 or info@electionservices.co.nz.
