Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) beneficiaries who haven’t
received their voting papers are being urged to contact Election Services now, with
voting underway in both the 2026 Trustee Election and Ownership Review Poll.
Voting packs were mailed to beneficiaries from Monday, 24 August. Anyone who
believes they are eligible to vote but has not received theirs can now request new
voting papers.
WESCT Deputy Chair Guy Whitaker said the Trust was keen to make sure people
across the district knew the election was happening and had the opportunity to take
part.
“We know from previous elections that some people haven’t received their voting
papers, while others may not have realised there was an election underway,” Mr
Whitaker said.
“So, if you’re expecting voting papers and they haven’t turned up, please don’t leave
it to the last minute. Contact Election Services and they can help you get the voting
papers you need.”
Beneficiaries can contact Election Services on 0800 922 822 or
Voting papers can be reissued if the original pack hasn’t arrived or has been lost or
damaged.
This year, beneficiaries are being asked to make two important voting decisions.
Seven candidates are standing for three WESCT Trustee positions, with
beneficiaries choosing the Trustees who will represent their interests as shareholder
of The Lines Company (TLC).
Beneficiaries are also being asked to vote in the six-yearly Ownership Review Poll,
which asks whether WESCT should continue to own 100% of TLC on their behalf.
Mr Whitaker said both votes would help shape the future direction of the Trust and its
ownership of TLC.
“Whether it’s choosing who represents you around the Trust table or having your say
on the future ownership of TLC, these are important decisions for our beneficiaries.
“We encourage everyone to take a few minutes, read the information provided and
make their vote count.”
Beneficiaries who have received their pack can vote online using the unique voting
details provided or return their completed voting papers by post.
Voting closes at midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
- ENDS –
2026 WESCT Trustee Election
Three Trustee positions are being contested by seven candidates:
Shane Carr
Andy Connors
Leanne Massey
Shelley Mitchell
Cathy Prendergast
Maria Ralph
Yvette Ronaldson
WESCT has six Trustees, with three Trustee positions coming up for election every two years.
Trustees are elected for four-year terms.
Trustees act as the shareholder representatives of WESCT beneficiaries, including monitoring TLC’s performance and appointing and reviewing TLC directors.
2026 Ownership Review Poll
Every six years, WESCT beneficiaries vote on the future ownership of The Lines Company.
WESCT currently owns 100% of TLC on behalf of its beneficiaries.
The independent Ownership Review found that continued 100% Trust ownership is the option most likely to provide stable, long-term benefits for beneficiaries and the wider community.
Under the current ownership model:
Around $5.4 million in value is returned each year through TLC discounts and lower line charges.
More than $27 million in TLC discounts has been returned to beneficiaries over the past six years.
TLC has consistently charged customers less than the maximum network revenue allowed.
TLC invests more than $800,000 each year into community funding, sponsorships and support initiatives.
Trust ownership enables local decision-making, with Trustees elected by beneficiaries.
The independent advisors, TLC Board and WESCT Trustees all recommend retaining 100% Trust ownership.
