Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust beneficiaries have delivered a strong endorsement of continued Trust ownership of The Lines Company (TLC), with 96.6% of valid votes cast supporting the current ownership model.
The result was announced today alongside the 2026 Trustee Election, which saw Andy Connors, Shelley Mitchell, and Yvette Ronaldson elected as Trustees.
Seven candidates contested the three vacant positions with 18.15% of voting documents returned.
WESCT Deputy Chair Guy Whitaker said the results showed continued strong support for Trust ownership and recognition of the value TLC provides as a Trust-owned asset.
“Beneficiaries have given us a very clear result. They continue to support Trust ownership of TLC and the long-term value this model provides,” Mr Whitaker said.
“It was also fantastic to see seven people put themselves forward to serve as Trustees.
“We thank every candidate who stood and every beneficiary who voted. These are important decisions about the people representing beneficiaries and the future of a significant local asset.”
The Ownership Review Poll is held every six years under the WESCT Trust Deed and asks beneficiaries whether the Trust should continue to hold the shares in The Lines Company. Of the valid votes cast on that question, 1,965 supported continued Trust ownership and 69 voted against.
The result follows an independent Ownership Review which found the current ownership model returns around $5.4 million of value each year through TLC discounts and lower line charges. The independent advisors concluded that continued 100% Trust ownership was the option most likely to provide stable, long-term benefits for beneficiaries and the wider community.
Mitchell polled the highest with 1,412 votes, followed by Connors (1,197) votes and Ronaldson re-elected (933) votes.
Ronaldson has been re-elected after completing her current term as a Trustee.
Connors brings 33 years of service with New Zealand Police, including many years working across the Waitomo and Ōtorohanga districts. He has also remained involved with local organisations and community initiatives following his retirement.
Mitchell is a Chartered Accountant and partner of Smith Mitchell Ltd, Te Kūiti. She has extensive governance and volunteer experience with community and sporting organisations.
Whitaker welcomed the election result and thanked all candidates who stood.
“We congratulate Shelley and Andy on their election and Yvette on her re-election. They each bring different experience and perspectives to the Trust, and we look forward to working together on behalf of beneficiaries.”
The new term begins on 1 October 2026, with the three elected Trustees serving four-year terms through to 30 September 2030.
Whitaker also acknowledged departing Trustees William Oliver and Janette Osborne, who chose not to seek re-election after each completing nine years of service.
“William and Janette have made a significant contribution to WESCT over the past nine years. We thank them both for the time, experience and commitment they have given to the Trust and its beneficiaries.”
WESCT owns 100% of The Lines Company on behalf of its beneficiaries. The Trust is governed by six Trustees, with three Trustee positions coming up for election every two years.
