About
Waipā Networks is 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust.
The Trust represents customers in Waipā and Kawhia, acting as a voice for electricity customers on various industry matters including on proposed new legislation. Through our trust ownership model, profits are retained by the community rather than going to external shareholders. We promote energy efficiency and have funded several projects to benefit the customers of Waipā Networks.
Every three years customers (the more than 40,000 customers Waipā Networks delivers power to) vote for up to six members for the Trust. The Trust in turn appoints the Company Directors, who are responsible for the running of the Company. Each year the Trust and Company agree on the performance criteria for the Company by which the Board’s performance will be measured.
Your Trustees
Your trustees consist of experienced professionals from various sectors in the Waipā region. Every three years an election is held, where the customers of Waipā Networks elect the Trustees by ballot. Customers are entitled to one vote per network connection point. The current trustees are Sarah Matthews, Judy Bannon, Ray Milner, David McLean and Marcus Gower.
Sarah Jane Matthews
Chairperson
I’m a Chartered Accountant with a professional career spanning Business Advisory, Financial Management, Strategy and Governance. As a long-standing Waipā resident, I am passionate about making a lasting, positive difference in local organisations and our community.
I am currently GM – Organisation Performance of Taupo District Council. I am a Member of the Institute of Directors and have strong governance experience; holding current board positions with several organisations across our community.
I was recognised for my exceptional financial management and governance skills by winning ‘Emerging Financial Manager’ at the 2021 NZ CFO Awards and a Raymond Wilson Governance Scholarship.
I am a proud Waipā resident who values the importance of local ownership and keeping Waipā Networks firmly in the hands of you, the customers.
David Anthony McLean
Deputy Chairperson
I have spent the last three years working to ensure the Trust provides customers with a first-rate service, maximum discount and builds a long-term sustainable business. The energy sector is heading into uncharted territory and Waipā Networks is well placed to better facilitate future energy use within our community.
I bring 35 years’ experience in the agribusiness sector and continue to build my governance skills. I will use these to protect and grow our community asset, build a market leading electricity distribution company while ensuring the best possible return to our customers.
Raymond John Milner
Trustee
I have an electrical engineering degree and over thirty years’ experience of electricity distribution design and management including as a past CEO of Waipā Networks Ltd. At Waipā Networks I built a new 11 0kV supply line for Te Awamutu to improve reliability and managed the company’s investment in Ultrafast Fibre. I was a director of Ultrafast Fibre.
I have an MBA (Exec) degree from Waikato University. I was a trustee of the Waipā Community Facilities Trust established to manage the Council’s swimming pools and gymnasium. I am currently an active member of the Cambridge Rotary Club and involved in many community activities.
I support:
100% Trust Ownership on behalf of customers
Continued investment in the network to meet growing demand and improve reliability
Bring an understanding of the challenges created by growth of the network, distributed generation and modern technology.
Judy Margaret Bannon
Trustee
I strongly believe Waipā Network Ltd should continue under the current Trust model, as it returns any profits back to the community by way of the current customers. This ensures you receive the maximum discount possible making your power bill cheaper.
Having worked in senior management in Law for 27 years I believe my experience is of value to the Trust. My management experience is supplemented by a MBA (Management in Business Administration) gained at Waikato University, and until I retired membership of the Institute of Directors.
As my late husband Jim Bannon worked for Cambridge Power Board, and my daughter for Transpower, Wellington, I have an excellent understanding of the industry at both Local and National levels. Waipā Networks achieved among the lowest line charges in New Zealand, maximising your discounts, which we wish to ensure continues in the future.
Marcus Leveson Gower
Trustee
I live in Kihikihi and love being involved in my community. My family has been living here for many years, I run my own IT business and am a Waipā District Councillor.
I believe the Waipā Networks Trust has done a great job and Waipā Networks is in really good shape, I look forward to being able to apply my governance skills and interests in technology to be able to positively help shape the future direction of our local lines company.
It’s important that Waipā Networks stays in our ownership so that our assets remain in local hands.
Kayla Heeringa
Trust Manager
I joined Waipā Networks Trust at the beginning of 2022 as Secretary/Treasurer. I am a proud Waipā local and have a background in finance, accounting and business support.
In my spare time, I like to be out and about with my husband Damian and our three children Holly, Kyle and Cody.
