Powerlynk to Contest AECT Elections

Powerlynk to Contest AECT Elections with Full Slate of Candidates
Securing Our Energy Future under the Super City

Powerlynk today announced its full slate of 5 candidates for election to the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust which is the 75.1% owner of Vector Ltd. The election is scheduled from 15 October, with polling day on 30 October. This is the fourth time Powerlynk has contested this election, and in that time Powerlynk has provided four trustees to the Trust.

Shale Chambers, Trustee for the past two terms, is joined on the Powerlynk ticket by Simon Mitchell, a candidate at the last election, and first-time candidates, Jenny Agnew, David Hay and Kate Sutton.

Mr Chambers said, “The group has a very good balance of trust experience, and business, economic, public policy, legal, local government and senior governance skills and experience, as well as a commitment to continued community ownership of Auckland’s essential infrastructure assets.

“Powerlynk re-commits to its long-term core policy of preserving the Auckland electricity assets of Vector in community ownership, and guarantees not to sell its electricity assets or further Vector shares. Vector is to remain fully accountable to us, the Trust’s 305,000 beneficiary consumers in central and south Auckland,” said Mr Chambers. “Our opponents may say similar, but we must remember that they forced through a decision that led to the 24.9% part privatisation of Vector less than 9 months after the 2003 election where they promised to ‘Keep Vector Public’. That remains the Vector legacy today,” said Mr Chambers.

“With the super city imminent, this election offers an opportunity to elect trustees who are not part of the distrust of the past between the Trust and the Auckland City, Manukau City and Pakakura District Councils, and who will work cooperatively with the new city to help make our Auckland a successful, prosperous and sustainable city,” said Mr Chambers.

Powerlynk will announce its new policies for the Trust’s place in Auckland’s energy future in the lead-up to the voting period.

“The Powerlynk team are committed to Vector’s success as the top New Zealand community owned company, best positioned to protect and enhance Auckland’s essential energy infrastructure, and security of supply, provide a fast fibre broadband solution for Auckland, and to continue dividend growth paid equally to all beneficiaries of the trust,” said Mr Chambers.

ENDS