Minister must explain Caygill’s dual role

National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee says Energy Minister David Parker must state whether he’s comfortable with the new head of the Electricity Commission’s intersecting roles.

“Former Labour Cabinet Minister David Caygill is also a director of Infratil, which has energy interests including a 50.5% stake in Trustpower.

“Any observer of the sector will tell you there is a real potential for that role to intersect with Mr Caygill’s work at the Electricity Commission.

“Given that the Government claims to be so vigilant when it comes to conflicts of interest – Mr Parker needs to say whether he sees Mr Caygill’s position as potentially a conflict.”

Mr Caygill, who has just completed his work as Labour’s representative on the electoral boundary changes, replaces Roy Hemmingway who left the job citing Government interference and bullying.

“Peter Harris, a former trade union economist and former advisor to Michael Cullen, has been keeping the seat warm since then, so Mr Parker has had plenty of time to identify potential conflicts of interest.

“The Minister needs to say today how those are going to be dealt with.”

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