Hon Hekia Parata
Acting Minister of Energy and Resources.
24 August 2011 Media Statement

Appointments to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Board

The Acting Minister of Energy and Resources, Hekia Parata, has announced the following appointments to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Board.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is a Crown Agency with the role of encouraging, promoting and supporting energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy.

The EECA board comprises of six to eight members appointed by the Minister.

Dr Andrew Pearce, a former chief executive of Landcare Research, has been appointed chair until December 2012, following four years on the EECA board.

Mr Pearce replaces Roger Sutton who is now the chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

“I would like to thank Mr Sutton for his valuable contribution to the operation of the Authority. I wish him all the best in his new position,” says Ms Parata.

Marion Cowden has been appointed deputy chair until December 2013. Ms Cowden has been a board member since 2010.

“Both Mr Pearce and Ms Cowden bring strong governance and strategic capability to the Authority,” says Ms Parata.

Newly appointed members Janet Carson and Liz Tanielu have been appointed for three years. Ms Carson is currently the group manager of communications at Contact Energy and Ms Tanielu, the chief executive of Pacific social and health service provider, the Taeaomanino Trust.

Information about the New Zealand Government’s activities and functions with respect to energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy is available at www.eeca.govt.nz.

ENDS

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Board members:

Dr Andrew Pearce a former chief executive of Landcare Research, has more than 30 years of commercial experience as a practising engineer and researcher in environmentally responsible development. He has spent three years on the EECA board where he has added particular value to the organisation’s strategic planning, performance management and reporting.

Marion Cowden is a chartered accountant, recently worked as interim chief financial officer for the Department of Building and Housing, and is member of the independent expert advisory committee of the World Health Organisation. Ms Cowden has thirty years experience in private and public sector management and governance role, both locally and overseas.

Terrence Currie has more than 40 years’ experience in business. He is currently chairman of the Major Electricity Users Group, provides strategic consultancy services through TC Associates and previously worked as executive director of the New Zealand Pulp and Paper Industry Association.

Mervyn English was general manager of the Electricity Commission from 2004 to October 2010 and has over 30 years’ experience in both private and pubic sector roles. He oversaw the development of a substantial electricity efficiency programme during his time at the Commission (subsequently transferred to EECA).

Mark Oldfield is a director of Brenchley Farms Limited. He has over 30 years’ experience working with businesses and communities in the Canterbury region. From 1997 to 2010 he was a member of the Canterbury Regional Council. He was vice president of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Janet Carson has strong communications experience and an energy sector background. She is currently the group manager of communications at Contact Energy and has previously worked for Shell International in the Netherlands and the public sector. Ms Carson is qualified as a barrister and solicitor.

Liz Tanielu is chief executive of the Taeaomanino Trust, a Pacific social service and health provider in Porirua. She has extensive experience in working with families, particularly Pacific families, and she has governance experience as a board member for various organisations. She brings a very diverse set of competencies to the board, including engagement with the community and households.

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