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, David McLean, Ray Milner, Marcus Gower, Philip Coles and Jarrod Godfrey.

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.

Jarrod Cameron Godfrey

Trustee

I am a Waipā local and experienced Chartered Accountant with 18 years of experience, mostly in public practice. I currently lead the team at Findex Te Awamutu.

I work with a diverse range of clients including rural and small family businesses through to large corporations. I have a proven track record of collaborating with others to achieve common goals and am focused on profitability for clients.

I was born and raised in Waipā, and now reside in Puahue with my wife Kim and two sons. I am passionate about the Waipā District and want to use my skills and experience for the benefit of the community. My governance experience includes being a current Trustee of the Waipā Community Facilities Trust.

I support the continued community ownership of local infrastructure, including Waipā Networks. Like other energy users, I support continuing investment in our local network for the benefit of Waipā residents.

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.

Philip Thomas John Coles

Trustee

It gives Philip enormous satisfaction to continue representing the Community over the past 14 years having served the community of Cambridge and Waipā District Council as a Community Board Member for four terms and two terms as Cambridge Ward Councillor. Philip is heavily involved in many sectors in the Community as a volunteer, he enjoys working alongside like-minded people who have such invaluable knowledge and passion. Philip lives on the outskirts of Cambridge in a rural environment and is regularly pursuing adventurous activities. Philip would love to bring his passion and knowledge along with Governance expertise to Waipā Network Trust to benefit the Community. There are so many similarities and priorities to a wide sector of the Community both as a user of a essential service along with supporting Community groups. Philip believes in building strong relationships; he connects well with local businesses and donates significant time organising local events.