Declaration of Election Results - Trustee Elections 2024
2024 Candidate Profiles
Philip Coles
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.
Jarrod Godfrey
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 Gower
As a current trustee on the Waipā Networks Trust, I have enjoyed serving to help deliver energy-saving tools to our communities and ensuring that the Waipā Networks company continues to perform well by maintaining great Directors on our Board.
I am a dedicated and community-oriented member with a passion for sustainable energy solutions who understands the great importance of reliable electricity supply and its impact on our daily lives. With a background in Governance and IT, I bring strategic solutions to our power needs that contribute to the financial and energy health of the Waipā Networks Trust.
My commitment to transparency, collaboration, and customer satisfaction aligns with the Trust’s mission. I am eager to engage with and support my fellow community members, advocate for their needs, and ensure equitable access to affordable electricity services. I support the Trust’s initiatives and work towards a resilient energy future for Waipā and Kāwhia.
Pip Kempthorne
My name is Pip Kempthorne, a resident of Central Cambridge since 2014 with a strong commitment to this region and our community.
I note with interest that one of the primary roles of the Trust is the appointment of directors at Waipā Networks Limited. My professional career has been devoted to executive recruitment as an owner, manager and advisor to senior level management appointments and Non-Executive Directors. I have been extensively involved in the electricity distribution industry since the mid-1990s. Linkedin Profile reference (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-kempthorne-ab52204)
As a Waipā resident I will represent the interests of electricity consumers in our region and ensure that the benefits from the Trust’s shareholding of this critical community asset, held through Waipā Networks Limited are distributed fairly and equitably.
I would ask for your support to enable me to apply my collective knowledge and experience to the growth and development of our electricity network.
Sarah Matthews
As the current Chairperson of Waipā Networks Trust, I am standing for re-election.
I am a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, with extensive governance, financial management, and executive experience.
I am currently Chairperson of HRT Property Holdings Trust, providing housing for the disability sector, and I also serve as the Future Director of the Local Government Funding Agency, which provides over $20 billion of financing for community infrastructure.
Raised in Ōhaupō and living in Waipā for most of my adult life, I am dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact in the district.
Over the past three years, I have worked hard to advocate the interests of our beneficiaries, including maximising your six-monthly discounts, promoting energy efficiency initiatives, and supporting network reliability improvements.
If re-elected, I will continue to maximise the benefits of local ownership and safeguard your assets for future generations.
Dave McLean
Personal Details: Married to Catherine, four adult children, living in Waipā for the last 25 years.
Occupation: Agribusiness Manager Rabobank.
Qualifications: Bachelor Ag Commerce, Diploma Banking, Registered Valuer, Kellogg Scholar, Institute of Directors Company Directors Course.
Governance Experience: NZIPIM Committee, Ngahinapouri Primary School BOT, Director/Company Secretary, Deputy Chair Waipā Networks Trust.
I seek your vote for re-election to the Trust to ensure Waipā Networks provides consumers with a first rate service, maximum discount and builds a long term sustainable business. The energy sector is heading into unchartered territory and I want to ensure Waipā Networks is well placed to facilitate the distribution of a diverse range of energy needs within our community. I bring 38 years’ experience in agribusiness finance and governance. I will use these skills to protect/build our community asset and create a market leading electricity distribution company that all of Waipā consumers are proud to own.
Ray Milner
I have an electrical engineering degree and over thirty years industry experience, including as a past CEO of Waipā Networks Ltd. I have an MBA (Exec) degree from Waikato University.
I was the Waipā Networks appointed director on the board of Ultrafast Fibre Limited. The company’s joint venture investment in a fibre optic network with WEL.
I have been a Trustee for the last three years and believe my knowledge and experience has served the Trust and consumers well. The electricity industry has commenced on a period of significant change due to new technologies, new customer relationships and decarbonisation, which will require an informed and educated Trust, skills I believe I have.
If elected I would:
• Support 100% Trust ownership on behalf of connected consumers.
• Support continued investment in the network to meet growing demand and improve reliability.
• Bring an understanding of the challenges created by our changing world.
Rollo Webb
Born & bred in Cambridge where my wife Susan and I raised our family. I have just retired from my accountancy practice of 35 years “Webb & Wood Accountants Ltd”.
Webb & Wood Accountants offered the full range of services in a normaI accountancy practice including FinanciaI Accounts preparation, Business Advisory and Taxation Compliance work.
Additionally, during that time, I acted as a professional director for numerous companies and independent trustee for more than 60 trusts.
What I offer to the Waipā Trust is both my experience and professional trustee knowledge.
Returning Officer
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