.jpg)
Communities and Residents (C&R) is thrilled to announce its formidable team of business and community leaders running in the upcoming Entrust election. The experienced line-up includes incumbents Alastair Bell, Paul Hutchison, Rachel Langton, and Denise Lee, alongside newcomer Angus Ogilvie. This team has a proven track record of driving initiatives that deliver significant benefits to Auckland’s power network and community.
Denise Lee, current Entrust Chair and C&R candidate, emphasises the team's commitment to building on their successes.
"We have enhanced the reliability and safety of our power network while ensuring that dividends continue to benefit Entrust’s beneficiaries. In 2023, Entrust distributed $119.9 million in dividends to over 358,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, through Entrust's Energy Solution Programme with Vector, more than 233 undergrounding projects have been completed across South, East, and Central Auckland."
"Our focus remains on securing better deals for electricity users, and we have a petition in Parliament right now highlighting how 70% of our beneficiaries are over-taxed on their dividends."
C&R’s key priorities for the next term include:
• Keeping Dividends in Beneficiary Hands
• Maintaining Lowest Possible Electricity Prices and Network Reliability
• Increasing Funding for Undergrounding Power Lines
• Supporting Vector’s 2030 Carbon Emissions Reduction Commitments
• Investing in Low-Carbon Electrification
• Committing to Retaining Ownership of Vector
• Ensuring Strong Corporate Governance
C&R President David Hay highlights the team's strengths, saying, “Our candidates bring diverse expertise essential for addressing Auckland’s energy needs. They are well-positioned to continue their impactful work, ensuring a robust, cost-effective, and future-ready power network.”
The Entrust election will be held between 10-25 October 2024 via postal ballot. Power account holders paying Vector electricity lines charges as part of their power bill within the Entrust District will have the opportunity to vote.
Your C&R Team:
Alastair Bell:
Alastair Bell has been a Trustee of Entrust since 2018 and is a current Vector Board Member. With a Bachelor of Commerce and professional designations as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Director, he brings 30 years of experience in corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. Alastair is also Chair of Entrust’s Policy and Regulations Committee and has a strong focus on business and environmental sustainability and Auckland’s infrastructure.
Dr. Paul Hutchison:
Dr. Paul Hutchison is a Trustee of Entrust, a Director of Vector, and Chair of Entrust's Audit and Finance Committee. A medical clinician and company director, Paul combines a background in health with extensive experience in technology and innovation. He served as a Member of Parliament for Hunua/Port Waikato and chaired the Parliamentary Health Select Committee, earning recognition for his contributions to New Zealand health.
Rachel Langton:
Rachel Langton is a Trustee of Entrust with over 15 years in corporate law, employment relations, and local government. She is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ and has worked in both commercial and NGO sectors, including roles at Simpson Grierson and Spotless Downer. Rachel served almost 10 years on the Albert-Eden Local Board and various community organisations, and has experience in investment, infrastructure planning, and community engagement.
Denise Lee:
Denise Lee is the Chair of Entrust and a former Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie and Auckland Councillor. With an MA in Public Policy and experience as an advocacy consultant at Property Council NZ, she brings extensive governance and commercial expertise. Denise has also held roles at Morgan Stanley Asset Management and co-founded a successful charity. She is also Chair of Entrust’s dividend Sub-Committee.
Angus Ogilvie:
Angus Ogilvie is a partner at an accounting firm with a background in advising businesses and charities. He holds a Master of Taxation and a Master of Business Studies and is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Chartered Management Accountant. Angus has held senior roles in software and telecommunications and is currently Deputy Chair of the Chartered Governance Institute NZ and Chair of the General Trust Board, Anglican Diocese of Auckland.
ENDS
Media contact: info@c-r.nz
