Energy Trust elects new Chair

New Chairman Aaron Milne. Photo by James Stanbridge.

AFTER almost nine years at the helm, Eastern Bay Energy Trust chairman Don Lewell stepped down from the role last Thursday.

During his tenure as chair of the Eastern Bay Energy Trust, the organisation has several notable achievements including becoming the 100 percent owner of Horizon Energy Group (HEG) three years ago.

“The move to full ownership has unlocked significant value that is enabling the Trust to retire debt faster than planned and ultimately have a greater impact in the community,” Mr Lewell said.

In addition, the Eastern Bay Energy Trust has distributed more than $18 million to Eastern Bay community groups and organisations to assist with energy related projects and infrastructure during Mr Lewell’s chairmanship.

Mr Lewell has a background in the energy industry, including his own consultancy business and two periods as acting chief executive of Horizon Energy. He was appointed to the Eastern Bay Energy Trust in 2010 and has served as chair since that time.

Mr Lewell thanked his fellow trustees and Eastern Bay Energy Trust staff for their work and support to prudently manage the invested funds, maintain a proactive and open approach to future investments and funding requests within the region.

At the board meeting the trustees elected current deputy chair Aaron Milne as the incoming Eastern Bay Energy Trust chair. Mr Milne has a background in financial markets and investment management. Mr Milne moved to Whakatane in 2012 with his family and is the former owner of WhakaMax Movies.

Long-serving trustee, David Bulley, who was formerly the general manager of Bay of Plenty Electricity (now Nova Energy) was elected as the deputy chair.

Mr Lewell will serve a further six months on the Eastern Bay Energy Trust as a hand-over period. 

The Eastern Bay Energy Trust is unique in that it is New Zealand’s only charitable energy trust.  The Eastern Bay Energy Trust comprises six trustees who represent the Eastern Bay region. Trustees represent different geographic areas and have diverse skillsets and community involvement.

The election for the Opotiki trustee is currently taking place with voting closing on 1 October 2019. The Kawerau incumbent Edwina O’Brien was elected unopposed for a further term.