Unanimous support for reappointment

Don Lewell has been reappointed as the chair of the Eastern Bay Energy Trust.

Speaking on behalf of fellow Trustees, David Bulley says there was full support for Mr Lewell continuing in the position despite his offer to stand down due to pending travel.  As a consequence it was agreed David Bulley, Deputy Chairperson, would stand in as Acting Chairperson while Mr Lewell was away.

We appreciate the work Don has put in over the last year to guide the Trust through the processes required to achieve 100% ownership of Horizon Energy.  That long sought-after goal had the immediate effect of enabling the Trust to plan an extra $700,000 in distributions to the community this year,” Mr Bulley says.

Trust Manager Rawinia Kamau commented on how good it is for the community to have such solid governance in an organisation like the Trust which holds the custodianship of a significant community asset.  “The Trustees consistently show prudent governance in the best interests of our community”. 

Mr Lewell, who has been in the electricity industry for 47 years, and has a history of governance experience, was appointed to the Eastern Bay Energy Trust in April 2012 and first became chair in September 2012.

“I’m really chuffed that the board values my efforts and has shown the confidence to reappoint me,” Mr Lewell says.

The decision was made at the Trust’s September meeting, at which over $100,000 was distributed to seven community groups and organisations:

Eastern Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub Union ($6,164.00 for electronic scoreboard components, including a solar charging system and battery for use at Rugby Park, Domain Road, Whakatane); Toroa Kohanga Reo ($1,145.22 for the supply and installation of an oven); Te Aka Toitu ($18,200.00 towards electrical components for community WiFi hubs at Tarawera High School and Murupara Area School); Galatea Hall & Reserves Committee ($37,195.32 for lighting, LED exit signs, fire alarm system, kitchen appliances and hot water units); Kutarere Community Water Scheme ($40,089.00  towards booster pump relocation, telemetry control system and sub pump electrics); EBOP Life Education Trust ($1,000.00 for sound and lighting hire); The Light Party ($994.25 for sound system hire).