Voting soon to open for Trust Horizon’s 2021 Election of Trustees
The public will soon be able to have their say in the election of Trust Horizon’s Whakatāne District Council/Kaingaroa Village area trustees, with voting ballots due to be mailed out starting September 10th.
Trust Horizon is a local Charitable Trust representing Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Kawerau, and Kaingaroa Village. Its six trustees are responsible for ensuring the Trust’s funds and investments – which include 100% ownership of Horizon Energy Group – create long-lasting benefits for the Eastern Bay’s energy consumers.
This year has seen a total of seven candidates for the Whakatāne District Council/Kaingaroa Village area trustee positions. Trust Horizon Trust Manager, Derek Caudwell, says that the Trust has been impressed by the high calibre of candidates. “The two elected trustees will ultimately be responsible for helping the Trust create transformational change in the community,” says Mr. Caudwell. “This means, when it comes to their election, it’s important that the community’s voice is heard. We encourage all eligible voters to cast their vote.”
Starting September 10th, voting papers will be delivered to all Horizon Networks electricity network consumers within the Whakatāne District Council/Kaingaroa Village area. Votes can then be cast online, by post, or in person at the Trust Horizon office at 5 Richardson Street, Whakatāne (Covid Alert Levels permitting). Consumers who believe they are eligible to vote, but haven’t received a voting document by Thursday 16 September 2021, can contact the Electoral Office at 0800 922 822.
Voting closes 12 noon Friday 1st October, 2021, and the results will be announced later that day.
We encourage you to cast your vote online at www.voteonline.co.nz/th21 - you will need to sign in using the Access Code and Password noted in the Voting Document posted to you.
Candidate Statements
Yvonne Boyes
I have lived and worked most of my life in this geographically diverse region and I am extremely aware of the responsibilities that Trust Horizon has with managing the Trusts income, capital and investments. With positions held in nursing, BOPDHB board and community, I have an excellent understanding of governance and the strong ability to advocate for the wellbeing and investment in communities.
It has been my privilege to be an elected person of an organisation for 18 years, over this period I supported and provided a stable and strong governance to lead the development of an everchanging service.
Hence monitoring a company’s performance for the wellbeing of community is essential for growth and investments for community service.
My strengths are my integrity, honesty and governance experience which ensures commitment to our communities and an advocate for, progression and welfare of our environment.
David Bulley
With over 40 years Power Industry experience and the current Deputy Chairman of Trust Horizon I would like to continue to assist our community as a trustee and request your support during this election.
As a past Chairman of Trust Horizon I worked to move the Trust to 100% ownership of Horizon Energy, this being achieved in 2015. The contribution the Trust makes to the Eastern Bay community is significant and I have seen much of this work first hand when visiting the schools, clubs, churches, marae and other organisations that have been assisted by the Trust. The last year has been challenging and we have worked with the Horizon Energy team to manage through the Covid situation, and we are now in a position to continue to make further strategic investments in the Eastern Bay and increase the prosperity of the region.
Eric Vaughn Holowacz
Eric Holowacz is a non-profit manager with 30 years experience supporting community projects, social initiatives, and arts, culture, and heritage developments. Originally from South Carolina, he and his family migrated to Wellington in 2002 and to Whakatane in 2017.
As trustee he would bring a commitment to good governance, community service, and environment. Past board service includes chairing organisations in Australia and the US, and board leadership roles with Wellington South Rotary, NZ America Foundation, and the Regional Arts Network Aotearoa. Professionally he has served as chief executive of The Studios of Key West, Arts Council of Baton Rouge, and Sedona Arts Centre - and held senior roles with Wellington City Council, Cairns Regional Council, and Mildura Rural City Council.
He’s currently General Manager of Creative Bay of Plenty, and resides in Ohope with his wife - an RN at Whakatane Hospital - their three daughters, and a labrador retriever, Shadow.
Peter Rice
Peter Rice (LLB, BBus, MSc) (Ngati Whakaue) has over 25 years local and international business and policy experience in banking, development economics and investing for innovation. He has connections to the Whakatane district through his father and grandfather. He is now involved in a number of initiatives for the Bay of Plenty’s regional development, including Te Waiariki Iwi Aquaculture project which will boost economic and social development across the rohe. He believes investment activities must factor in climate change issues with decarbonisation strategies, and be net positive for the environment and Tikanga Māori. His focus will be on supporting local developments that contribute to wellbeing in our community and coordinating with regional investors to scale investment for necessary infrastructure for our region and to improve community resilience.
Warren Stevens
In putting myself forward for Trust Horizon I believe I would bring experience in business and understanding of community aspirations. A member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand plus held senior roles in various industries: forestry (NZFP and Oji), regional government (Waikato), Kiwi fruit (Zespri), Energy (Genesis) and the dairy industry (New Zealand Dairy Group). I have been a school trustee and a member of the Ohope Chartered Club committee. Over the next 10 years the move to sustainable energy will increase significantly. The work of the Trust is extremely important to meet the challenges that this will present. I offer my expertise in finance and strategy to assist the Trust in setting and implementing its operational plan to achieve its goals. To demonstrate my support of the move to sustainability I am currently investigating the changeover of my home to solar and last year purchased a hybrid car.
Malcolm Whitaker
Kia Ora,
My name is Malcolm Whitaker. I have for many years had an interest in improving our community, through funding and their involvement, implementing projects. I served for 12 years as a Councillor on the BOP Regional Council. Sitting as a trustee on the Balance Farm Environment Trust, Animal Health Board, Eastern Road Safety Trust, three years as the chair. Three years on the Eastern Conservation Board. Nine years on the Whakatane Kiwi Trust, 3 as the chair. I have a background in Horticulture. Worked in England, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands and Australia. The last 42 years studied and worked as a Naturopath, Osteo-Therapist, 38 of those in Ohope. I believe in the concept of a Healthy diet, people and the community. I personally walk twice daily. Practise Tai Chi, Yoga, cycle and swim in the summer. My other interests, the environment, health, gardening and health.
Terry White
My name is Terry White. I’m a local; Whakatane is our home. I went to school in Kawerau and grew up in the Whakatane area. I studied in the Waikato and hold a Masters in Business Administration and NZ Certificate in Science. Starting at ‘Bay Milk’ in Edgecumbe, over the last 26 years, I have worked internationally as a leader with Fonterra, Carter Holt Harvey and Comvita. In my last executive role as General Manager, Planning & Delivery at Comvita, I led and optimised the global supply chain with Integrated Business Planning. I now run an Agriculture business from our home in Whakatane. I love the Bay; I want to contribute back to our community that has given me so much! With my passion, background, and strategic analytical thinking, I can contribute a lot to the Trust Horizon board and the wider community it supports.
Trust Horizon and the Returning Officer accept no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the information contained in the statements supplied by candidates.
You can find out more about the election and candidates here.