Are you a strategic thinker, with the experience and drive to lead a strongly performing business through the energy transition while maintaining appropriate focus on financial performance, health & safety, risk management, and business processes?

Whanganui District Council Holdings Ltd (WDCHL) and Whanganui District Council's CCO and Economic Development Committee are seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced candidates to be members of the Board of GasNet Ltd. This Board comprises three members including the Chair.

Background:

The CCO and Economic Development Committee is responsible for overseeing and driving the Council's commercial assets which include GasNet limited, New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy and the Whanganui Port Limited Partnership. GasNet limited is currently 100% owned by WDCHL, which is Council's commercial CCO. Following a recent review of Council governance structures, it is expected that GasNet will report directly to the CCO and Economic Development Committee at some point in 2025.

GasNet commenced trading on 1 July 2008 after purchasing the network and metering business from Whanganui Gas Limited. Previously GasNet had been operating as an independent trading division of Whanganui Gas Limited and was responsible for managing the network and metering assets for the company. The network covers the Waitotara, Whanganui, Marton and Bulls (including Flockhouse) areas. The network business encompasses the management and operation of GasNet's network infrastructure assets comprising approximately 400km of mains and 13,000 service pipes.

GasNet has consistently delivered dividends to its shareholder, but Council recognises the need to balance receiving dividends with reinvestment into the development of the business, ensuring energy security both now and into the future.

Person Specifications:

Members of the Board are expected to possess, collectively, the following:

• Strategic thinking and future focus
• Understanding of the energy and infrastructure sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand, including asset management and critical contingency management
• Strong corporate governance experience in a multi-stakeholder environment
• Strong regulatory experience including in relation to health and safety and risk management
• Experience in areas such as accountancy, law, risk management, commerce, and commercial property management
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to develop strategic connections with stakeholders, including our iwi and hapū partners
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to reason objectively and convey ideas clearly and accurately
• A clear sense of public accountability and understanding of local government and the relationships between councils and council-owned organisations.

We welcome applicants who can bring diversity to the board and successful candidates must also be willing to devote time and energy to the role. Ideally, Board members will be domiciled in or close to Whanganui or demonstrate a strong connection to Whanganui.

Applicants should be aware there will be an expectation and requirement to complete work outside of scheduled meetings as required.

To Apply:

Questions on the role of the GasNet Board and its membership should be directed to Carolyn van Leuven at carolyn.vanleuven@gmail.com

Expressions of interest in these roles should be made by 5.00pm 27 April 2025 using the attached self-assessment form and sent via email to Anna Palamountain, Democracy Services Manager at Anna.Palamountain@whanganui.govt.nz