🗳️ Voting has opened today for the Taranaki Electricity Trust board elections, giving eligible residents the chance to choose the six trustees who will manage millions of dollars in community grants.
Twelve candidates have stepped forward for the 2026 term. The trust area is split into two zones. Ward A covers the North Taranaki area within the New Plymouth District and has attracted eight nominations. Ward B covers the Stratford and South Taranaki districts where four candidates are competing for representation.
According to the official Taranaki Electricity Trust election notice, all current trustees are required to stand down at the end of their term. Voting documents are currently being sent by post to eligible residential electors within the trust's boundaries.
Elections are independently managed by Election Services. The official election day is June 16, meaning all postal votes must be completed and returned to the electoral officer before noon on that date to be counted.
The Taranaki Electricity Trust was formed in 1993 following the merger of New Plymouth Energy and the Taranaki Electric Power Board. The charitable trust receives investment income and distributes it to local community groups, sports clubs, and facilities across the region.
In recent months, the trust adopted a modernised Trust Deed to clarify governance rules and election processes. They have also transitioned to a new online grants system called Fluxx. Old PDF application forms will only be accepted until the end of next month.
Residents who live within the trust boundaries but do not receive voting papers in the post this week are encouraged to check their status on the electoral roll or contact Election Services directly.
