Power trust meeting gains support for status quo

Diana Kirton said the 5-yearly ownership review had seen an increased level of interest from the public.

Public hearings into the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust's review into its ownership of electricity distributor Unison threw up strong support for the existing situation - with Grey Power groups from Hastings and Napier among the strongest supporters.

A total of 19 out of 21 submissions received during the review supported the trust retaining a 100 per cent stake in Unison, with Grey Power Napier and Districts spokeswoman June Graham telling the meeting at the Napier Conference Centre that the club's members found the yearly dividend of great value.

"In a nutshell our organisation supports the status quo. Our members appreciate that they are shareholders in the company and as such they get a dividend, which would not happen if the ownership changed and the trust ceased to exist. This is a democratic model, that we believe serves the people well.

"We also appreciate Unison's record as an employer, in training apprentices and providing jobs for locals."

She pointed out that with the Napier and Hastings clubs both in support of the trust retaining the existing model, they represented about 2500 people.

"Many of our members are on limited funds, so they do find it difficult and they get a great deal of pleasure out of receiving a yearly windfall."

Hastings and District Grey Power spokesman Ron Wilkins agreed.

"We represent a large number of people. We believe that the trust continues this path. We do not believe the trust should give to charity, the trust was set up by the consumers, not for the community.

"We believe the profits of Unison should be spent within the district and that is good for our local economy. It also puts money in the hands of many low income people."

Trust chairwoman Diana Kirton said the 5-yearly ownership review had seen an increased level of interest from the public than the previous review in 2012.

"The increase suggests a growing awareness of what the trust is, and the purpose it serves.

Nearly all submissions were in support of Unison Networks Ltd remaining 100 per cent consumer owned.

"However, a number of submissions raised some interesting points that trustees will take note of for future consideration. These included, concern about the voting process and poor voter turnout, value of the annual dividend, future growth strategies and suggestions the trust's website needs to be more visible and user-friendly.

"I am pleased to say that the trust is already actively working on the website visibility. Improvements have been made and the full project should be completed by the end of the month. This will give trustees a better platform to communicate with consumers from, as well as through regional and community newspapers."

The final decision of the Ownership Review will be made at a public meeting on Friday March 16, 10am, at the Unison building 1101 Omahu Rd, Hastings.