Unison leader Kevin Atkinson eyes up new challenge

After 19 years chairing Unison, Kevin Atkinson is looking forward to engaging with the community if elected to the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust. Photo / Supplied

The long-standing chairman of Unison is looking to take on a new challenge, as an elected member of the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust.

Kevin Atkinson recently ended 19 years as a director of Unison, including the past eight as Unison chairman at last week's AGM, leaving the company is great shape and well equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Now, he has been nominated for a place on the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust by outgoing chair John Newland and will contest for one of five trustee positions.

Mr Atkinson said he was keen to ensure the trust met the needs of the community, and believed the region's power consumers should have a greater opportunity to be involved and aware of what the trust does on their behalf.

"There are opportunities to positively engage on consumer orientated initiatives, while at the same time providing a solid level of dividend to consumers," he said.

"I've got some strong ideas about how the trust can provide additional benefits to the community, other than just a dividend cheque at the end of the year."

Mr Atkinson has a wealth of commercial and governance experience through chairing the HB District Health Board, and past directorships of international payroll provider IMS, HB Rugby Union and Unison Networks.

"I've enjoyed my roles and seeing these organisations, the people involved and the broader community prosper."

At the AGM last week the Unison Board has paid a dividend of $12.7 million to the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers Trust for the year ended March 31, 2017.

Mr Atkinson said he was pleased to leave the chairman's role with Unison in great shape, "and have now set my sights on putting my energy into the trust and the community it represents".

In 2010 he was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the community.