Heatley gets energy sector job

Phil Heatley has a three-year role on the energy sector body. Photo / File

Former National Party MP for Whangarei and Cabinet Minister Phil Heatley has another new role, after being appointed to the board of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) by the Government.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges has reappointed Tom Campbell as chairman of the EECA, reappointed Elena Trout, and appointed Mr Heatley as members of the authority. All three appointments are for three years, effective from February 1.

EECA's role is to encourage, promote, and support energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable energy resources in New Zealand.

Mr Bridges said Mr Heatley - a former Minister of Energy and Resources - will bring additional valuable energy sector expertise to the board, as well as his extensive experience working with central and local government agencies.

Mr Heatley served as Minister of Energy and Resources from December 2011 to January 2013, with oversight of EECA and the Electricity Authority.

EECA's board is required to have a balanced mix of knowledge and experience in matters relevant to EECA's functions and responsibilities. Members are required to have experience in or knowledge of the energy sector and the environment; community organisations; commerce; marketing and communications; governance and public sector management; and science and technology.

According to EECA's 2014/15 annual report ordinary board members get an annual honorarium of $14,000.

Last month, Mr Heatley started work as Northland Regional Council's special projects manager, a newly created role overseeing the council's property holdings and dealing with "shared service issues with other Northland councils".