More than 40 locals have put their hand up to fill the six seats on the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.
The growth in nominations has been welcomed by the trust's incumbent chairman, Grahame Hall, after no election was needed in 2013 when only six nominations were received.
Mr Hall, who is not standing for re-election this year, said he was pleased to see the trust had a chance to be refreshed.
"I think it's great so many people are standing this year. It shows the trust is in good heart and people want to be a part of it.
"What's also good to see is there is a mix of people standing for re-election and people standing for the first time."