Taranaki Electricity Trust election: Alan Jamieson seeks re-election

Alan Jamieson is seeking re-election this year in the TET election.

Alan Jamieson is seeking re-election to the Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET), in the election taking place in June this year.

He's been a trustee for three years, of which half has been spent serving as chairman, and Alan Jamieson says he is keen to continue as a trustee for the foreseeable future.

"The TET really does make a difference in people's lives, and I want to continue being part of that. I have already got a lot of positives out of it just in the time I have been a trustee already."

He describes the Trust as being a "fantastic set-up" and says he sees himself and the other trustees as being guardians of it for future generations.

"It's not our money. It belongs to the community, not just now, but future generations too. We need to make wise decisions now to protect our investment for the future."

Alan says he believes he brings common sense to the table as well as a strong background in business.

"I have owned my own businesses for more than 20 years. From taking over my father's business and growing it, to starting up ones of my own. All have been successful and there are certainly skills in managing a business to serving as a trustee."

Alan also has plenty of governance experience he says. He is currently serving his fourth term as a Stratford District councillor, and is in his third term as the deputy mayor. He is also a trustee of the Central Taranaki Safe Community Trust, and a volunteer at the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust. He is also a member of the Egmont Rod and Custom Club and a long time member of the Eltham Lions, a group he credits with starting his interest in community groups.

"The Eltham Lions have done a lot of good in the community. The Eltham Toy Wall for example. The Lions now own the house along with the wall, preserving the wall for all to see while being able to use the house for pensioner housing."

Through the Eltham Lions Alan got involved with the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust.

"This showed me the difference trusts could make and how they can work to help their community."

Alan says he being a good trustee isn't just about having good business sense and governance experience.

"It is important trustees have the time to go and visit projects and groups to find out more about them when required. You also need good financial knowledge. You need to be able to see if an idea is viable and if projects are sustainable. It is important to always remember, we aren't giving out our own money, but money belonging to the community, we always have to keep that in mind."

Alan is standing for election in Ward B.

Every three years, electors in the Taranaki Electricity Trust district elect six trustees:
An election to fill these vacancies will occur by postal vote on Friday, June 12.
Nomination forms are available from the electoral officer by phoning 0800 922 822 or to download from www.taranakielectricitytrust.co.nz
Nominations will close at noon on Friday, April 24.

Are you planning to stand?
If you have put your nomination form in and would like to be profiled in the paper, contact Ilona Hanne on 027 836 0515 or email her: ilona.hanne@nzme.co.nz