Taranaki Electricity Trust election: Andrew Wood is seeking re-election

Andrew Wood is standing for election in Ward B in the TET Election.

Andrew Wood was one of the first candidates to submit his nomination form for the Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) election this year, but he says he doesn't want to be one of a few.

"The more candidates the more choice voters have. I think it is important for voters to be able to choose from several rather than the result being a foregone conclusion."

Andrew is a current trustee, a role he first took up by appointment to fill a vacancy created by the death of Brick Mathieson.

While his first year and a half on the trust was by appointment, since then he has successfully stood in two elections. He says standing for a third time was an easy decision.

"There are plenty of projects coming up that I would like to see continued."

He originally chose to get involved with the TET as a way to stay involved in his community he says.

"I had been involved with the South Taranaki Kindergarten Association, and as the children got older, my time with that was coming to a natural end, so I was looking for something else to be involved in, to give back to the community I live in."

Andrew grew up in the community, his parents farmed in Toko and he went to Stratford High School. This, he says, means he has strong connections to the community around him.

As an associate chartered accountant, Andrew says he brings an obvious skillset to the table, and says his degree in business, and membership of the Institute of New Zealand directors also helps.

"Although, the board needs a broad skill base. You don't want six accountants at the table,. It's important voters get a range of people with different skills."

Another quality he brings, he says, is independence.

"I have never sat on a local council or local authority so I am not caught up in any wider political issues."

As well as the TET board, Andrew sits on several other boards as well, including the Stratford Retirement Village and AgeCare Central boards.

"Certainly a particular area of interest for me is ensuring the needs of the older people in our communities are met. That along with supporting groups that help develop our young people, growing good citizens, that is important to me too."

Andrew isn't only keen to see more people stand for election, he also wants to see an increase in voter numbers.

"If we could get more than the average 35 per cent voter turnout, that would be great."

Andrew 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 ilona.hanne@nzme.co.nz