Taranaki Electricity Trust election: Mike Davey is seeking re-election

Mike Davey is standing for election in Ward A of the TET.

A passion for the health and wellbeing of the elderly in his community is behind Mike Davey's decision to stand for re-election to the Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) board.

"I am really passionate about our older citizens being cared for in the communities they live in. It's important they are supported to continue living where they have spent years making connections and raising their families."

When Mike talks about the community, he says it is important to note he doesn't mean just the ward he is standing in.

"I mean right across both wards. We need to care for our elderly, and that is something TET can really help with."

A loan to the Marinoto resthome in Inglewood is one of the things Mike says he is proud TET was able to be do.

"It is the difference between people having to leave the town to go to care in another town or city, or being able to stay close to their families and friends. Our communities benefit from projects like this, and it is important we can continue to support them."

Mike says he brings plenty of governance experience to the table.

"As well as having been on TET for over nine years, I am also a Taranaki Regional councillor, and have been for nine years, plus I am now serving my first term on the Taranaki District Health Board."

He says governance isn't the only experience he has.

"Although I am now retired, I worked for Ravensdown for many years, and have strong connections right across the rural community in Taranaki. Understanding the rural way of life, and the needs of that community is important."

Rural halls are very important for the communities around them, he says.

"They are a central part of rural life. People hold their weddings in them, children and toddler groups meet in them. Groups use them for meetings, plays are put on in them. Some of these halls are now really old and they need maintenance and upkeep. The TET is a possible avenue for funding some of those things and it is good to have trustees who understand how a rural community uses a facility like this."

He has lived in the area for over 40 years, and says that means he is strongly connected with both the urban and rural communities around him.

"People know me. I am approachable and belong to many organisations so I come across lots of different groups and people."

He says he encourages people to ask questions and think before they vote.

"The TET funds lots of things our communities really need such as the rescue helicopter. Trustees need to balance the need to fund projects now and to be prudent with the trust's money for future generations to benefit from as well."

Mike is standing for election in Ward A.

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