Independent Director

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Energy, technology and consumer expectations are changing rapidly. Communities are looking to trusted organisations to create long-term value while adapting to new opportunities.

Waipā Networks Trust seeks an experienced Director to join the Waipā Networks (Company) Board and support the stewardship of a regionally significant infrastructure organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. Although Waipā Networks operates a relatively small network, it serves one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions and is positioned in a high-growth area.

This appointment offers the opportunity to contribute to strategic discussions spanning energy distribution, infrastructure investment, emerging technologies and long-term community outcomes.

As an Independent Director, you will help guide the stewardship of a critical community-owned asset while supporting future opportunities across energy, infrastructure and technology.

Working alongside a highly engaged Board, you will provide independent oversight, strategic challenge and governance leadership, ensuring decisions create enduring value for consumers, communities and future generations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute astute commercial thinking around electrification, distributed energy, digital infrastructure and adjacent growth opportunities that leverage the organisation's existing infrastructure and strategic position.

We are seeking an experienced Director who has successfully identified, evaluated, and capitalised on commercial growth opportunities in infrastructure, energy, technology, or other capital-intensive sectors.

You may have built, scaled, transformed or commercialised a business, led significant investment initiatives, structured complex partnerships, or governed organisations through periods of growth and strategic change. You are commercially astute, comfortable assessing risk and return, and experienced in balancing long-term value creation with prudent stewardship.

Alongside your commercial expertise, you bring trusted professional networks that provide insights into emerging opportunities, strategic partnerships, co-investment arrangements, and collaborative operating models that can create value for organisations, communities, and stakeholders.

Whether as a Chair, Deputy Chair or trusted Director, you bring the leadership, curiosity and perspective needed to challenge constructively, test assumptions and help organisations think beyond traditional boundaries.

We are particularly interested in candidates who bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

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• Commercial growth, business transformation or entrepreneurial ventures
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• Investment strategy, capital allocation, M&A or co-investment opportunities
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• Infrastructure investment and long-term asset stewardship
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• Strategic partnerships, shared services and collaborative operating models
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• Emerging technologies, digital infrastructure or adjacent commercial opportunities
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Additional Energy and Engineering Expertise

We would also welcome interest from candidates who bring deep expertise from the electricity, utilities or engineering sectors. While commercial and investment capability is the primary focus of this appointment, experience within energy infrastructure, regulated environments and emerging energy technologies would be highly valued.

This is a rare opportunity to:

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• Influence the future of a regionally significant infrastructure organisation
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• Help shape investment decisions across energy and digital infrastructure
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• Support innovation and growth within an evolving sector
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• Create value that extends well beyond a single Board term
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Commitment

The Board meets approximately 10 times each year, supported by committee work and preparation, with Directors typically contributing around 10–12 hours per month.

A connection to the Waipā or wider Waikato region, or a commitment to building one, will be advantageous.

What opportunities do you see for community-owned infrastructure organisations in a changing energy and technology landscape?

If you have the governance capability, commercial insight and strategic curiosity to help guide the future of energy and infrastructure in our region, we welcome your application.

Shortlisted candidates may be subject to reference checks, Ministry of Justice checks, credit checks and other governance due diligence processes. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.