New Chair for Electricity Authority announced

John Harbord has been named as new Chair of the Electricity Authority (Te Mana Hiko).

Harbord has been appointed for a three-year term which commences on 15 July.

Harbord has resigned as Chair of the Major Electricity Users’ Group, a position he held for 11 years, to take up the new role. He is also Executive Director of the New Zealand Shipping Federation.

Harbord, a trained barrister and solicitor with a master's degree in political studies, is vastly experienced in public sector and government reputation and issues management. He spent five years as Chief Crown Negotiator in the settlement of historic iwi and hapu Treaty of Waitangi claims, was a partner at consultancy SenateSHJ and was also a senior adviser to Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir John Key.

“John brings significant experience in public policy stakeholder engagement and industry leadership to the Authority. He has been a strong advocate for affordable electricity and all of us at the Authority look forward to working with him on ensuring the electricity system and market deliver reliable electricity at the least cost for New Zealanders,” said Chief Executive Sarah Gillies.

Harbord said he was excited to join the Authority at a crucial time for the country’s electricity sector.

“We have challenges to overcome, both now and in the future. Our focus is to navigate and harness the opportunities we have as a country in a way that ensures the lights will stay on and that consumers can have confidence the prices they are paying are fair,” said Harbord.

Gillies also acknowledged the support and leadership of Deputy Chair Erik Westergaard who served as Acting Chair during the process in making a permanent appointment.

The six Board members of the Authority are: John Harbord (Chair), Erik Westergaard (Deputy Chair), Paula Rose QSO, Tony Baldwin, Ben Bolot, Murray Parrish.