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About Us
The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) is a charitable trust. TET was formed in 1993 when New Plymouth Energy merged with the Taranaki Electricity Power Board. It receives investment income which is distributed via grants to suitable applicants from the area previously supplied by the Taranaki Electric Power Board.
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Monthly meetings are generally held from 9.15am on the third Wednesday of each month, except December and February (these are held on the second Wednesday of the month) and January (when no meeting is held). Refer to the Documents page for specific details of meetings. Applications close on the 20th of each month and are assessed at the following monthly meeting. Refer to the Grants page for more specifics on the types of grants and closing dates.
New Chair Elected as TET Adopts Modernised Trust Deed
The Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) has elected Melissa Stevenson as its new Chairperson — the first woman to hold the position since the Trust was established in 1993.
Stevenson was elected at the Trust’s October meeting, following the decision of outgoing Chair Mike Davey not to seek re-election. Davey will continue to serve as a Trustee.
Alan Jamieson, a former Chair of the Trust, has been appointed Deputy Chair.
Elected to TET in 2020, Stevenson brings extensive governance and professional experience to the role. She holds a senior position with Health New Zealand and has served on a number of community boards and trusts, including nine years as Chair of Waitara High School, nine years with the Massey Education Trust, and governance roles with WISE Charitable Trust and START Taranaki.
Born in Inglewood, raised in Stratford, and now living in Waitara, Stevenson has deep local
roots and a long-standing commitment to community service.
“It’s a proud moment to become the first woman to Chair the Trust,” she said. “I’m committed to leading the Trust in a way that reflects our communities and the responsibilities entrusted to us.”
Stevenson said she is stepping into the role at an important time for the organisation.
“It’s a privilege to take on this role as the Trust adopts the new Deed and looks ahead to how we can keep making a difference in our communities. I’m grateful to be part of a strong team of Trustees — there’s a huge amount of experience and wisdom around the table,” she said.
New Trust Deed Adopted
At the same meeting, Trustees formally adopted the new Trust Deed, bringing the Trust’s governing document into line with the Trusts Act 2019 and modernising its language and provisions.
The updated deed provides greater clarity around Trustee responsibilities, confirms the Trust’s charitable purpose, and updates governance rules — including setting maximum tenure for Chair and Deputy Chair roles, clarifying election processes, and enabling the use of electronic meetings and voting. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring the Trust remains fit for purpose in the years ahead.