New Chair for Electricity Authority

John Harbord has been appointed Chair of the Electricity Authority for a three-year term, effective immediately, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.

Mr Harbord is a barrister and solicitor and an executive and governance professional with over 20 years’ experience engaging with senior leaders across the public sector on complex policy and regulatory issues. He is currently the New Zealand Shipping Federation executive director and has stepped down as Chair of the Major Electricity User’s Group to take up the Electricity Authority role. 

“The Electricity Authority must be proactive in ensuring the electricity system delivers on the Government’s goal of abundant, affordable and reliable electricity for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

“Electricity should be an enabler of economic growth, not an inhibitor of it. The Government expects the Electricity Authority to use its tools to enable a competitive market which delivers abundant, affordable and reliable electricity for households and businesses.  

“I expect John Harbord to strengthen the critical role the Electricity Authority plays in regulating the electricity market to ensure it is delivering for all New Zealanders.  

“I thank Erik Westergaard for the job he has done as Acting Chair of the Electricity Authority and for agreeing to continue to serve on the board as Deputy Chair.” ...