Electricity Authority Chair

About the Authority

On behalf of the Minister for Energy, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking applications from candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as a Chair of the Electricity Authority.

The Electricity Authority (the Authority) is established under the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (the Act) and is responsible for governance and regulation of the electricity sector. The Authority’s objective is to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and efficient operation of, electricity market for the long-term benefit of consumers. The Minister for Energy is the responsible Minister for the Authority. More information on the Authority can be found here.

Key functions of the Authority are to:

• make and administer rules governing the electricity industry through an Electricity Industry Participation Code (the Code)
• monitor compliance with the Code and other provisions in the Act and regulations, and take enforcement action
• undertake market facilitation measures, such as education, and provide guidelines, information, and model arrangements
• undertake industry and market monitoring, and carry out reviews, studies, and enquiries into matters relating to the industry
• contract for market operation services and system operator services
• promote to consumers the benefits of comparing and switching retailers.

Person specifications

Specific Skills Required

At this time, the Minister for Energy is seeking candidates with:

• Proven track record of governance experience as a Chair, in particular, within the Crown environment.
• A genuine interest in ensuring New Zealand has an efficient and effective market and security of supply.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory issues, such as regulatory compliance, regulatory systems management and regulatory economics.
• Experience in the operation of large commercial entities and strong business acumen.

Other useful skills and capabilities:

• • Experience in industries which use, produce or distribute large volumes of electricity.
  • Knowledge of emerging trends in generation, supply, and use.
  • Experience with major infrastructure projects.

Collectively, members of the Authority must have knowledge and experience of, and capability in the electricity industry, consumer issues, and business generally.

More information

Please refer to the position description for more details.

Applications close on Sunday 9th November 2025.

For enquiries about the position, please contact boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz.