The diversity of Auckland should be represented on Entrust

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Over the 10 elections since 1993 there has been only one non-Pākeha elected on to Entrust.  Pauline Winter was a trail blazer when she became a Trustee in 2000 after running with the progressive “Powerlynk” ticket serving for just a single term.  Since 1993 only 26% of successful candidates have been women and no Trustee elected has been under the age of 40. Most have been from the wealthiest parts of Auckland.  

It is not surprising that the make-up of the Trustees has remained almost unchanged (2000 was the exception when for the only time women were the majority of successful candidates).  In all elections prior to 2024 except in 2000 C&R, the dominant ticket that has controlled Entrust for 30 years, has only put forward a team of 4 Pākeha men and 1 woman. C&R has created a financial barrier to potential candidates by requiring a $500 registration fee, plus a $21,500 campaign fee for general campaign activities and promotion.

That is why I am standing with More of You, Better for Auckland in the Entrust election. Together we are an independent team of passionate Aucklanders motivated by the need for fresh, solutions-focused leadership of Entrust.  We want to see the diversity of Auckland represented on Entrust and for Entrust to go back to its roots. We also want to see Entrust made more accountable, transparent and the election modernised.  It has been almost impossible for independents to break through onto the Trust due to the undemocratic nature of the Entrust election. My colleague and former Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom has covered this in her article for Indian Newslink.

C&R, as incumbents, control the election rules maintaining a short postal vote.  In the 2021 voter turnout plummeted to an all time low of 9.5%.  They ensure the dividend ($350 in 2024) is paid out just before voting starts and they benefit from the Entrust’s expensive dividend advertising campaign. But shockingly they stop Entrust promoting the election even though so few people know to vote.  I believe this is very wrong and another reason I am standing.

Voting papers are delivered from Thursday 10 October addressed to the person on the power account.  We need new leadership committed to lowering power bills, securing energy supply and tackling energy hardship. We can learn so much from overseas particularly from Asia and our neighbour across the ditch.  Rooftop solar is the fourth largest source of electricity generation in Australia, providing over 11 per cent of the power supply.  Entrust needs to focus on what matters and not just hand out the annual dividend which is money from our own pocket.  The current situation reminds me of the Chinese saying “the wool from sheep back” (羊毛出在羊身上) “

Five ticks for More for you, Better for Auckland will deliver fresh, better leadership and help Auckland elect not only Entrust’s first Asian Trustee, but also Entrust’s first Māori Trustee, Jonaan McLeod (Ngapuhi, Te Whakatōhea).  It also means 60% of Trustees will be women and Entrust’s first millennial Trustee. 

Pop the pre-paid envelope in the post no later than Monday 21 October to arrive in time OR drop off in one of the 10 Woolworths with ballet boxes right up to election day Friday 25 October.  

The power is yours!  

Paul Young moved with his parents to Auckland from Taiwan in 1989.  Paul holds a bachelor degree of International Business from Taiwan and studied marketing at the University of Auckland. 

Paul is the former Councillor for Howick and was a Counties Manukau District Health Board member.  During his time on council Paul supported Auckland’s climate action plan Te Taruke a Tawhiri and investment in climate action.    

His business "Paul Young International", operates events in New Zealand. His offices and art gallery are on Queen Street.  Paul and his wife have raised their two children in the Botany community.

By Paul Young

When I was approached to stand in the Entrust election I have to admit I knew very little about Auckland’s community energy trust known as Entrust. I’ve been aware of receiving the annual dividend (banked by my wife who runs our household) but the election didn’t appear relevant to me and no previous candidate had appealed for my vote.   

However, the more I looked into it I was convinced a change of leadership is long overdue at Entrust and it’s time for the first Asian Trustee. Community trusts like Entrust, that came out of electricity reforms in 1993, are intended to serve the community.  Every three years there is an election for the 5 Trustees responsible for serving in the interests of the “beneficiaries” - the power account holders for households and businesses.  Asian voters make up at least one third of the 365,000 households in the Entrust District able to vote, however, they have never been represented on the trust.