Elections
The Marlborough Electric Power Trust was established by Deed of Trust dated 28 April 1993. The Trustees hold the share capital of Marlborough Lines Limited in trust for the company’s beneficiaries (all those with a power connection to the Marlborough Lines network).
The Trust Deed provides for three of the six Trustees to retire on the 1st of April each second year. The next Trustee election is scheduled for March 2026.
Election Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible to vote?
Those eligible to vote at this election will be consumers who pay a power bill within the Marlborough Lines network as of 5pm on 19 January 2026.
Q. How can I vote?
If you receive your bill via email, voting information will be emailed to this same address on 26 February 2026 from iro@electionz.com - open the email and follow the instructions to vote.
Q. I have clicked on the online voting link, but I need a PIN and password to proceed. How do I get these?
PIN and password details will be contained in the voting information emailed to eligible consumers from iro@electionz.com on 26 February 2026.
Q. I receive a paper power bill by regular post, can I still vote?
Yes. Paper voting documents will be mailed to this same address on 26 February 2026. Completed voting documents can be returned via regular post in the pre-paid envelope, or by hand delivering to Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim. We recommend posting completed documents no later than Wednesday 18 March to ensure they are received by the Returning Officer before the close of voting.
Q. I receive my power bill by email, but cannot find the voting information?
Voting information will be emailed on 26 February 2026 from iro@electionz.com. Type “iro@electionz.com” or “MEPT election” into the search field of your email inbox and click search. We also suggest checking your junk or spam folders using the same process.
Q. What if I still cannot find the emailed voting information, my paper voting documents never arrived by regular post, or my paper voting documents have been lost or destroyed?
You are entitled to cast a special vote. Special votes can be cast by
phoning the Election Helpline on 0800 666 033 and arranging a special voting pack to be sent.
requesting in person at Blenheim Accounting, 66 Seymour St, Blenheim.
to confirm eligibility for a special voting document you will be asked to provide your name, address and your ICP number/(s).
Q. When does voting close, and when will the results be notified?
Voting closes 12pm Monday 23 March 2026 and results will be formally notified by Friday 27 March 2026.
Trust Eligibility
To be eligible for nomination and election as a Trustee, you must
Be a consumer of electricity within the Marlborough Electric Power Trust district.
Reside, and be recorded on the electoral roll as resident within the district.
Be supported by a nomination from a member of the public.
You must not
Be bankrupt.
Have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or more.
Be a person to whom an order has been made under Section 151 of the Companies Act 1993 applies.
Be a person who is mentally disordered within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1969.
Be a director or employee of Marlborough Lines Ltd.
Trustee Duties
Duties include approving the Marlborough Lines Statement of Corporate Intent, appointing the company directors and monitoring director’s performance, protecting the beneficiaries’ interest and determining the allocation of electricity users’ distributions from the Marlborough Lines’ dividends received.
Trustees meet eleven times per year during the ordinary course of business. In addition to this Trustees are required to attend the Marlborough Lines AGM, Annual Reporting Meeting, any special meetings and annual Energy Trusts NZ conferences.