Meet Your Counties Energy Trustees
Counties Energy Trust and your elected trustees, hold 100% of the shares of Counties Energy Limited (your local electricity network company) on behalf of you, the consumer.
Every 2 years public elections are held and you can have your say on who you want to represent the community. The trust is made up of 5-6 passionate individuals who only want what is best for you, the consumer. For more on the election process, including how you can become a trustee or vote when the time comes, click here
Get to know your current trustees better by clicking on their profiles below!
Christine Rupp
Chair
Christine Rupp
Chair
Christine was initially appointed to the position in 1998 and has since been re-elected, most recently in August 2021. She has been Chair of the Trust for five years.
Christine has two adult children. Her background is in banking and finance both in New Zealand and overseas. She also owns two non-electricity based companies which gives her a broader industry experience in the current issues affecting companies.
She takes an active role in her local community on the Hunua Hall & Domain Committee and the Hunua Tennis Club, and she is also the Registrar for the Franklin and Districts JP Association. Her interests include travel, tennis, gardening, walking, kayaking and spending time with her grandchildren.
Christine holds a Post Graduate Diploma of Science and in March 2022 was elected to the Energy Trusts of NZ (ETNZ) executive committee and has taken an active role in increasing the association’s membership.
She believes that Trust ownership by consumers is important, together with a strong association directly representing consumers, to ensure consumers’ voices are heard.
Email: ruppchriss@yahoo.co.nz
Alan Eyes
Trustee
Alan Eyes
Trustee
Alan has been a Trustee since 2002, (Chair 2008-2015) and has since been re-elected, most recently in 2017.
He is married to Claire with two adult children and has a long association with both Counties Energy Limited* and the Trust – the former in a senior management capacity and the latter as the inaugural Secretary.
As Energy Manager for NZ Steel his day job sees Alan heavily involved in Electricity Industry issues. Prior to this he held senior finance roles at NZ Steel and in the meat and dairy industries.
He continues a range of community interests and involvements, with a focus on Rotary.
Alan has formal qualifications in Commerce and Management from the University of Auckland, is a Chartered Accountant, and a member of the Institute of Directors.
*(formerly Counties Power Limited and prior to that Franklin Electric Power Board)
Email: alan.eyes.nz@gmail.com
Megan Matthews
Trustee
Megan Matthews
Trustee
Megan was elected to the Trust in August 2023
With a decade of energy industry experience, spanning consumer-centric roles, project management, market expertise, growth and people leadership in Genesis Energy, Frank Energy (previously Energy Online) and energyclubnz, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective to the table. The past six years, she has served at executive level, three as General Manager of NZ Compare, collaborating with energy, broadband and mobile retailers, the finance sector, network providers, government agencies and community stakeholders to ensure the everyday Kiwi has beneficial options within each market.
As a resident of Pukekohe, she is committed to driving growth and profitability for Counties Energy, ensuring it adapts to challenging times through innovation, while prioritising Consumer needs by empowering them with education on energy bill reduction, and reducing energy hardship for the Counties community.
Megan’s knowledge positively contributes to the Trust’s overall skill diversity, strategic partnerships and understanding of its Consumers.
Email: megan.matthews.nz@gmail.com
Donald Thomson
Trustee
Donald Thomson
Trustee
Don was first appointed to the Trust in 2008, and has since been elected, and last stood unopposed in 2019.
Don is married with two adult children and has a 40 year association with the Franklin area. He has owned a successful business in Pukekohe for over 30 years but has sold in order to gain a better lifestyle.
Don is a past President and a current member of Pukekohe Rotary Club and a life member of the Pukekohe Junior Boys Rugby Football Club and has been involved in many other community organisations in various roles.
His current interests are yachting and fishing along with bowls as well as being an active grandfather.
Email: crannog@xtra.co.nz
Mike Marr
Trustee
Mike Marr
Trustee
Mike was elected to the Trust in 2021.
Mike was born in Pukekohe and is the founder and owner of TPT Group, and he also holds a number of governance roles. TPT Group comprises companies in the electronic security, data communications, information technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, finance, and commercial property sectors.
He started off his career as an electrical apprentice and holds qualifications in electrical trade, electrotechnology, an Advanced Dip. Business, Dip. Management, Dip. Integrated Risk Management and a Dip. Project Management.
Alongside his role on the Trust, Mike is a professional director of electricity lines company Waipa Networks, Rhema Media, Eqalis Pharmaceuticals and is also Chair of The Runway Foundation.
He and his wife Terese have two children and are deeply supportive of many community initiatives.
Get in touch with us
Have any questions for us here at Counties Energy Trust? We’d be more than happy to answer them for you.
