Fiona Young

With over 20 years’ experience in local government and trustee roles, I have worked across both grassroots initiatives and large-scale regional projects to advance positive community outcomes. As a long-time resident of rural Southland, I have a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region.

I am committed to ensuring that the trust activities and direction genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of consumers. I support continued investment in maintaining our existing infrastructure, alongside actively exploring new and emerging technologies that will strengthen and future‑proof Southland.

Bringing strong communication skills and a passion for robust governance, I am dedicated to helping shape a resilient, efficient electricity network for Southland and Otago. My approach and long‑term commitment to the Trust will contribute to sustained regional development and retaining local ownership for generations to come.

Our Team

Fiona Young

Wade Devine

Wade was elected to the Southland Power Trust in 2021, having previously served from 2011 to 2015. He is passionate about Consumer Trust ownership of Electricity Lines Networks and will continue to support projects that ensure an affordable, secure network for the benefit of consumers.

Wade is a registered electrician and has spent the great majority of his career in the practical electrical world both here in New Zealand and overseas, from residential to commercial, construction to heavy industry.

He has previous governance experience with a national financial co-operative.

Wade was elected onto the Energy Trusts of New Zealand (ETNZ) executive in March 2022. ETNZ works to support continuing professional development of Consumer owned Energy Trusts and their trustee’s.

Wade is active in the Southland community, holding office bearer positions with non-profit organisations.

Stephen Canny

Stephen has successfully led the establishment of Southland’s 5^th Regional Energy Strategy and has recently completed 16 technical papers supporting the establishment of new renewable energy projects in Southland.

He is also in his third year as chairman of the NZ Hydrogen Council and was a founding member. He has designed and implemented the national Deloitte Energy Excellence Award winning Carbon Neutral Advantage program aimed at reducing emissions, operational costs, and insulating business against the cost of Carbon, enabling businesses to be globally competitive in a New Zealand setting. Steve has an extensive background in project management, including managing the successful completion of major civil and mechanical engineering projects. Stephen is an experienced company director and trustee and has established the successful Space Operations New Zealand and New Zealand Functional Foods. His contributions were recognised by being awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017. Stephen is a third term Southland Electric Power Supply Trustee.

Stuart Baird

Stuart was first elected as a Trustee in 2015. He is a Southland sheep and beef farmer. 

Stuart has served as a Councillor on the Southland District Council and the Environment Southland Council.

He has served as a Qualified Hearing Commissioner and as a member of the Environment Southland Aparima Catchment Liaison Committee.

His interests include serving his community and outdoor sporting activities.