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.

Our Team

David Rose

I am passionate about my community and The Trust Ownership model of consumer ownership. I am a Sheep and Beef farmer and live in Central Southland.

I also serve on the FFNZ Southland Executive and have been Southland President and a National Board member. I am currently a Co- Chair of Environment Southland’s Oreti Liaison committee. Other previous roles were on the SIT Council ,the Telford Farm Board, Lochiel BOT and many other local leadership roles

Serving on the trust is challenging at times but I am honoured to be the guardian of our large Power Company assets which return a rebate to you every year but only after making sure our network is fully maintained and future proofed.

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

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.