AECT Consumers Have Just 10 Days Remaining For Vital Vote

Auckland, October 21 - Consumers have just 10 days left to send in their votes to determine who will manage New Zealand's largest elected consumer trust, the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust (AECT).

The AECT owns Vector - New Zealand's largest network infrastructure company which has a portfolio of businesses and services delivering electricity, gas, and high-speed broadband voice and data communications in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

The Trust represents more than 258,000 consumer beneficiaries, who are electricity users in Auckland City, Manukau City and parts of Papakura District.

AECT executive officer Gary Sturgess urged consumers to send in their voting documents well ahead of the polls cut-off.

"The AECT is responsible for maintaining and enhancing its investment on behalf of its beneficiaries and it's important consumers make their vote count, given they only get the chance once every three years. "

Consumer beneficiaries of the trust are entitled to vote for up to 5 trustees to represent them. Voting documents arrived in consumers' mailboxes last week and need to be returned to the Returning Officer by no later than 5 p.m. on Friday October 31.

The Trust is also responsible for the appointment of Vector's Board of Directors.

"The Auckland Energy Consumer Trust plays an instrumental role in the development and progress of the Company. For consumers who have a right to vote, the opportunity to choose who will represent consumers' interests in this extremely important role should be taken advantage of," Mr Sturgess said.

Mr Sturgess says that the trustees also play an important role in the energy needs of the country through its membership of the Electricity Trusts of New Zealand.

For consumers who still have not posted their vote back, the Trust has established a special information section on its website www.aect.co.nz, including information about each of the 17 candidates and general information about the trust and its activities.

If a consumer has not received their voting document they can contact the Returning Office on 3792023.

Election Details In Brief

Voting documents for the Trust's triennial election of five trustees have been delivered to just under 258,000 consumers of electricity within the AECT consumer area (all of Auckland City, Manukau City, and part of Papakura District).

One voting document has been issued to each consumer, no matter how many connection points or properties a consumer may have. For joint consumers (e.g. where the power account is in more than one name), only one voting document will be issued.

Consumers are required to post their completed voting documents back to the Returning Officer using the pre-paid envelope provided. Completed voting documents may also be hand delivered during the voting period to a ballot box at the Returning Office, Independent Election Services Ltd, Ground Floor, Bledisloe House, 24 Wellesley Street West, Auckland;

To be counted, all completed voting documents must be in the hands of the Returning Officer by 5pm, Friday 31 October 2003.

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