Board members
The Governor-General appoints Electricity Authority Board members on the recommendation of the Minister of Energy and Resources following a public call for nominations.
The Board is responsible for promoting a competitive, reliable and efficient electricity industry for the long term-benefit of consumers.
Additionally, the Board is responsible for protecting the interests of domestic and small business consumers in relation to the supply of electricity to them.
The Electricity Authority's role in the electricity industry
Although appointed in response to nominations, in their official capacity, Board members do not represent the interests of any particular group and act independently.
Members are recommended for appointment on the basis of ensuring a spread of experience and capability relating to the electricity industry, consumer issues and business generally.
Dr. Nicola (Nicki) Crauford (Chair)
Dr. Nicki Crauford
Dr Nicola Crauford (Nicki) has extensive industry knowledge and governance experience. Nicki is currently Chair of GNS Science, director of Watercare Services, and Burgundy HoldCo that owns and operates StraitsNZ. Previously Nicki has held executive roles in the sector with Transpower and governance roles with Genesis Energy, Orion New Zealand and Pioneer Energy.
Nicki’s governance experience also includes roles at Kāinga Ora, Environmental Protection Authority, Wellington Water, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Nicki has a doctorate in the investigation and modelling of how fire spreads in buildings from the University of Southampton and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Allan Dawson
Allan Dawson
Allan is a global energy market expert with an extensive background in energy regulation, market development and market operations in multiple jurisdictions.
He formerly served as Chief Executive of the energy market operator/regulator in Western Australia (Independent Market Operator) and Singapore (Energy Market Company).
Allan was a senior member of the team responsible for Market Operations during the development, implementation and operation of New Zealand's Electricity market rules and arrangements in the 1990s.
Allan has previously chaired the Association of Power Exchanges (6 years), the global member organisation representing the interests of over 50 electricity market operators/regulators. He has strong industry governance experience as Chair of Governance Board's in both electricity and gas markets in Singapore and Western Australia.
Since returning to New Zealand, Allan has also been appointed Chair of Arlo Software Ltd & OnFarm Solutions Ltd and appointed to the Board of Montoux Ltd and Winnow Software Ltd.
Paula Rose
Paula Rose
Paula is a Canterbury-based director with a background in regulatory organisations in governance, management, policy and practitioner roles.
Paula has over a decade of experience in Crown and Not for Profit organisations. Her current roles include Deputy Chief Commissioner Te Kāhui Tātare Turi | Criminal Cases Review Commission; Commissioner Te Kōminhana Tirotiro Aituā Waka | Transport Accident Investigation Commission; and a member of Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro | Social Workers Registration Board.
As a volunteer, Paula holds a number of roles with St John and is currently a member of the St John Priory Board.
Mark Sandelin
Mark Sandelin
Mark is a barrister, practicing from Mills Lane Chambers in Auckland.
He has practiced law for the past 35 years and was previously a litigation Partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.
He has other governance roles including Chair of Trinity Hill Wines, Chair of Sleepyhead Group Ltd, Deputy Chair of Fairway Resolution Ltd and Chair of Auckland Grammar school.
Lana Stockman
Lana Stockman
Lana has recently returned to New Zealand from Australia, where she was Vice President Regulation at Aurizon Network, a top-50 ASX listed company offering rail and road based freight and infrastructure solutions. She was also a General Manager at Energy Australia, a board member of the Electricity Retailers Association of Australia, and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on smart meters in Victoria.
Lana also has experience in the New Zealand electricity industry, including as an advisor to the Electricity Authority and its predecessor the Electricity Commission. She is degree qualified in both engineering and finance and coupled with a broad energy market experience, brings fresh thinking, and strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills.
Erik Westergaard
Erik is an electricity market and energy sector regulatory specialist who has been closely involved in the establishment and ongoing development of electricity market arrangements in several countries.
Erik’s work has included reviewing market arrangement to ensure that the electricity market delivered the expected benefits to consumers.
Erik was appointed by the Minister of Energy and Resources to act as Specialist Technical Advisor on the investigation into the 9 August 2021 power outages and was a member of the Security and Reliability Council for six years.
Erik has held a number of senior positions within industry participants and large international consulting firms and he is currently an independent consultant.
