Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority - Board Member

About New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

The purpose of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy. This is done through:

• Raising awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy in society.
• Industry promoting practices and technologies to further energy efficiency.
• Monitoring energy efficiency in New Zealand.
• Conducting research.
• Liaising with government on energy efficiency matters.

More information about EECA can be found at its website(external link).

EECA is a Crown entity

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is a Crown agent under the Crown Entities Act 2004, established to carry out specific functions under the Energy and Efficiency Conservation Act 2000.

The Crown Entities Act provides a framework for Crown entity governance and accountability, including responsibilities of board members, disclosure of interests, and the roles of Ministers. It is available at legislation.govt.nz(external link).

The Minister of Energy is the responsible Minister for EECA. Under the Crown Entities Act, Ministers have powers with regard to all entities on matters of strategic direction, targets, funding, performance, reporting and reviews.  The EECA Board is an independent board that has a strategic management function and is not expected to conduct the day-to-day affairs of EECA. The Board’s role is to focus on the critical strategic and operational issues by which the overall success of EECA in achieving its objectives will be measured.

Further information on how the relationships between Crown entities, Ministers, and departments work in practice can be found at: It Takes Three: Operating Expectations Framework for Statutory Crown Entities(external link).

Board membership responsibilities

Collective and individual duties of Board members

Board members are subject to the collective and individual duties of members set out in sections 58 and 59 of the Crown Entities Act. The collective duties of Board members are to ensure the Board’s functions are performed efficiently, effectively and consistently in the spirit of the public service, and in a financially responsible manner.

The individual duties of Board members are:

• To act with honesty, integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests.
• To act with reasonable care, diligence and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances).
• Avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances.

General skills relevant to members of a Crown entity board

• Extensive governance experience, in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience in areas such as accountancy, law, risk management and commerce.
• Strong relationship management skills, including working effectively with peers and developing valuable strategic connections with industry, consumers and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to reason objectively and convey ideas clearly and accurately.
• A clear sense of public accountability and understanding of the relationships between Government and Crown entities.

Members must be aware of the importance of personal integrity and the need to disclose any interests they have or are likely to have in matters relating to EECA, whether or not these create a conflict of interest.  Members must also be sure that they have the interest and enthusiasm needed to contribute effectively to the performance of the entity throughout their term of membership.

Time commitment and remuneration

The current remuneration for an EECA Board member is $27,000 per annum. In addition to fees, members are entitled to be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the Board. 

The Board meets monthly and as is necessary to carry out its role. Meetings are generally held in Wellington. Board materials are distributed to Board members in sufficient advance of the Board meetings to allow members to be thoroughly prepared.

Person specification

Specific skills required

At this time, the Minister of Energy is seeking three board members:

Role one:

• Extensive financial capabilities, including audit and risk experience.
• Preferably a Chartered Accountant.

Role two:

• Proven governance experience.
• Innovation and technology.

Role three:

• Proven governance experience.
• Knowledge of energy and conservation.

Additional skills, experience and attributes

The candidates will have knowledge and experience in the following:

• The energy sector.
• The environment.
• Community organisations.
• Commerce, marketing, and communications.
• Governance and public sector management.
• Science and technology.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Disclosure of interest

As part of the appointment process, candidates are required to complete a Disclosure Form. The information that is disclosed by the candidates enables the responsible Minister to know the relevant interests and any conflicts that a person may have in relation to an appointment to an entity. The information is used to assess whether a candidate would be able to contribute effectively to the entity’s affairs, and where conflicts are identified, to ensure that these can be managed appropriately.

Additional information

For further enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz