It is time to be truthful to diversity
Dr Ashraf Choudhary
Entrust, a Majority shareholder of electricity company, Vector, is holding its triennial elections of its five trustees from October 11, 2018.
Voting eligibility
Vector consumers within its district of Auckland, Manukau, Northern Papakura and Eastern Franklin (former Auckland Electric Power Board) are eligible for voting.
Consumers will be getting their ballot papers from October 11, 2018 and will have two weeks to complete and return their voting documents using the Freepost envelope provided.
But, to be counted, voting papers must be received by the Returning officer by 5 pm on Friday, October 26, 2018.
For consumers with more than one connection, and joint consumers on the connection, only one voting paper will be issued.
Nominations for the Entrust Board of Trustees election have closed with 13 candidates being nominated including me.
Changing the trend
Historically, no one from our Asian community has stood for these elections. I wish to change this trend and be counted.
Entrust, a major shareholder of Vector, distributes to its consumers about $350 as annual dividend. This is helpful to many consumers amongst us in paying their ever increasing electricity bill.
Unfortunately, current members of the Board are oblivious to this fact, and are planning to reduce these dividends. This is not acceptable to our consumers.
Differences in approach
The current Board is divided in their policies impacting the overall performance of the company. It’s well documented in the media now-a-days.
I have been nominated to stand for this election because we need to change the makeup of the board (who are all Pakehas) and enhance diversity, promote equity and bring meritocracy in these organisations.
Call to Community
I would like to urge all of you to ensure that you use your vote to bring changes. spread the word among your networks through emails, texting and other electronic tools at your disposal. Every vote counts as historically there is very low voting turn out for this election.
If you have any queries about this election, please call Independent Election Services Ltd for Entrust on (09) 9735212 or 0800-922822. Email: info@electionservices.co.nz
Dr Ashraf Choudhary was a Member of Parliament on Labour List from 2002 to 2011. He is currently serving as an elected Member of both the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board of the Auckland City Council, and Counties Manukau Health Board.
