Board of Directors
As the sole shareholder, the Trust appoints the directors of Centralines to operate the company in the interests of consumers.
The Board of Directors set the strategic direction, goals and policy for the operation of the company. The day-to-day operation of Centralines is the responsibility of the General Manager who relies on the support of their experienced team of technical staff and specialist trades people.
Directors’ profiles
Fenton Wilson - Chair
Born in Central Hawke’s Bay, Fenton was appointed to the Centralines Board in 2018 and currently serves as Chair. He is also a director of Ruahine Energy Group Limited and Ongaonga Road Solar Farm GP Limited.
A professional director for more than 15 years, Fenton brings extensive governance and strategic leadership experience to the Board. He is a director of Quality Roading and Services (Wairoa) Limited and Presbyterian Support East Coast, Chair of Mahiwi Limited, and business advisor to the nationally based company 43 South.
A passionate community advocate, Fenton is also a trustee of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust, which supports community-led pest control initiatives and helps increase biodiversity through local projects and school programmes.
Fenton previously served as a Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillor and Chair, providing him with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Central Hawke’s Bay and the wider region.
Anthony (Tony) Gray - Director and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Tony was appointed to the Centralines Board in November 2020 and serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
With extensive experience across governance, finance and infrastructure sectors, Tony currently serves as a director of Artemis Nominees Limited and Foodeast GP Limited, and as Chair of Ngā Hua O Ngāti Pūkenga Limited and Ngāti Pūkenga Investments Limited.
Throughout his governance career, Tony has held directorships with a range of organisations, including Quality Roading and Services (Wairoa) Limited, CLEAR Communications, Sky Network Television Limited, subsidiaries of Mighty River Power (now Mercury), EA Networks and Eastland Group, where he also served as Interim Chair.
Tony has also previously held senior executive finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer at Hastings District Council, and senior finance positions with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Mighty River Power and TVNZ.
Tony's extensive financial leadership and governance experience provides valuable expertise in strategy, risk management, audit oversight and organisational performance.
In recognition of his services, Tony was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours list.
Sarah von Dadelszen - Director
Sarah was appointed to the Centralines Board in November 2020. A committed member of the Central Hawke's Bay community, she brings extensive experience across the primary sector, governance, and leadership.
Sarah and her husband, Sam, farm in Central Hawke's Bay and have a strong commitment to the district and its future. This connection provides her with a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities and businesses.
She currently serves as Chair of FMG and has previously held governance roles with Ballance Agri-Nutrients, AGMARDT as a trustee, and NZ Young Farmers as an independent director. Sarah also served as Chair of the Central Hawke's Bay Consumers Power Trust, providing her with valuable insight into the electricity sector and the interests of electricity consumers.
Sarah has participated in a number of governance and leadership programmes, including the INSEAD International Directors Programme in Singapore and France, and programmes delivered by the Institute of Directors. She has also participated in a New Zealand Primary Industry Leadership Group programme at Stanford University, gaining a deeper insight into global trends and innovation within the agri-business sector.
Sarah brings a strong combination of governance expertise, strategic thinking, and community perspective to the Centralines Board, helping to ensure the company remains focused on delivering value to its consumers and supporting the long-term prosperity of the region.
Leonard (Len) Gould - Director
Len joined the Centralines Board in November 2020 and brings more than 40 years of experience in New Zealand's electricity industry.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with Unison Networks and Transpower, and has also worked at the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ) and its predecessor, the New Zealand Electricity Department (NZED).
Len's expertise spans power system engineering, smart grid technologies, transmission and distribution pricing, commercial operations, strategy, business development, and mergers and acquisitions. His extensive industry knowledge provides valuable insight into both the technical and commercial aspects of electricity networks.
He holds a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering and has been a Registered Engineering Associate since 1986.
His extensive technical and commercial knowledge of the electricity sector provides valuable expertise to the Centralines Board.
Kevin Best - Director
Kevin was appointed to the Centralines Board in July 2022.
Kevin brings extensive commercial, financial, and governance experience to the Board. He spent a significant portion of his executive career as a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), advising organisations across a range of sectors.
Throughout his career, Kevin has worked with a broad range of capital and infrastructure-based businesses, including organisations within New Zealand's electricity sector. His expertise includes financial management, strategic planning, investment decision-making, risk oversight, and organisational performance.
A professional director, Kevin currently holds a number of governance appointments, including serving as Chair of three private companies and as a director of The Skills Organisation.
Kevin's strong commercial acumen and governance experience provide valuable insight to the Centralines Board as the company continues to invest in its network and support the future energy needs of the region.
