KEY POINTS:
Alison Paterson, the most recent appointment to Vector's "dysfunctional" board, hopes the lines company's governance can now be "depoliticised".
Paterson, currently Abano Healthcare chairwoman and Reserve Bank deputy chairwoman, was appointed by Vector's remaining directors last week.
She takes one of three independent directorships left vacant three months after the resignation of independent directors Tony Gibbs, Greg Muir and John Goulter following a high-profile boardroom spat.
Chairman Michael Stiassny said Paterson was regarded as one of New Zealand's most competent professional directors.
Gibbs, Muir and Goulter said they resigned because of concerns about the governance of the company, particularly the influence of 75.1 per cent shareholder the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust.
Stiassny's style was described as abrasive and rumours abounded of heated arguments in the boardroom. However, Paterson said she "knows and likes" Stiassny, Goulter and Gibbs and wasn't taking sides.
"I wasn't in that boardroom and have no way of knowing what the true facts are," she said.
"It would be a great thing if this could be depoliticised so that the board and the company can get on with business."
Meanwhile, "speculation around whether or not the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust should own shares or not" was not her concern.
"I'm not prepared to express a view, I just don't believe it is the business of a director."
While directors may have to take some interest if ownership affected share value,"you wait until the circumstances arise and you see it in that context but not otherwise".
Paterson has known Stiassny for some time and worked with him on the Metrowater board for four years.
"I was able to work as a director with him as chair so see no reason why it will be any different at Vector."
Stiassny said the board was still looking to fill the other two director positions.
Alison Paterson
* Companion of the Queen's Service Order "for valuable voluntary service to the community".
* Chartered accountant.
* Distinguished fellow of the Institute of Directors.
* First woman appointed to a publicly listed company board when she joined the Apple & Pear Marketing Board in 1976.
