Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust candidate profile - Diana Kirton

Diana Kirton says being a trustee is not about money, but public service. Photo File

Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust candidate profile - Diana Kirton

Your cheque, your choice. Current trustees, Helen Francis, Ken Gilligan and I are committed to returning the full Unison dividend back to you, the power consumer.

On our watch, Unison has experienced exceptional growth. We have made the hard decisions.

With prudent director appointments, we have ensured the right people are in the right place at the right time.

We have enabled the company to grow. We have monitored performance closely. This year's $12.7 million dividend return to shareholders reflects strong trustee performance and good governance.

It has been a pleasure to work with a team of hard working, community-connected people.

Every trustee understands how tough it is for many in the community struggling to make ends meet.

Those on high incomes may not appreciate that receiving a $200 cheque this year is a welcome relief for single income families, beneficiaries and superannuitants.

Among many ill-informed comments is that trustees are overpaid. The reality is that the HB power trustees receive the second lowest rate of pay per connection, of the 19 power trusts nationwide.

It's not about the money, it's about public service.

The power of five candidates for this year's election have an agenda that includes spending your money on community projects.

These candidates are highly successful business and professional people.

They have some well-intended and exciting ideas. However, spending your money on chosen community projects is contrary to the trust deed and not in the interests of you, the shareholder. I do not support this.

The choice is simple. If you want to continue receiving your full power trust dividend, Diana Kirton, Ken Gilligan and Helen Francis will always put your interests as power consumers first.

We say your cheque, your choice.