NZ Windfarms appoints John Worth as Commercial Director

Media Release

13 March 2017

NZ Windfarms appoints John Worth as Commercial Director.

Board Chairman Rodger Kerr-Newell made the announcement to the NZX today, marking a new chapter in the Manawatu wind generators leadership. John is no stranger to wind power in New Zealand, having successfully secured resource consents for Mighty River Power’s Puketoi wind farm east of Pahiatua in 2013. Previously General Manager of Investment and Development at Auckland Transport, John has a background in large infrastructure development and operations. He will bring a new commercial focus to NZ Windfarms who have experienced challenging operating conditions and poor electricity pricing in recent years. “There is real opportunity for NZ Windfarms, however this will require a new approach to generation mix and trading relationships,” John said. “This is about leverage; we have a solid generation asset that remains largely unleveraged – that’s what this role is about.” John also notes his desire to work closely with local stakeholders. John describes his time at gen-tailer Mighty River Power (now Mercury) as “very formative” in terms of working within the complexities and opportunities in New Zealand’s deregulated electricity market.

Board Chairman Rodger Kerr-Newell noted that John’s appointment concludes a Board-led year-long leadership restructuring process to reposition the organisation. A Chartered Engineer, John holds engineering and masters degrees from Auckland University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford University. Kerr-Newell notes that John’s appointment is a significant milestone for the company as it enters a new era. John is married with two young children and spends his spare time surfing, fishing and coaching junior rugby.

This appointment forms an important step in the plan outlined at the company’s 2016 AGM to review and re-shape the company and the way it does business. Progress is being made on a number of fronts outlined by directors at the last AGM.

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