HB Power Consumers' Trust gets $17.8m dividend

Releasing its Annual Report for 2024/25, Unison has declared a dividend of $17.8 million (up from $17.3 million last year) to the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers’ Trust — the shareholder on behalf of more than 65,000 electricity consumers in the region.  

Group profit after tax for the year was $30.3 million, up from $28.7 million the previous year, due in part to insurance proceeds related to Cyclone Gabrielle. Unison’s regulated lines business generated revenue of $147.8 million.

“This year’s result reflects our commitment to delivering for our customers while investing for the future,” said Rob Wheater, Chair of the Unison Group Board.  

Several critical infrastructure projects were delivered or advanced during the year, including the rebuild of Camberley Substation, completion of the Tauhara Substation and Te Huka switching station, and targeted upgrades to the Taupō network. Capital expenditure totalled $90.7 million, reflecting carefully timed, need-based investment aligned with customer and community requirements.  

“Our investment decisions are guided by what matters most – delivering a safe, reliable network for our customers today, while preparing for the future,” said Jaun Park, Unison Group Chief Executive.   

“We’re focused on building resilience and ensuring the network can adapt as customer needs and technologies evolve. I’m proud of the work our teams have delivered to maintain high network performance and resilience across our regions.”   

The Group’s products and services divisions demonstrated mixed results. Unison Contracting Services Ltd (UCSL) and PBA Ltd, both within the service segment, delivered robust performance and secured new contracts that are expected to support future growth. In contrast, transformer manufacturer ETEL Ltd experienced a reduction in sales attributed to ongoing economic challenges following a record earnings period last year.  

Across the Group, work continues to ensure Unison’s businesses are best placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the electrification of various industries worldwide.  

In 2025, Unison also published its first Group Sustainability Report, outlining its baseline and roadmap across emissions reduction, community impact, and operational resilience. This sits alongside the Group’s broader strategic focus on aligning its people, businesses, and capabilities to deliver long-term value for customers and communities.  

“We’ve made strong progress in uniting our businesses under a shared, customer-focused strategy that strongly positions us to deliver on our vision to lead a sustainable energy future,” said Park.  

Looking ahead, Unison remains cautiously optimistic about the long-term outlook, supported by the growing need to decarbonise the economies of New Zealand and Australia and the essential role electricity networks will play in enabling that transition.  

To read Unison’s full 2024/25 Annual Report, visit: www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/unison-group/publications-disclosures/annual-reports  

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2 Comments

  1. And please tell us all where over the years have all the retained profits gone to??? bearing in mind!! that we the customers are funding the new infrastructures and upgrades through horrific price hikes, thanks Commerce Commission!!

  2. Thanks Unison but my power bill has increased more than that this year. I’d rather have my $10k please. Can you please make the direct deposit out the ‘enlightened one’. Say hi to the dragon Barbara while you are at it.

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