Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has announced the appointment of Central Otago District Council chief executive Sanchia Jacobs as inaugural intern director of Pioneer Energy.

CLT, which owns Pioneer Energy, is committed to developing governance capability in the Central Lakes area and broadening the region’s pool of emerging directors, CLT chair Linda Roberston said.

Pioneer has offered an internship for an emerging director to gain experience and insight into governance by working alongside an experienced commercial board for 18 months.

“The internship is an exciting new initiative,” Linda said. “We hope [Sanchia] and many others in the future gain valuable governance experience and capability from the opportunity.”

CLT, a charitable trust that grants funds for charitable purposes, has grown its asset base from $155M (bestowed by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust in 2000) to assets totalling $450M.

It has distributed more than $118M into a wide range of community projects and services throughout the Central Lakes area.

Sanchia will not have any decision-making powers or voting rights, but will attend board and relevant committee meetings and take part in board activities during her term. She will receive mentoring from the current directors and governance professional development. 

In addition to experiencing first-hand the role of a director, CLT anticipates the intern will also gain valuable insight into the energy sector.

“The appointment is not aimed at identifying a future director of Pioneer Energy,” Linda said.

“However, it is anticipated that the experience gained will put the successful applicant in good stead for future director roles more generally, and will be a positive addition to their governance CV.”

Dr Don Elder and Tony Balfour were also reappointed as directors of Pioneer Energy commencing their reappointment 1 October 2022.