Wānaka based Jacqueline Cheyne has been appointed a director of Pioneer Energy Limited.

The appointment was announced by Linda Robertson, chair of Central Lakes Trust which owns Pioneer Energy.

Linda said Pioneer was pleased to have secured such a highly qualified and experienced director.

Jacqueline has more than 30 years’ experience in financial reporting and sustainability. 

“She currently chairs the Sustainability Committee for Stride Property Group, the Risk and Audit Committee for NZ Green Investment Finance and is a member of the XRB, chairing the project steering group for the development of the Aotearoa NZ Climate Reporting Standards, amongst multiple other directorships across listed company, government and not-for-profit boards,” Linda said.

“Jacqueline’s experience with climate risk assessment, sustainability and carbon reporting will prove extremely valuable to the board of Pioneer Energy.”

Jacqueline Cheyne

Pioneer Energy has supplied renewable power to New Zealand business and communities for more than 80 years. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of energy assets, products and investments throughout New Zealand.

Pioneer Energy chair Rob Hewett said Pioneer has access to a “pipeline” of growth opportunities through several strategic investment partnerships, which will contribute to the development of a sustainable energy future for New Zealand.

“It’s important we equip the board with the skills to take us into the future and Jacqueline’s expertise and experience in climate risk and sustainability is highly relevant,” he said.

Pioneer has recently completed construction of New Zealand’s first anaerobic digestive system, a joint venture development with Ecogas Supplies Ltd, which will significantly reduce the emission of landfill gas to the atmosphere and produces gas, electricity, CO2 for use in glass house food crops, and digestate used as fertiliser and soil enhancer.

“I am delighted to be joining the Pioneer Board and working with a company that is providing exciting renewable energy solutions for New Zealand,” Jacqueline said.

The new board appointment fills a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Nick Lewis, a board member since 2015. 

Rob thanked Nick for his service to Pioneer, saying his contribution played a large part in Pioneer growing into the company it is today.