Hobson Leavy is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Watt as Independent Chair for the Electricity Retailers’ Association for New Zealand.
Widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s leading climate change lawyer, Simon brings a wealth of energy sector experience to the role.
“We’re delighted to welcome Simon to ERANZ at a time of significant growth and transformation for the energy sector,” ERANZ Chief Executive, Bridget Abernethy, said.
“Simon comes with significant expertise in energy-related issues, governance and public sector engagement which will prove invaluable to the organisation as we work to ensure our energy system is even more sustainable, reliable and affordable for New Zealanders.”
Simon worked as a partner at Bell Gully for 22 years, leading the firm’s climate change and public sector practices, and is currently Deputy Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand and honorary advisor to the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
He has extensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities New Zealand faces on the road to net zero carbon by 2050. He was instrumental in the creation of the legal framework for New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme and worked with EECA to negotiate the funding agreement with New Zealand Steel to enable electrification of half its steel production, which will reduce New Zealand’s carbon emissions by 1%.
Please join us in congratulating Simon on his new appointment.
