MainPower announces new Chief Executive

MainPower New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Sean Horgan.

Horgan will join MainPower in January 2026 and brings a wealth of experience, having held senior leadership positions across the industry including CEO roles at Waipa Networks Ltd and The Lines Company. With a strong background in the electricity industry, he is well-positioned to lead MainPower and embrace opportunities that will benefit the North Canterbury community.

Tony King, Chair of the MainPower Board, says the appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

“We are delighted to welcome Sean Horgan to MainPower. He impressed us with his people-centric approach, strategic thinking, leadership capability and commitment to delivering value for our customers and communities. We also value his wide connections and knowledge of the industry and its participants as we focus on collaboration with other electricity distribution businesses and industry players.”

King also acknowledged Damien Whiffen who has served as Acting Chief Executive since May 2025 and will continue to act in this capacity until Horgan’s arrival.

“Damien has led MainPower through this transitional period and the Board thanks him for his commitment and contribution. We look forward to continuing to work alongside him in his role of Chief Assets and Operations Officer.”

The incoming Chief Executive says he is looking forward to joining the MainPower team and contributing to the organisation’s ongoing success.

“It’s a privilege to be joining MainPower – an organisation with a proud history and a clear commitment to serving North Canterbury. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the Board, our people and our stakeholders to deliver a future that creates real local value for our community.”

MainPower is the electricity lines company serving the communities of Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura. With a commitment to safety and reliability, MainPower ensures a secure electricity supply to over 46,000 connections, positively impacting the lives of the people who call North Canterbury home.

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Outage notifications

WIND WARNING AND OUTAGES

Due to high winds today, there are a number of power outages on the MainPower network. Our teams are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. A number of customers will remain without power overnight until it is safe for our teams to carry out repairs. If you are affected by outages, please enact your No Power Plan.

There is a significant weather event due to impact the network on Thursday 23 October. Customers in the North Canterbury area should prepare for power outages that may last some days.

Medically dependent customers should ensure their power retailer has their most current information, have spoken to their medical professional and are prepared to relocate if needed.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Treat all power lines as live. Power can be restored at any time. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

WIND WARNING AND OUTAGES

Due to high winds today, there are a number of power outages on the MainPower network. Our teams are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. A number of customers will remain without power overnight until it is safe for our teams to carry out repairs. If you are affected by outages, please enact your No Power Plan.

There is a significant weather event due to impact the network on Thursday 23 October. Customers in the North Canterbury area should prepare for power outages that may last some days.

Medically dependent customers should ensure their power retailer has their most current information, have spoken to their medical professional and are prepared to relocate if needed.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Treat all power lines as live. Power can be restored at any time. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

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