The History of TrustPower

1915
to
1923

Lloyd Mandeno (1888-1973) was possibly the world's first creator of the electric storage heater.

Lloyd Mandeno was a New Zealand pioneer in domestic electricity.  In the 1920's, while Mandeno was working to promote Omanawa Falls Power Station, Tauranga was already the most advanced consumer of electricity for domestic purposes in New Zealand.  Mandeno had a passion for hydroelectricity and was instrumental in the creation of most of Tauranga's power schemes including the early McLaren's Falls station; and later the Ruahihi and Maungapapa stations. 

His early power pioneering also included the building of a new home that relied solely on electricity - no chimney and no gas.  The house was said to have been the first in the world to rely solely on a public power supply for all its energy requirements.

Early records suggest in the 1920's the town of Tauranga was the most advanced consumer of electricity for domestic purposes in New Zealand.  There were no electric ovens working in Auckland, and very few in Christchurch and Dunedin whereas 10% of Tauranga residents were using them.

Tauranga's first power station opened in 1915.  It took two years to construct the station.  A flying fox was used to lower equipment onto the virtually inaccessible site.  It closed in 1998 after 83 years of service. 

1923
to
1994

T. Lochhead was the first chairman of the Tauranga Electric Power Board.  He served from 1923-1932

A Power Board was elected on 18 August 1923, to serve the greater Tauranga area, and was named the Tauranga Electric Power Board.  The premises seen below in Spring Street, Tauranga were purchased by the Tauranga Electric Power Board in September 1925 and were remodeled in 1931.

 Katikati Power Board Depot 1928. The depot building (left) was bought off the Ministry of Works for just eight Pounds and the living accommodation (on left of photo) for a mere two Pounds ten.

 1994
to
today

 Now New Zealands fourth largest power company
- TrustPower's head office is still in Tauranga
Tauranga's power company takes on the country.

Since 1994 TrustPower has expanded into towns and cities throughout New Zealand to become the fourth largest power company in New Zealand. Tens of thousands of people have changed power companies to join TrustPower because of the company's reputation for excellent customer service.

TrustPower customers were the first in the country to be offered a comprehensive power saver kit.

In 1997 TrustPower introduced its Friends loyalty programme.
Good customers deserve rewards.
More than three quarters of TrustPower's customers in the Tauranga region have joined TrustPower's Friends programme. Now 80% of our customers nationwide are Friends.

The savings alone make Friends worthwhile.
Since Friends started, TrustPower has added many other benefits, the savings alone make Friends membership worthwhile. Some customers have saved over $500 since they joined.

And as an extra Friends reward, all TrustPower Friends are entered into our monthly draw to win a $1000 credit on their TrustPower electricity account.

New online services.
TrustPower has developed a whole range of internet services that are now available on this website. The first, Power Bill Online, arrives by email. You can store your bill on your computer and pay online too. No bills lying about, no fuss.

To register for Power Bill Online click here. When you register you'll go in the draw to win $500 FREE power. And each month you remain a Power Bill Online customer you will go into our monthly draw for $100 FREE power.