OUR STORY
Our Vision, Mission & Objectives
The energy landscape is rapidly changing, and MLL sees this as an opportunity to challenge the status quo, transform our business, and move forward with a vision that resonates with all our stakeholders.
Our vision is:
Energising Marlborough’s Future
Changes in the energy environment such as EVs, electrification of transportation, solar generation, will increase demand on the MLL network and require future thinking and great planning. The changes have us challenging key network assumptions to ensure the elimination of potential barriers and bringing forward future projects that enable demand growth, while also investing in generation projects that will be utilised to provide value to consumers and target energy equity.
Our team is ready to energise the Marlborough community, not only by delivering our core function of reliable distribution of electricity, but also through sponsorships, employment, education, and positive financial and environmental outcomes.
Supporting our vision, our mission is to:
Deliver sustainable regional growth and equity through people, technology, and environmental leadership.
From our mission we have developed six strategic objectives to provide clarity and focus for the different areas of our business:
Our people
Provide a workplace where our people are valued, engaged, and inspired to deliver positive personal and Company outcomes for the benefit of all consumers.
Community
Improve energy equity and support regional growth through education, employment, sponsorship, and investments.
Environment
Minimise our environmental footprint through operational efficiencies, reducing net carbon emissions, and supporting regional environmental initiatives.
Technology and innovation
Empower our consumers and region by deploying technology and commercial innovation to accelerate electrification and provide for future load growth.
Financial objectives
Deliver value to all of our consumers through efficient operations and investment success.
Assets
Optimise our assets to provide a flexible, dynamic, and resilient network to accommodate future technologies and promote regional growth.
Who Are We?
MLL manages Marlborough’s electricity distribution network, which is located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. We have a team of approximately 170 people and are based in Blenheim, the largest town in the Marlborough region.
With a population of approximately 52,000 people, New Zealand’s largest wine region, a moderate climate, and beautiful surroundings, Marlborough is a great place to live and work in. Marlborough is also known for aquaculture, farming, forestry and tourism.
To view a map of MLL’s network click here and to see how MLL fits into New Zealand’s electricity system click here.
Ownership
MLL is owned by the Marlborough Electric Power Trust, which holds the shares in the company on behalf of its 26,000+ beneficiaries – those installations connected to the network, which means both the current and future electricity users in the Marlborough region.
The Marlborough Electric Power Trust is made up of six elected trustees, three of whom are elected on a two-yearly rotational basis. The trustees don’t have any direct involvement in the operation of MLL. Their role includes appointing the company directors, conferring with the directors on the MLL’s Statement of Corporate Intent and monitoring the performance of the company against the SCI targets and objectives, and receiving and distributing dividends from the company.
For further Trust-related information email Brenda Munro, Trust Secretary -enquiries@mept.co.nz, or visit the Marlborough Electric Power Trust website.
MLL is part of a Group structure that includes Marlborough Lines Limited (MLL), our subsidiary Yealands Wine Group. We are required by the Energy Companies Act 1992 to operate as a successful business, and we aim to achieve this in both financial and operational terms.
MLL operates a field services division which undertakes construction and maintenance of MLL’s electricity distribution network assets and connects customers to our network.
Seaview Capital Limited is a holding company for its non-electricity distribution-related investments.
Yealands Wine Group is one of New Zealand’s major wine producers and exporters.
Energy Marlborough Limited is a recently established entity with the objective of establishing renewable electricity generation.
Celebrating 100 Years of Energising Marlborough
Since its inception in 1923, Marlborough Lines Limited has been at the heart of our region’s homes, businesses and communities. A century later, we are proud to reflect on some of the challenges and triumphs of the past 100 years.
The predecessor of Marlborough Lines, the Marlborough Electric Power Board, was established on 23 October 1923, to bring “power to the people”. In 1993 it became Marlborough Electric and is now Marlborough Lines Limited.
Marlborough Lines and the Marlborough region have undergone many transformations over the past 100 years. With a widespread population spanning some geographically challenging areas from remote parts of the Marlborough Sounds to the East Coast and everywhere in between, keeping up with demand for electricity has had its challenges. Through earthquakes, severe weather events and an ever-growing population, Marlborough Lines has always responded to meet demand.
Marlborough Lines CEO Tim Cosgrove says from humble beginnings to becoming a vital pillar of the community, Marlborough Lines has witnessed tremendous growth, evolution and transformation.
“From the installation of the first power lines to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, we have continuously adapted to meet the ever-changing energy landscape,” Cosgrove says.
“As we embark on our second century, we are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead. Rapid advancements in technology, the imperative of de-carbonisation and the evolving expectations of our consumers. I am confident that our experience, expertise, and the passion of our team will empower us to navigate these complexities and continue to provide outstanding service to our community.”
Marlborough Energised Event
To celebrate our 100-Year milestone and the company’s ongoing commitment to the Marlborough community, we were excited to bring a spectacular light and visual event, Marlborough Energised, to Blenheim for the first time. This exciting, interactive lighting display from Illuminate was held in beautiful Pollard Park in central Blenheim over three nights from 12-14 April 2024. Photos from the event below.
Generation Museum Upcoming Events
Marlborough Lines Generation Museum
On the same weekend, Marlborough Lines’ Generation Museum on the corner of Thomsons Ford and Old Renwick Roads was open to the public to view our new museum area and a vintage Paxman engine in operation.
The 68-tonne Paxman diesel engine, capable of producing 430kW, was installed in 1930 to generate backup power and is the only engine of its kind in the world that is still operable.
Marlborough Lines is excited to welcome everyone to our Generation Museum Twilight Opening on April 19 from 4-7 pm!! Join us for this FREE event at the corner of Thomsons Ford and Old Renwick Roads, see map opposite for car parking and access details. Don't miss the rare Paxman engine in action at 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. We can’t wait to see you there!
See Marlborough Lines Facebook or Instagram pages to keep up to date with the latest event information.
Marlborough Lines Centenary Book
A book, Marlborough Energised – Marlborough Electric Power Board to Marlborough Lines 1923-2023, detailing the milestones and trials encountered by Marlborough Lines over the past century, has been written by Marlborough local Cynthia Brooks. The book serves as a testament to the stories of countless individuals, dedicated employees, loyal consumers, and supportive stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the company. To purchase a copy of Marlborough Energised visit us at our Alfred Street office.
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![1923 image on the Marlborough Lines Timeline]()
Marlborough Electric Power Board constituted under gazette on 25 October 1923 following local petition to Government for creation of a power board and Goverment's refusal to provide a state electricity supply to Marlborough. The first Board elected in November 1923 sets about providing supply to the Borough of Blenheim and Marlborough and Awatere Counties, as those areas were then defined.
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![1927 image on the Marlborough Lines Timeline]()
Power Board commissions first hydro generation plant with a capacity of 1MW in the Waihopai River, about 40km from Blenheim. Construction of the power station and Waihopai dam are a major undertaking with all the concrete mixed and poured by hand. Official ''switching on'' of power in Blenheim with a crowd of thousands welcoming light into a dark, drizzly winter's night in Market Square and celebrating with singing the provincial anthem ''Marlborough Will Shine Tonight''. 29 consumers connected that night.
