Consumer Insights Panel - Hawke's Bay

We want to understand what matters to you - join Unison's Consumer Insights Panel

Consumer Insights Panel Member - Hawke's Bay | 18-month fixed term | Napier, Hastings and surrounding rural areas

Kia ora! Unison is setting up its very first Consumer Insights Panel, and we'd love to hear the voices of all parts of our community.

Who we are

Unison is owned by the Hawke's Bay Power Consumers' Trust and distributes power to households and businesses across Hastings and Napier. We want local voices to help shape how we plan for the future of our network because it matters to everyone in the region.

If you're interested in electricity and energy, great. If you're connected in your community, brilliant. If you're simply curious and keen to try something new, even better - no experience or electricity knowledge needed.

What the panel is (and what it isn't)

The panel is a way for people across our community to tell us what matters to them, and for us to really listen. You'll share your own views and your own lived experience. You're not there to represent an organisation or group, just yourself. The panel is advisory: you won't be making decisions, but we'll always tell you how your input was used and explain our reasoning either way.

We want a broad range of community views and life experiences: people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, renters and homeowners, town and rural, families and retirees. We'll share everything you need to know along the way.

Why we're bringing the panel together

• To understand our consumers' views better, so we can ensure their input feeds into our future planning decisions
• To make sure your views are considered in, and integrated into, our planning for the network's future
• To share more about how our business works and how the electricity industry works
• To explore the future of our region together

What kinds of things will we explore together?

• How is the way you use energy changing - at home, at work and on the road?
• What does a great electricity service look like for you and your whānau?
• How should we balance looking after today's network with planning for Hawke's Bay's growth and future needs?
• As solar, batteries and electric vehicles become more common, how can we best support you?
• What are the key energy issues and opportunities for you and your community?
• What would you like to know about how electricity gets to your home, and how would you like to hear from us?

What's involved

• An 18-month term, from December 2026 to May 2028
• Six sessions over 18 months, all in person (see the session dates in the position description below). Full attendance at all six sessions is expected.
• The first session is fixed: Saturday 5 December 2026, 9am to 2pm, at Unison's Hastings office
• The other five sessions will run for about 2 hours, on an evening or weekend. Let us know preferred day within each session week on the application form, and we'll confirm the final day once the panel is formed.
• Occasionally, optional short online sessions

What you'll receive

A koha is provided for each session you attend, along with travel support and kai / food at every session - we'll make sure you're well fed. You'll find out more when you apply.

Who should apply?

We're looking for people who:

• Live within Unison's Napier and Hastings network region - including Havelock North, Flaxmere, Taradale, Clive, Bay View and our rural communities
• are aged 18 or over
• enjoy sharing ideas and listening to others
• are curious and open-minded
• can commit to attending all six sessions in person over 18 months.

Please note: current and former Unison staff, partners and contractors, and anyone who works or has worked in the electricity sector, aren't eligible.

How to apply

Fill in our short online application form. It takes about 10 minutes and asks which day suits you best within each session week. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short, friendly phone or Teams chat in the week of 16 November 2026.

Applications close: Monday 9 November 2026

Apply now: Current vacancies

If you need any accessibility support to apply or take part, just let us know. We also don't want childcare to be a barrier to taking part - please let us know in your application if you'd need support with childcare to attend sessions, and we'll talk with you about options. Ngā mihi, we look forward to hearing from you.