Published on 29 Oct 2025

Creating Powerful Connections for Energy Collaboration: Advisory and Secretariat Services for the Northern Energy Group

Craig Griffiths Innovation + Engagement Lead Contact me
Toby Black Consultant Contact me

The Northern Energy Group (NEG) brings together seven customer-owned electricity distribution businesses based in the North Island, delivering nearly 50% of Aotearoa New Zealand's power connections. The NEG was formed to respond collectively to sector-wide challenges, including the rise of distributed energy resources, more electric vehicles and evolving regulations. 

Since 2021, Allen + Clarke has supported the NEG with advisory and secretariat services, helping strengthen its voice and impact across the sector. 

By enabling these locally owned networks to speak with one voice, we help shape an energy system that better services Aotearoa New Zealand's communities and support the country's transition to a low-emissions future. 

Our work

Our work includes governance and collaboration services, stakeholder engagement and influence and amplifying the NEG's voice on key issues. 


  • Establishing shared governance - developing Terms of Reference, decision-making processes, and templates to support collaboration. 

  • Coordinating priority workstreams - supporting focused groups on connection pricing, communications, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership. 

  • Facilitating joint positions - leading collaborative workshops to develop shared principles and position papers, especially on distributed systems and customer-centred operations. 

  • Raising the NEG's profile - designing a communications strategy, launching their LinkedIn presence, and creating brand assets to improve external visibility. 

  • Co-ordinating engagement efforts - supporting the NEG's outreach across industry, government and communities. 

  • Amplifying the NEG's voice on key issues - helping draft and deliver multiple joint submissions on regulatory matters that impact our communities, ranging from connection pricing to tree regulations. 

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Outcomes

Our support has helped the NEG: 


  • Build enduring collaboration among its seven members. 

  • Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. 

  • Become a trusted advocate on critical issues in the energy sector. 

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