Spark New Zealand (ASX: SPK) demonstrates robust corporate governance with overwhelming shareholder backing at its annual general meeting. The statutory board of directors’ meeting AGM 2025 of the leading telecommunications Company was held as a hybrid event on 7 November, at which shareholders passed six resolutions that were clearly approved by the Board. All resolutions were carried with a strong majority of support, in recognition of the confidence expressed by shareholders in the strategy and board.
Figure 1: Representation of Meeting Room
Spark New Zealand AGM 2025 highlights, including particularly high levels of support for new directors with approval levels in excess of 99% for recent Board appointments. The endorsement reflects shareholders’ support for the Company’s governance evolution as New Zealand’s telecommunications market consolidates in an increasingly digital age. The voting results put Spark New Zealand in a position to carry out its strategic plans on full shareholder authority through the next year.
Spark New Zealand AGM 2025 Delivers 99%+ Approval for New Board Members
Spark New Zealand announcement revealed that the Company received impressive support in respect of the three directors who had been Board-appointed in 2025. Ms Lindsay Wright, who was re-elected with effect from 1 August 2025, received 1,104,983,435 votes cast in her favour, which is equivalent to a level of support for the election of 99.72%. A total of just 3,118,448 votes, or 0.28% voted against her appointment, and there were 5,793,114 abstentions.
Figure 2: Tarek Robbiati, newly elected Director of Spark New Zealand.
Mr Tarek Robbiati, who was elected with effect from 1 October 2025, received increased support for his election with up to 1,110,539,358 votes in favour, with 99.80% approval. Mr Vince Hawksworth, also appointed from 1 October 2025, received 1,111,056,989 votes or 99.81% support, the highest approval rate amongst all resolutions at the Spark New Zealand AGM 2025.
Results Show Solid Support for Returning Directors
Spark New Zealand results of the internal election show that directors retiring by rotation were all re-elected, but at differing levels of support. Ms Jolie Hodson was also re-elected as a director after receiving 1,044,888,049 votes, being 94.96% in favour and 5.04% against her re-election.
Figure 3: Chairperson Justine Smyth
Ms Justine Smyth garnered 1,025,359,526 votes or 92.90% support, with 78,373,384 votes representing 7.10% opposition. Though such approval rates are high relative to the world of corporate governance, they may indicate that some existing shareholders have reservations with particular longer-serving directors in relation to new board members.
Shareholders Overwhelmingly Authorise Auditor Remuneration Decision
Shareholders authorised directors to fix auditor remuneration for the ensuing year with overwhelming support. The resolution received 1,106,971,230 votes, representing 99.43% approval. Only 6,326,048 votes or 0.57% opposed the measure, with 498,052 abstentions.
Figure 4: Voting summary table highlights
All voting at the Spark New Zealand AGM 2025 was conducted by poll as required by NZX Listing Rule 6.1. The comprehensive voting results demonstrate transparent corporate governance practices aligned with regulatory requirements for publicly listed telecommunications companies.
Spark New Zealand Results Showcase Extensive Network Reach Across Nation
Spark New Zealand operates critical telecommunications infrastructure serving millions of New Zealanders. The Company’s network reaches 99% of New Zealanders through its 4G network, whilst 5G coverage extends to over 50% of the population. This extensive reach positions Spark as a fundamental enabler of digital connectivity across business and consumer segments.
Figure 5: Exterior view of Spark New Zealand’s Auckland headquarters.
Moveover, Spark New Zealand announcement also showed that the telecommunications sector remains essential to economic productivity, with Spark New Zealand supporting 2.37 million+ devices connected to its Internet of Things (IoT) network. The Company maintains a customer net promoter score of +40, indicating strong customer satisfaction across its service portfolio. The Spark New Zealand results at the AGM reflect confidence in management’s ability to capitalise on continued network investment opportunities.
Share Price Reflects Market Confidence
Shares of Spark New Zealand are currently trading at NZD 2.015 per share and have a 52-week trading range of NZD 1.780 – NZD 2.850 per share. The business has a market capitalisation of NZD 3.83 billion, indicative of its status as a large-cap Company.
Figure 6: Market performance trend showing Spark New Zealand’s share movement
Spark New Zealand’s release of strong shareholder support during the normal and heightened market sensitivity period evidences confidence in the Company’s strategy. Investors are keeping a close eye on how things continue to develop within the telecommunications space, with infrastructure quality, customer churn, and digital service expansion among the focus areas for established operators like Spark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What were the key outcomes of the Spark New Zealand AGM 2025?
All six resolutions were carried overwhelmingly by shareholders, being the re-election of five directors and authorisation for directors to determine remuneration for auditors.
Q2: Which director received the highest approval rate?
Mr Vince Hawksworth got the highest approval at 99.81%, but only very slightly ahead of Mr Tarek Robbiati, who scored 99.80%.
Q3: How was voting conducted at the AGM?
Each and every poll was passed in accordance with NZX Listing Rule 6.1, with shareholder voting being transparent and auditable.
Q4: When were the new directors originally appointed?
Lindsay Wright was named on 1 August 2025, while Tarek Robbiati and Vince Hawksworth were appointed on 1 October 2025.
Q5: What is Spark New Zealand’s current market capitalisation?
Spark New Zealand has a market capitalisation of NZD 3.83 billion, with shares trading at NZD 2.015 per share.
