Mercury NZ Limited/Announcement
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Amended Commentary – HY17 Interim Report

Half Year Results21 February 2017MCYUtilities

2017 INTERIM REPORT >> MERCURY NZ LIMITED

02 >> REPORT CARD
04 >> CHAIR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE

10 >> FINANCIAL COMMENTARY

13 >> INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REVIEW

15 >> FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28 >> OTHER DISCLOSURES

28 >> SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

2 9 >> DIRECTORY

OUR NEW MERCURY BRAND IS MAKING

A POSITIVE IMPACT AND INSPIRING

CUSTOMER LOYALTY.

WE HAVE CLEAR MOMENTUM, A NEW ENERGY

IN OUR PEOPLE AND A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE CONTINUING TO BUILD

ON A RICH HERITAGE OF INNOVATION AS

WE PROGRESS OPPORTUNITIES TO DELIVER

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE VALUE FOR OUR

CUSTOMERS AND SHAREHOLDERS.

REPORT CARD.
$270M

EBITDAF up 5.1%, reflecting a lift in hydro

generation and customer sales offset by a lower

average yield for commercial and industrial sales.

$113M

Net profit was $39 million higher than HY2016

with improved operating earnings, positive fair

value movements and no impairment charges.

$140M

Free Cash Flow steady, with higher stay-in-

business capital expenditure offset by lower

tax paid.

5.8CPS

Fully-imputed interim dividend to be paid on

3 April 2017. Full-year ordinary dividend guidance

of 14.6 cents per share, a 2.1% increase on FY2016.

>> FINANCIALS

1-in-3
A third of Mercury customers are opting for

the certainty of fixed-price offers.

3M

KG CO

2

-e/YEAR

Reduction in carbon emissions from a

30 company commitment to purchase electric

vehicles, led by Mercury and Air New Zealand.

10K

Customers in the Kaikoura region were contacted

with Free Power Days to offer our support

following the November earthquakes.

$120K

Through our long-standing support with our

customers, Mercury helped fund a new OCT

eye scanner for Starship Children’s Hospital.

100%

RENEWABLE GENERATION

Capital investment is focused on further improving

the efficiency and long-term reliability of hydro

generation and sustainable optimal production at

our geothermal stations.

100K

Customers were rewarded with Free Power Days

as part of a focus on rewarding loyalty.

>> CUSTOMERS

>> COMMUNITY

>> ENVIRONMENT

>> CHAIR &
CHIEF

EXECUTIVE’S

MESSAGE.

CHAIR AND CHIEF

EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE.

We have a clear goal to be New Zealand’s leading energy brand.

That requires a strategic focus towards customer value and relevant new

technologies – building on remarkable foundations laid over almost a century.

In our new Mercury brand we have a common platform to support

our success today, our ambition and future growth.

We are pleased to be reporting

enhanced customer loyalty following

the brand consolidation and significant

progress on value-enhancing

partnerships during the half-year.

Over the six months ended 31 December

2016, we have announced commercial

relationships with global technology

leaders Trina Solar, SolaX Power and

PlugShare, and Mercury became

an exclusive Airpoints

TM

partner with

Air New Zealand.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Our core performance demonstrates

Mercury’s current competitive strengths

and resilience.

Despite subdued wholesale electricity

pricing, we have been able to leverage

favourable North Island hydro conditions

and achieve a 5.1% lift in Mercury’s

operating earnings (EBITDAF) to

$270 million for HY2017.

Mercury will pay a fully-imputed interim

dividend of 5.8 cents per share on

3 April 2017 to our 90,000 owners,

including the Crown. This represents

40% of the full-year ordinary dividend

guidance of 14.6 cents per share, a 2.1%

increase on FY2016.

Mercury’s financial results for the

half-year include the benefit of

above-average rainfall that enabled

a 7% increase in hydro generation.

We updated our forecast FY2017 hydro

generation in October (to 4,250GWh),

and at the time of these results we have

increased our full-year EBITDAF

guidance to $500m.

The 2015 closure of the gas-fired

Southdown station substantially

reduced the Company’s future carbon

obligations and we took the opportunity

to divest some of our surplus carbon

credits in HY2017.

This generated cash proceeds of

$19 million due to significantly higher

carbon pricing, and a gain on sale of

$5 million. Net profit after tax was up

from $74 million to $113 million due to

the improved EBITDAF, movements in

the fair value of the company’s financial

instruments, and impairment charges

in the prior period. Underlying earnings

were up $5 million to $94 million.

Operating costs were down 6% on

HY2016 due to lower maintenance costs.

Full-year operating costs are forecast

to be in line with recent years.

Capital expenditure is expected to

be $115 million in FY2017 as a result

of the company’s current focus on hydro

reinvestment and geothermal drilling,

which is progressing well.

This programme, currently focused

around Whakamaru and Aratiatia

hydro stations, will further improve

the efficiency and long-term

reliability of operations on the Waikato

River and sustain performance of

geothermal production. Together, this

supports Mercury’s 100% renewable

generation accounting for 15-17%

of New Zealand’s total annual

electricity demand.

We have also completed a smooth

transition to UGL as the company’s

maintenance contractor across all

of our geothermal and hydro operations.

Having a single primary maintenance

partner will lead to improved efficiencies

and greater consistency across safety

and processes.

We have continued a very positive health

and safety trend in the highest-risk areas

of our business with no injuries requiring

medical treatment, or resulting in lost

time, occurring at any of our generation

sites in HY2017. However there were

a number of incidents that contributed

to a poorer performance against our key

lag measure, Total Recordable Injury

Frequency Rate (TRIFR).

With our goal of ‘zero harm’, it was

concerning to have a stair-fall injury

involving a contractor at our Greenlane

office. We are pleased to report that

they have now returned to

work full-time.

Our focus remains on preventing low

probability high consequence events,

with a significant effort currently on

implementing a Process Safety

programme concentrating on key risks

in our business.

04 // 05

>> JOAN WITHERS
CHAIR

WE ARE PLEASED TO BE

REPORTING ENHANCED

CUSTOMER LOYALTY

FOLLOWING THE BRAND

CONSOLIDATION AND

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

ON VALUE-ENHANCING

PARTNERSHIPS DURING

THE HALF-YEAR.

>> FRASER WHINERAY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

DESPITE SUBDUED

WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY

PRICING, WE HAVE BEEN

ABLE TO LEVERAGE

FAVOURABLE NORTH

ISLAND HYDRO

CONDITIONS AND ACHIEVE

A 5.1% LIFT IN MERCURY’S

OPERATING EARNINGS TO

$270 MILLION FOR HY2017.

WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN
A BROAD REVIEW OF

DOMESTIC GROWTH

OPTIONS, FOCUSED ON

OPPORTUNITIES WITH

POTENTIAL TO DELIVER

VALUE FOR CUSTOMERS

AND HELP DRIVE

PROGRESSIVE RETURNS

TO MERCURY’S OWNERS

OVER TIME.

>> CHAIR &

CHIEF

EXECUTIVE’S

MESSAGE.

GROWTH OPTIONS

Alongside the robust results for HY2017,

the reporting period included solid

progress on several key elements

of the company’s strategy to create

long-term value.

Highlights included the move to

a new Mercury brand, successful

customer loyalty initiatives, the launch

of New Zealand’s leading solar

offering and the development of

important partnerships.

We have also undertaken a broad

review of domestic growth options.

This review, involving external advisors,

focused on opportunities with potential

to deliver value for customers and

help drive progressive returns to

Mercury’s owners over time.

We have established capability

and small, but important, new

revenue streams in key technologies

such as solar and distributed storage

to complement our strength in

renewable generation.

Mercury is also investing in the Mercury

Research and Development Centre

to showcase world-leading solar,

battery storage, electric vehicle (EV)

charging and other energy technologies

in New Zealand conditions. We are

also looking beyond the home to

opportunities in e-mobility and relevant

areas of transportation.

CUSTOMER LOYALTY

The response to the new Mercury brand

(launched on 29 July 2016) has been

extremely positive with our people and

with our customers.

Mercury’s customer satisfaction reached

record levels during HY2017 and

annualised switching rates were more

than 3% lower than the market average

reported by the Electricity Authority.

Customer numbers increased by

about 11,000 over the period, largely

due to better retention of existing

customers, consistent with our focus

on rewarding loyalty.

More than 100,000 customers were

rewarded with a Free Power Day, and

almost 100,000 have registered to

receive Airpoints™.

Another significant contributor to

loyalty is the popularity of Mercury’s

fixed-price contracts.

This is the single-most successful retail

offering in terms of uptake in the

New Zealand electricity market, with a

third of Mercury customers opting for

the certainty of contracts. Mercury’s first

Airpoints™ offer has moved more than

4,000 customers to two-year contracts

and is also expected to be a powerful

retention product.

06 // 07

Our customers have responded very
favourably to our Free Power Day offer

alongside the re-launch, and we offered

a Free Power Day to more than 10,000

Mercury customers in the areas near

Kaikoura impacted by the November

earthquakes to give them a little support.

We also credited GLOBUG and Tiny

Mighty Power customers in this region

to give them the equivalent of a Free

Power Day and received great responses

when we texted these customers

individually to let them know.

As part of our focus on customer

engagement, following the brand

re-launch we encouraged all of our

employees across the business to each

call a customer. This was a challenge

to our people, particularly those who do

not usually talk directly with customers.

The very high participation rate,

employee engagement and customer

feedback was truly uplifting.

Through the move to our new brand,

activity such as the promotion of e-bikes

has been a practical way of showing

what our mission of ‘Energy Freedom’

means. E-bike sales have also jumped

nationally on the back of our promotion

and ride events, reflecting the

heightened awareness and positive

interest measured in our brand research

with customers.

We have continued to invest in and

seamlessly implement updates to our

key technology platforms to support

our service to customers and digital

engagement. Another area of focus

following the brand change has been to

implement a simplified customer bill in

HY2017. This has reduced the number of

related enquiries, allowing greater

capacity for conversations focusing on

delivering value for customers. Ongoing

investment is planned to further develop

Mercury’s digital experience so that we

can offer new value, simplify and

personalise the experience for our

customers.

PARTNERSHIPS

We have announced a range of initiatives

being progressed through value-

enhancing partnerships.

Mercury has been confirmed by a global

leader in solar panel technology and

sustainability, Trina Solar, as their

preferred residential and commercial

sales partner in New Zealand. We are

also the exclusive New Zealand supplier

of the SolaX-BOX battery, which offers

an advanced and flexible home storage

system that complements solar

production and can provide effective

back-up during a power outage.

The company has partnered with global

software and services company,

PlugShare, on the Electric Highway™

to increase the visibility of the full range

of EV charging locations to support

electric vehicle uptake in New Zealand.

This free app gives EV owners the

confidence and choice of where they can

fill up on home-grown renewable energy,

aggregating charging points from the

many different infrastructure providers.

Another substantial initiative, led by

the chief executives of Mercury and

Air New Zealand, saw 30 of

New Zealand’s leading businesses

commit to a minimum of 30% EVs in

their fleets by 2019, representing 1,450

EVs in total. This is one of the largest

voluntary sustainability initiatives in

New Zealand business history, with the

potential to take around 3 million kg of

carbon emissions out of the environment

every year. We also see this as another

very meaningful milestone in the uptake

of EVs and electricity becoming the

transport fuel of choice.

Our ongoing support for Starship
together with our customers resulted in

investment in new leading-edge eye

scanning technology at the national

Children’s Hospital that is helping with

more accurate diagnoses. Previously this

partnership has funded other important

investments such as the installation of

pull-down beds that allow parents to

stay in the rooms with their children.

Mercury also celebrated the outstanding

performances at the Rio Olympics with

our partners Rowing New Zealand, who

we have supported for nearly 20 years.

Another excellent partnership example

is Metrix’s commercial arrangement with

Counties Power to deliver smart meter

services to retailers on their network.

The 15-year arrangement involves

Counties Power investing in the physical

infrastructure and Metrix managing the

communications network, back-office

systems and provision of Cloud-based

services to electricity retailers that are a

New Zealand first.

Counties Power selected Metrix due to

our expertise in running Advanced

Metering Infrastructure (AMI) radio-

mesh technology and for our service

delivery platform to electricity retailers.

Our understanding of the benefits

of AMI to electricity line distributors

was also an important factor.

Together with the superior customer

offering, Counties Power is effectively

the first electricity lines company in this

country to see the full benefit from

AMI services with the ability to

substantially optimise their field

resources during periods of intermittent

supply or outages, receiving alert

notifications within seconds that

support security of supply for their

business and residential customers.

SECTOR OUTLOOK

Standing back from our business, the

New Zealand electricity market remains

healthy with strong underlying

fundamentals and a good balance

between supply and demand.

The closure of several industrial facilities

within the past 18 months has extended

a decade-long trend of falling electricity

demand from this segment. National

consumption dipped in HY2017 with

the impact of wetter and warmer weather

conditions. However, GDP growth and

record net migration are positives that

will flow through to demand.

Importantly, the conversation on

electricity and its renewability in

New Zealand has shifted substantially

from issue to opportunity and our sector

is now increasingly being considered a

national competitive advantage. At a

time when other countries around the

world are looking to decarbonise their

energy systems, New Zealand’s electricity

supply is our low-carbon solution.

The conversation had to change for

the long-term benefit of our country,

for consumers, and for you as the

owners of Mercury.

An example of just how far this

conversation has moved is the recent

direction from the Government around

public consultation on the New Zealand

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Strategy, and the clear determination to

ensure that this country makes the most

of this renewables advantage.

Further change is required to foster

continued innovation, deliver value to

customers and increase the benefits for

the country.

The regulatory environment must be

simplified and evolve. In particular,

Mercury believes distribution pricing

needs to be overhauled as a priority

to provide appropriate long-term signals

for consumers and generators alike and

to keep pace with new technologies.

As we focus on taking renewable

energy beyond the home, we are

advocating for a fundamental shift in

energy policy from the current renewable

electricity target, to focusing on total

renewable energy.

An energy target would force us as a

country to give much greater weight to

the opportunity to use renewable heat in

industrial applications and to electrify

transport, which we have consistently

promoted as New Zealand’s largest

green-growth opportunity.

08 // 09

We are encouraged by the constructive
approach to policy development across

the political spectrum. This is essential to

provide customers, employees, investors

and our communities with confidence in

this essential sector with ultra-long-term

planning horizons. Collectively we must

also have a view to the opportunity in

front of us to address climate change

and to secure better outcomes for the

planet through the greater application of

our renewable energy.

The Electricity Authority’s consultation

process on transmission pricing has

been extensive. However, it is vital that

we do not lose sight of what is in the

best interests of customers and

New Zealand as a whole.

We could not be more proud of what our

entire team at Mercury has achieved

through this half-year with the support

of the leadership team and our Board.

The highlights included in this report are

only a snapshot of the extensive activity,

achievements and challenges in HY2017.

This has been an exciting and rewarding

period of evolution for Mercury. These

outcomes are a product of both

tremendous focus and commitment

from our people.

Our thanks also go to director Mike Allen

who stepped down from the Board in

November, after seven years’ service.

His deep expertise in geothermal was

extremely valuable through a time

when Mercury completed two major

geothermal developments in

New Zealand that have contributed

to geothermal growing to become

New Zealand’s second-largest electricity

fuel source.

As we focus on future growth

opportunities, we will ensure that

Mercury’s Board remains well-balanced

and has the skills and experience

necessary to guide the company in

pursuit of its strategic priorities.

>> JOAN WITHERS, CHAIR

>> FRASER WHINERAY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

IMPORTANTLY, THE

CONVERSATION ON

ELECTRICITY AND ITS

RENEWABILITY IN

NEW ZEALAND HAS

SHIFTED SUBSTANTIALLY

FROM ISSUE TO

OPPORTUNITY AND OUR

SECTOR IS NOW

INCREASINGLY BEING

CONSIDERED A NATIONAL

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

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>> FIGURE 1: ENERGY MARGIN

>> FIGURE 2: OPERATING COSTS

>> FINANCIAL

COMMENTARY.

FINANCIAL

COMMENTARY.

This overview of our Interim Financial Statements focuses on

key measures relating to the performance of Mercury NZ Limited

during the six months ended 31 December 2016. For an explanation

as to why we focus on the following measures please refer to the

Creating Shared Value section of our 2016 Annual Report.

ENERGY MARGIN

Mercury’s energy margin of $348 million was up $4 million

on HY2016, supported by a 152GWh increase in the company’s

hydro generation. This increase offset the thermal volumes

generated during the prior period, with a related saving

in fuel costs.

The ratio of electricity purchase costs to average generation

prices (LWAP/GWAP) remained similar to the same period last

year at 1.04. This reflects a continuation of lower wholesale price

volatility and the closure of the company’s Southdown gas-fired

station on 31 December 2015.

The average energy price to customers was down 2.8% to

$112.30/MWh relative to the same period last year. This reflects

additional commercial and industrial sales contracted

throughout the year at lower prices than achieved historically

and the timing of customer loyalty product offerings.

OTHER INCOME

During the period the company sold down 1.1 million carbon

emission units, recognising a gain on disposal of $5 million

and cash proceeds of $19 million, reflected through

cash inflows from investing activities. The sale reflected

the company’s substantially-reduced carbon emission

obligations following the retirement of the Southdown station.

OPERATING COSTS

Operating costs were $6 million lower than HY2016 at

$102 million, as a result of reductions in maintenance costs as

higher expenditures occurred in geothermal drilling activities

and hydro refurbishment projects, both mostly capital in nature.

Full-year operating costs are expected to remain in line with

levels over the past three years.

10 // 11

EBITDAF
These energy margin, other income and operating cost

movements were reflected in higher operating earnings

(EBITDAF), which were up $13 million on the prior comparable

period to $270 million.

PROFIT

Profit for the period increased $39 million to $113 million due

to the improved EBITDAF performance, increased gains in

the fair value of the company’s financial instruments, mostly

due to an increase in the forward interest rate curve, and the

impairment charges reported in the prior period.

UNDERLYING EARNINGS

Underlying earnings after tax increased by $5 million

to $94 million, reflecting the increase in Mercury’s

EBITDAF performance.

CASH FLOW

Net cash flow from operating activities increased

$34 million, due to the improved EBITDAF performance

along with an $11 million decrease in cash taxes.

The company elected to pre-pay some of its third provisional tax

payment in March 2016, which would otherwise have been

payable in July, to fully impute previously paid special dividends.

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>> FIGURE 4: UNDERLYING EARNINGS AFTER TAX

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>> FINANCIAL
COMMENTARY.

BALANCE SHEET

Stay-in-business capital expenditure for the period was

$54 million, reflecting the hydro refurbishment projects

currently underway at Aratiatia and Whakamaru, where

significant delivery payments have taken place, along with the

geothermal drilling programme which will continue into the

second half of FY2017. Full year stay-in-business capital

expenditure is expected to be $115 million, with average

annual capital expenditure over the medium term remaining

in line with guidance of $80 million.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND DIVIDENDS

A key reference point in Mercury’s ongoing commitment to

an efficient and sustainable capital structure is its BBB+ credit

rating, which considers the company’s working capital

requirements and medium-term investment programme.

During the period $120 million of the company’s wholesale

bonds matured, with repayment funded out of existing

committed bank facilities, which were increased by $50 million

to $350 million. At the end of the period $114 million of these

facilities was drawn. The average maturity profile for committed

facilities is 9.0 years.

The company’s average interest rate of 8.4% reflects interest

rate hedges put in place in 2008 ahead of the company’s

significant geothermal development programme. These hedges

mature by the end of the 2018 financial year. From that time the

estimated cash flow benefit, at current rates, is in excess of

$20 million per annum.

In line with Mercury’s dividend policy targeting a pay-out ratio of

70% to 85% of Free Cash Flow on average over time, a fully

imputed 5.8 cents per share interim dividend has been

declared, payable on 3 April 2017. The FY2017 ordinary dividend

guidance of 14.6 cents per share remains unchanged,

representing a 2.1% increase on FY2016.

>> FIGURE 6: INTERIM DECLARED DIVIDENDS

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12 // 13

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REVIEW.
>> INDEPENDENT

AUDITOR’S REVIEW.

REVIEW REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MERCURY NZ LIMITED

We have reviewed the consolidated interim financial statements of Mercury NZ Limited (“the Company”) and its

subsidiaries (“the Group”) on pages 16 to 27, which comprise the consolidated balance sheet of the Group as at

31 December 2016, and the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income,

consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement of the Group for the six months

ended on that date, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders, as a body. Our review has been undertaken so that we might

state to the Company’s shareholders those matters we are required to state to them in a review report and for no other

purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the

Company and the Company’s shareholders as a body, for our review work, for this report, or for our findings.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated interim financial statements which

comply with New Zealand Equivalent to International Accounting Standard 34

Interim Financial Reporting and for such

internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated

interim financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

The directors are also responsible for the publication of the consolidated interim financial statements, whether in printed

or electronic form.

REVIEWER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Auditor-General is the auditor of the Group pursuant to section 5(1)(f) of the Public Audit Act 2001. Pursuant to

section 32 of the Public Audit Act 2001, the Auditor-General has appointed Simon O’Connor of Ernst & Young to carry out

the annual audit of the Group.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the consolidated interim financial statements based on our review. We

conducted our review in accordance with New Zealand Standard on Review Engagements 2410

Review of Financial

Statements Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity

(NZ SRE 2410). NZ SRE 2410 requires us to conclude

whether anything has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the consolidated interim financial statements,

taken as a whole, are not prepared in all material respects, in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to International

Accounting Standard 34

Interim Financial Reporting. As the auditor of Mercury NZ Limited, NZ SRE 2410 requires that we

comply with the ethical requirements relevant to the audit of the annual financial statements.

BASIS OF STATEMENT

A review of consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with NZ SRE 2410 is a limited assurance engagement.

The auditor performs procedures, primarily consisting of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial

and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

The procedures performed in a review are substantially less than those performed in an audit conducted in accordance

with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand). Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the

consolidated interim financial statements.

We did not evaluate the security and controls over the electronic presentation of the consolidated interim financial statements.

In addition to this review and the audit of the annual financial statements of the Group, we are engaged to perform
other engagements in the area of remuneration benchmarking and tax compliance which are compatible with the

independence requirements of the Auditor-General, which incorporate the independence requirements of the External

Reporting Board. In addition, partners and staff of Ernst & Young may deal with the Group on arm’s length terms within

the ordinary course of trading activities of the Group. These services have not impaired our independence as auditor of the

Company or Group. Other than these engagements and arm’s length transactions, and in our capacity as auditor acting

on behalf of the Auditor-General, we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Company or Group.

CONCLUSION

Based on our review nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying financial

statements, set out on pages 16 to 27, do not present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as

at 31 December 2016 and its financial performance and cash flows for the six months ended on that date in accordance

with New Zealand Equivalent to International Accounting Standard 34

Interim Financial Reporting.

Our review was completed on 21 February 2017 and our findings are expressed as at that date.

SIMON O’CONNOR

ERNST & YOUNG

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

14 // 15

FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

Note

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Total revenue4796 813 1,564

Total expenses4(526)(556)(1,071)

EBITDAF

1

270 257 493

Depreciation and amortisation(93)(90)(182)

Change in the fair value of financial instruments26 3 20

Impairments – (17) (19)

Earnings of associates and joint ventures2 2 3

Net interest expense4(49)(49)(97)

Profit before tax156 106 218

Tax expense(43)(32)(58)

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent113 74 160

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents) 8.21 5.38 11.63

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Profit for the period113 74 160

Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Movement in asset revaluation reserve – – 106

Share of movements in associates’ and joint ventures’ reserves 1 (3)6

Tax effect – – (30)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Movement in cash flow hedges reserve 42 (31)(54)

Movement in other reserves 1 – 2

Tax effect (12)9 16

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period, net of taxation32 (25)46

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of the parent145 49 206

1 EBITDAF: Earnings before net interest expense, income tax, depreciation, amortisation, change in fair value of financial instruments, impairments and equity accounted

earnings of associates and joint ventures.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

16 // 17

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2016

Note

Unaudited

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

30 Jun 2016

$M

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Issued capital 378378378

Treasury shares(52)(52)(52)

Reserves2,9612,9102,989

Total shareholders’ equity3,2873,2363,315

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents274146

Receivables158187198

Inventories453945

Derivative financial instruments6241821

Taxation receivable––3

Total current assets254285313

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment75,4075,3555,440

Intangible assets506368

Investment and advances to associates8786978

Investment in joint ventures8131514

Advances101210

Receivables11–

Derivative financial instruments6139147162

Total non-current assets5,6985,6625,772

Held-for-sale assets–6–

TOTAL ASSETS5,9525,9536,085

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Payables and accruals130151156

Provisions1163

Borrowings99132130

Derivative financial instruments6212221

Taxation payable716–

Total current liabilities168337310

Non-current liabilities

Payables and accruals––2

Provisions532151

Derivative financial instruments6186243267

Borrowings91,1531,0461,047

Deferred tax1,1051,0701,093

Total non-current liabilities2,4972,3802,460

Total liabilities2,6652,7172,770

Net assets3,2873,2363,315

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors who authorised the issue of the Financial Statements on 21 February 2017.

Joan Withers Keith Smith

Chair Director

21 February 2017 21 February 2017

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

Issued

capital

$M

Retained

earnings

$M

Asset

revaluation

reserve

$M

Cash flow

hedge

reserve

$M

Other

reserves

$M

Total equity

$M

Balance as at 1 July 20153783212,738(37)(63)3,337

Movement in cash flow hedge reserve, net of taxation–––(22)–(22)

Movements in other reserves––––––

Share of movements in associates’ and joint ventures’

reserves–––(3)–(3)

Release of asset revaluation reserve, net of taxation––––––

Other comprehensive income–––(25)–(25)

Net profit for the period–74–––74

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period–74–(25)–49

Dividend–(150)–––(150)

Balance as at 31 December 20153782452,738(62)(63)3,236

Balance as at 1 January 20163782452,738(62)(63)3,236

Movement in asset revaluation reserve, net of taxation––79––79

Movement in cash flow hedge reserve, net of taxation–––(16)–(16)

Movements in other reserves––––22

Share of movements in associates’ and joint ventures’

reserves––72–9

Release of asset revaluation reserve, net of taxation––(3)––(3)

Other comprehensive income––83(14)271

Net profit for the period–86–––86

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period–8683(14)2157

Dividend–(78)–––(78)

Balance as at 30 June 20163782532,821(76)(61)3,315

Balance as at 1 July 20163782532,821(76)(61)3,315

Movement in cash flow hedge reserve, net of taxation–––30–30

Movements in other reserves––––11

Share of movements in associates’ and joint ventures’

reserves–––1–1

Other comprehensive income–––31132

Net profit for the period–113–––113

Total comprehensive income for the period–113–311145

Dividend–(173)–––(173)

Balance as at 31 December 20163781932,821(45)(60)3,287

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

18 // 19

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts from customers8268021,515

Payments to suppliers and employees(553)(552)(1,051)

Interest received113

Interest paid(48)(48)(98)

Taxes paid(32)(43)(89)

Net cash provided by operating activities194160280

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(53)(29)(78)

Acquisition of intangibles(4)(2)(12)

Disposal of property, plant and equipment, including land–2647

Disposal of intangibles19––

Distributions received from associates and joint ventures and advances to joint venture

partner repaid446

Net cash used in investing activities(34)(1)(37)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from loans114––

Repayment of loans(120)––

Dividends paid(173)(150)(228)

Net cash used in financing activities(179)(150)(228)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held(19)915

Net foreign exchange movements––(1)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period463232

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period274146

Cash balance comprises:

Cash balance at the end of the period274146

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(1) Reporting entity

Mercury NZ Limited (the “Company”) is incorporated in New Zealand, registered under the Companies Act 1993, an FMC

reporting entity under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, and is listed on the NZSX and ASX.

The consolidated interim financial statements (the “Group financial statements”) are for Mercury NZ Limited Group (“Group”).

The Group financial statements comprise the Company and its subsidiaries, including its investments in associates and

interests in joint arrangements.

The liabilities of the Group are not guaranteed in any way by the Crown or by any other shareholder.

(2) Basis of preparation

The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Act 2013, the Companies Act

1993 and in accordance with New Zealand Equivalent to International Accounting Standard 34 - Interim Financial Reporting

(“NZ IAS 34”). In complying with NZ IAS 34, these statements comply with International Accounting Standard 34 - Interim

Financial Reporting.

These Group financial statements, including the accounting policies adopted, do not include all the information and

disclosures required in the annual financial statements. Consequently, these Group financial statements should be read in

conjunction with the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016.

The energy business operates in an environment that is dependent on weather as one of the key drivers of supply and

demand. Fluctuations in seasonal weather patterns, particularly over the short-term, can have a positive or negative effect on

financial performance. It is not possible to consistently predict this seasonality and some variability is common.

The preparation of financial statements requires judgements, and estimates that affect the application of policies and the

reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Future actual results may differ from these estimates.

NOTE 2. SEGMENT REPORTING

Identification of reportable segments

The operating segments are identified by management based on the nature of the products and services provided. Discrete

financial information about each of these operating segments is reported to the Chief Executive, being the chief operating

decision-maker, on a regular basis, who assesses the performance of the operating segments on a measure of EBITDAF.

Segment EBITDAF represents profit earned by each segment exclusive of any allocation of central administration costs, share

of earnings of associates, change in fair value of financial instruments, depreciation, amortisation, impairments, finance costs

and tax expense. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments only if they share similar economic

characteristics.

Types of products and services

Energy Markets

The Energy Markets segment encompasses activity associated with the generation, sale and trading of energy and related

services and products, and generation development activities.

Other Segments

Other operating segments that are not considered to be reporting segments are grouped together as “Other Segments”.

Activities include metering and international geothermal operations.

Unallocated

Represents corporate support services and related elimination adjustments.

Inter-segment

Transactions between segments are carried out on normal commercial terms and represent charges by other segments to

energy markets.

20 // 21

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

Segment results
Six months ended 31 December 2016 (unaudited)

Energy

Markets

$M

Other

Segments

$M

Unallocated

$M

Inter–

segment

$M

To t a l

$M

Total segment revenue784 25 1 (14)796

Direct costs(438) – – 14 (424)

Other operating expenses(62)(10)(30) – (102)

Segment EBITDAF284 15 (29) – 270

Six months ended 31 December 2015 (unaudited)

Energy

Markets

$M

Other

Segments

$M

Unallocated

$M

Inter–

segment

$M

To t a l

$M

Total segment revenue802 25 1 (15)813

Direct costs(461) (1) (1)15 (448)

Other operating expenses(75)(13)(20) – (108)

Segment EBITDAF266 11 (20) – 257

Twelve months to 30 June 2016 (audited)

Energy

Markets

$M

Other

Segments

$M

Unallocated

$M

Inter–

segment

$M

To t a l

$M

Total segment revenue1,542 50 2 (30)1,564

Direct costs(882) (2) – 30 (854)

Other operating expenses(145)(24)(48) – (217)

Segment EBITDAF515 24 (46) – 493

During the reporting period, the Group centralised a number of shared operating activities, resulting in a transfer of other

operating expenses from Energy Markets and Other Segments to Unallocated.

NOTE 3. NON STATUTORY MEASURE – UNDERLYING EARNINGS

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Profit for the period113 74 160

Change in the fair value of financial instruments(26)(3)(20)

Income attributable to land and associated real property sold or held-for-sale – – (13)

Impairments – 17 19

Adjustments before tax expense(26)14 (14)

Tax expense 7 1 6

Adjustments after tax expense(19)15 (8)

Underlying earnings after tax94 89 152

Tax has been applied on all taxable adjustments at 28%.

NOTE 4. OTHER INCOME STATEMENT DISCLOSURES
Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Sales 772 792 1,512

Other revenue 24 21 52

Total revenue796813 1,564

Energy costs (167)(201)(384)

Line charges (227)(217)(419)

Other direct cost of sales, excluding third party metering (18)(18)(28)

Third party metering (12)(12)(23)

Employee compensation and benefits (41)(42)(83)

Maintenance expenses (18)(23)(45)

Other expenses (43)(43)(89)

Total expenses (526)(556)(1,071)

Interest expense (50) (50) (100)

Interest income 1 1 3

Net interest expense (49)(49)(97)

NOTE 5. SHARE CAPITAL AND DISTRIBUTION

The share capital of the Company is represented by 1,400,012,517 ordinary shares (30 June 2016: 1,400,012,517) issued and

fully paid. These shares do not have a par value, have equal voting rights and share equally in dividends and any surplus on

winding up.

Unaudited

31 Dec 2016

Number of

shares (M)

Unaudited

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

31 Dec 2015

Number of

shares (M)

Unaudited

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

30 Jun 2016

Number of

shares (M)

Audited

30 Jun 2016

$M

Treasury shares

Balance at the beginning of the period 24 52 24 52 24 52

Disposal of treasury shares – – – – – –

Balance at the end of the period 24 52 24 52 24 52

Dividends declared and paid

Cents per

share

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Final dividend for 2015 8.4 – 116 116

Special dividend – paid September 2015 2.5 – 34 34

Interim dividend for 2016 5.7 – – 78

Final dividend for 2016 8.6 118 – –

Special dividend – paid September 2016 4.0 55 – –

173 150 228

22 // 23

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

NOTE 6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on protecting shareholder wealth by proactively managing the risks

inherent in the energy and financial markets. Exposure to electricity price, credit, foreign exchange, capital liquidity and interest

rate risks arise in the normal course of the Group’s business. The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and

cash equivalents, trade receivables and accruals (not prepayments), advances, payables and accruals, borrowings and

derivative financial instruments. Further information on the identified risks can be found within note 14 of the Group’s annual

financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016.

Fair Values

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements approximates their fair values

except for: (i) the Fixed Rate Bonds, the Floating Rate Bonds and the US Private Placement, the fair values for which have been

calculated at $140 million (30 June 2016: $216 million), $286 million (30 June 2016: $339 million) and $298 million

(30 June 2016: $306 million) respectively; and (ii) the Capital Bonds, the fair value for which has been calculated at

$316 million (30 June 2016: $321 million). Fair values are based on quoted market prices and inputs for each bond issue.

Refer to note 9 which outlines the values of each of these instruments.

Valuation techniques

The Group uses various methods in estimating the fair value of a financial instrument. The methods comprise:

• Level 1 – the fair value is calculated using quoted prices in active markets;

• Level 2 – the fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the

asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and

• Level 3 – the fair value is estimated using inputs that are not based on observable market data.

As at 31 December 2016 all of the Group’s financial instruments carried at fair value were categorised as level 2, except for

electricity price derivatives. Electricity price derivative assets of $10 million were categorised as level 1 (30 June 2016:

$8 million) and $78 million were categorised as level 3 (30 June 2016: $77 million). Further information on the identified risks

can be found within note 14 of the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016. Electricity price

derivative liabilities of $1 million were categorised as level 1 (30 June 2016: $2 million) and $71 million were categorised as

level 3 (30 June 2016: $89 million).

Financial instruments that use a valuation technique with only observable market inputs, or unobservable inputs that are not

significant to the overall valuation, include interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange rate derivatives not traded on a

recognised exchange.

Financial instruments that use a valuation technique which includes non-market observable data include non-exchange

traded electricity contracts which are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology using a combination of ASX market

prices for the first four years, combined with management’s internal view of forward prices for the remainder of the contract’s

term. Management’s internal view of forward prices incorporates a minimum price of $64/MWh and a maximum price of

$117/MWh (30 June 2016: a minimum price of $66/MWh and a maximum price of $102/MWh) over the period in question

(in real terms) and is determined by a demand supply based fundamental model which takes account of hydrological

conditions, potential future inflows, an assessment of competitor thermal fuel costs, anticipated demand and supply

conditions and future committed generation capacity.

Where the fair value of a derivative is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows of the instrument

there are two key inputs being used; the forward price curve and the discount rate. Where the derivative is an option, then the

volatility of the forward price is another key variable. The selection of the inputs requires significant judgement, and therefore

there is a range of reasonably possible assumptions in respect of these inputs that could be used in estimating the fair values

of these derivatives. Maximum use is made of observable market data when selecting inputs and developing assumptions for

the valuation technique.

Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value movements

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Opening balance (12) – –

New contracts 3 (1) 2

Matured contracts (1) (2) (1)

Gains and losses

Through the income statement 5 (3) (3)

Through other comprehensive income 12 (19) (10)

Closing balance7 (25) (12)

Deferred ‘inception’ gains/(losses)
There is an assumption that when derivative contracts are entered into on an arm’s length basis, fair value at inception would

be zero. The contract price of non exchange traded electricity derivative contracts is agreed on a bilateral basis, the pricing for

which may differ from the prevailing derived market price curve for a variety of reasons. In these circumstances an inception

adjustment is made to bring the initial fair value of the contract to zero at inception. This inception value is amortised over the

life of the contract by adjusting the future price path used to determine the fair value of the derivatives by a constant amount

to return the initial fair value to zero.

The table below details the movements in inception value gains/(losses) included in the fair value of derivative financial assets

and liabilities:

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Opening deferred inception (losses)/gains (14) 15 15

Deferred inception (losses)/gains on new hedges 4 27 (21)

Deferred inception (losses)/gains realised during the period (1) (4) (8)

Closing inception (losses)/gains (11) 38 (14)

NOTE 7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Opening net book value 5,440 5,416 5,416

Additions, including transfers from capital work in progress 53 41 71

Disposals – (1) (1)

Transfer from held-for-sale – – 3

Net revaluation movement – – 137

Impairments – (17) (19)

Depreciation charge for the period (86) (84) (167)

Closing net book value 5,407 5,355 5,440

24 // 25

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

NOTE 8. INVESTMENT AND ADVANCES TO ASSOCIATES AND JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (JOINT
VENTURES AND JOINT OPERATIONS)

Investments include:

Interest Held

Name of entityPrincipal activityType

Unaudited

31 Dec

2016

Unaudited

31 Dec

2015

Audited

30 June

2016Country

TPC Holdings LimitedInvestment holdingAssociate25.00%25.00%25.00%New Zealand

RotokawaSteamfield operationJoint Operation64.80%64.80%64.80%New Zealand

Nga Awa PuruaElectricity generationJoint Operation65.00%65.00%65.00%New Zealand

Energy Source LLCInvestment holdingJoint Venture20.86%20.86%20.86%United States

Hudson Ranch I Holdings LLCElectricity generationJoint Venture75.00%75.00%75.00%United States

Associates:Joint Ventures:

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Balance at the beginning of the period78 74 74 14 14 14

Share of earnings 2 1 3 – 1 –

Share of movement in other comprehensive income 1 (3) 6 – – –

Distributions received during the period (3) (3) (5) (1) – –

Balance at the end of the period78 69 78 13 15 14

NOTE 9. BORROWINGS

Borrowing

Currency

DenominationMaturityCoupon

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Bank facilitiesNZDVariousFloating 114 – –

Wholesale bondsNZDOct–20167.55% – 71 71

Wholesale bondsNZDOct–2016Floating – 51 51

Wholesale bondsNZDMar–20195.03%76 76 76

Wholesale bondsNZDFeb–20208.21%31 31 31

USPP - US$125mUSDDec–20204.25%164 164 164

Wholesale / Credit wrapperNZDSep–2021Floating301 301 301

USPP - US$30mUSDDec–20224.35%39 39 39

Wholesale bondsNZDMar–20235.79%25 25 25

USPP - US$45mUSDDec–20254.60%58 58 58

Capital BondsNZDJul–20446.90%305 305 305

Deferred financing costs(6) (7) (7)

Fair value adjustments55 64 63

Carrying value of loans1,162 1,178 1,177

Current 9 132 130

Non-current1,153 1,046 1,047

1,162 1,178 1,177

The Company has $350 million of committed and unsecured bank loan facilities, of which $200 million expires in August

2018, $50 million expires in September 2019 and a rolling bank loan of $100 million currently expiring in June 2018.

The Company has a $200 million Commercial Paper programme which is fully backed by committed and undrawn bank

facilities. Notes issued under the programme are short-term money market instruments, unsecured and unsubordinated and

targeted at professional investors. The programme is rated A2 by Standard & Poor’s. As at 31 December 2016, no notes had

been issued.

NOTE 10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Ultimate shareholder

The majority shareholder of Mercury NZ Limited is the Crown, providing it with significant potential influence over the Group.

All transactions with the Crown and other entities wholly or partly owned by the Crown are on normal commercial terms.

Transactions cover a variety of services including trading energy, postal, travel and tax.

Transactions with related parties

Mercury NZ Limited has investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements, all of which are considered related

parties.

As these are consolidated financial statements, transactions between related parties within the Group have been eliminated.

Consequently, only those transactions between entities which have some owners external to the Group have been reported

below:

Transaction Value

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Associates

Management fees and service agreements received 2 2 4

Energy contract settlements paid (1) – 2

Joint operations

Management fees and service agreements received 3 3 5

Energy contract settlements paid (5) (4) (7)

Interest income 1 1 1

Transaction Value

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$000

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$000

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$000

Key management personnel compensation (paid and payable) comprised:

Directors’ fees456 416 871

Benefits for the Chief Executive and Senior Management:

Salary and other short-term benefits 3,216 2,859 5,302

Termination benefits – 134 259

Share-based payments 200 164 324

3,872 3,573 6,756

Further information on the terms and conditions of these related party transactions can be found in note 17 of the Group’s

annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016.

Other transactions with key management personnel

Key management personnel are those people with responsibility and authority for planning, directing and controlling the

activities of the Group. Key management personnel for the Group are considered to be the Directors and Senior Management.

Directors and employees of the Group deal with Mercury NZ Limited as electricity consumers on normal terms and conditions,

with staff discounts for employees, within the ordinary course of trading activities. A number of Directors and the key

management personnel also provide directorship services to other third party entities. A number of these entities transacted

with the Group, in all circumstances on normal commercial terms during the reporting period.

A number of key management personnel provide directorship services to direct subsidiaries and other third party entities as

part of their employment without receiving any additional remuneration. Again, a number of these entities transacted with the

Group, in all circumstances on normal commercial terms in the reporting period.

The Group purchases directors and officers insurance for the benefit of key management personnel in relation to the services

they provide to the Group.

26 // 27

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016

NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2016

$M

Unaudited

6 Months

31 Dec 2015

$M

Audited

12 Months

30 Jun 2016

$M

Commitments

Capital154 161 147

Operating leases110 35 113

Other operating commitments84 89 92

Capital commitments include both commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment as well as intangible

commitments. Intangible commitments includes commitments to purchase emissions units. In the event the New Zealand

emissions trading scheme is terminated the forward purchase agreements for the acquisition of emissions units that cover a

12 year period will also terminate.

Operating leases are of a rental nature and are on normal commercial terms and conditions. The majority of the lease

commitments are for building accommodation, the leases for which have remaining terms of between 1 and 13 years and

include an allowance for either annual, biennial or triennial reviews. The remainder of the operating leases relate to vehicles,

plant and equipment.

Contingencies

The Company holds land and has interests in fresh water and geothermal resources that are subject to claims that have been

brought against the Crown. On 29 August 2014, the Supreme Court gave its decision in Paki v Attorney-General and dismissed

the claimants’ action seeking a declaration that the Crown holds those parts of the bed of the Waikato River which adjoin

former Pouakani land on trust for the Pouakani people on the basis it was incorrectly advanced. The Supreme Court decision

has left open the possibility of further litigation in respect of ownership of that land currently held by the Company. The

Company has received advice that it may proceed with a high degree of confidence that future decisions on the matter will not

impair the Company’s ability to operate its hydro assets. A separate claim by the New Zealand Maori Council relating to fresh

water and geothermal resources was lodged in 2012 with the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal concluded that Maori have

residual (but as yet undefined) proprietary rights in fresh water and geothermal resources and it will be for the Crown to

determine how any such rights and interests may best be addressed. The impact of this claim on the Company’s operations is

unknown at this time.

From time to time the Company will issue letters of credit and guarantees to various suppliers in the normal course of

business. However, there is no expectation that any outflow of resource relating to these letters of credit or guarantees will be

required as a consequence.

The Group has no other material contingent assets or liabilities.

NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Board of Directors has approved an interim dividend of 5.8 cents per share to be paid on 3 April 2017.

There are no other material events subsequent to balance date that would affect the fair presentation of these Group financial

statements.

OTHER DISCLOSURES
Shareholder enquiries

Changes in address, dividend payment details and

investment portfolios can be viewed and updated online:

www.investorcentre.com/nz. You will need your CSN and FIN

numbers to access this service.

Investor information

Our website at www.mercury.co.nz is an excellent source of

information about what’s happening within the company.

Our Investor Centre allows you to view all regular investor

communications, information on our latest operating and

financial results, dividend payments, news and share price history.

The company’s net tangible assets per share (excluding treasury stock) as at 31 December 2016 was $2.35, compared with $2.31 at

31 December 2015.

Control of entities that was gained or lost during the period was as follows:

Company name Date control lost

MRP NRI-Germany Holdings Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date

MRP NRI-Peru Holdings Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date

MRP NRI-Chile Holdings Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date

MRP Holdings-Germany Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date. Dissolved 15 October 2016.

MRP Holdings-Peru Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date. Dissolved 22 September 2016.

MRP Holdings-Chile Limited In voluntary liquidation as at balance date. To be dissolved 24 February 2017.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Electronic shareholder communication

It is quick and easy to make the change to receiving your reports

electronically. This can be done either:

• Online at www.investorcentre.com/nz by using your CSN

and FIN numbers (when you log in for the first time). Select

‘View Portfolio’ and log in. Then select ‘Update My Details’

and select ‘Communication Options’; or

• Contact Computershare Investor Services Limited by email,

fax or post.

28 // 29

DIRECTORY
Board of Directors

Joan Withers, Chair

Prue Flacks

Andy Lark

James Miller

Keith Smith

Patrick Strange

Mike Taitoko

Executive Management Team

Fraser Whineray,

Chief Executive

Kevin Angland,

General Manager Digital Services

Nick Clarke,

General Manager Geothermal

Phil Gibson,

General Manager Hydro & Wholesale

Julia Jack,

Chief Marketing Officer

William Meek,

Chief Financial Officer

Tony Nagel,

General Manager Corporate Affairs

Matt Olde,

Metrix Chief Executive

Marlene Strawson,

General Manager People & Safety

Company Secretary

Tony Nagel

Investor Relations

Mercury NZ Limited

P O Box 90399

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 308 8200

Fax: +64 9 308 8209

Email: investor@mercury.co.nz

Registered Office in New Zealand

Level 3, 109 Carlton Gore Road, Auckland 1023

Registered Office in Australia

c/– TMF Corporate Services

(Aust) Pty Limited

Level 16, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 8988 5800

Legal Advisors

Chapman Tripp

Level 35, ANZ Centre

23-29 Albert Street, Auckland 1010

PO Box 2206, Auckland

Phone: +64 9 357 9000

Bankers

ANZ Bank

ASB Bank

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

Bank of New Zealand

Westpac

Credit Rating (reaffirmed December 2016)

Long term: BBB+

Outlook: Stable

Share Register – New Zealand

Computershare Investor Services Ltd

Level 2, 159 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna,

Auckland 0622

Private Bag 92 119

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 488 8777

Fax: +64 9 488 8787

Email: enquiry@computershare.co.nz

Web: www.investorcentre.com/nz

Share Register – Australia

Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, VIC 3067

GPO Box 3329

Melbourne, VIC 3001

Australia

Phone: 1 800 501 366 (within Australia)

Phone: +61 3 9415 4083 (outside Australia)

Fax: +61 3 9473 2500

Email: enquiry@computershare.co.nz

insight

creative.co.nz

MERC044

>> MERCURY NZ LIMITEDMERCURY.CO.NZ
ENERGY MADE WONDERFUL.

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