Eastern Bay Energy Trust's poll results regarding Horizon Energy takeover have been delayed temporarily by Maori trust. Trustees of Te Mana O Ngati Rangitihi Trust, based in Matata, sought an interim injunction seeking to prevent the counting of votes in the poll, as it claims that the information sent out with the poll documents was inadequate.

But the Eastern Bay Energy Trust disagrees. EBET intends to offer minority shareholders $4 per share for the 22.7% of the NZX-listed company, in a bid to keep the assets locally held after it opposed a takeover bid last year at $3.96 a share from Marlborough Lines. The matter has been referred to a hearing in the High Court in Auckland on February 10.

The poll of consumers-beneficiaries is required under the trust's deed. Eastern Bay Energy Trust Chairman David Bulley quoted that the trust opposed the late submission of the application for an interim injunction and expressed confidence to proceed with the takeover as planned.