New Zealand's Commerce Commission has granted Boyd an exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act - which usually prohibits cross-involvement in the electricity supply and lines businesses – allowing him to become a Meridian Energy director.

Commission chair Paula Rebstock said Auckland International Airport Ltd’s internal electricity lines network would normally have prevented Boyd’s appointment to the Meridian board. However, there was no connection or relationship between the two companies.

Last April the commission allowed Meridian Energy chief executive Keith Turner to become involved in running international airports, as well as power companies, on his appointment as an AIAL director.