Hon Simon Bridges

Minister of Transport

26 April 2017

Media Statement

Minister announces transport sector board appointments

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has today announced appointments and reappointments to the Boards of Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Mr Bridges has reappointed Peter Cowper to the Board of MNZ. He has been a member since May 2011.

“Mr Cowper’s reappointment will provide Board continuity, as he continues to contribute his extensive commercial and leadership skills,” Mr Bridges says.

MNZ is a Crown entity whose primary function is to ensure the safety, security and environmental protection of New Zealand’s coastal and inland waterways. Its Board has five members.

Mr Bridges has also appointed two new members to the Board of the NZTA - former Mayor of Queenstown, Vanessa van Uden and professional director Mark Darrow.

“Ms van Uden brings a new perspective, along with her local government experience.

“Mr Darrow has wide-ranging governance experience, and Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee for the Counties Manukau District Health Board. His appointment brings extensive transport knowledge and an injection of fresh energy to the NZTA’s Board,” Mr Bridges says.

In addition, Mr Bridges has reappointed Adrienne Young-Cooper who has been a member of the NZTA Board since August 2011, and is a member of its Investment and Operations Committee. Ms Young-Cooper’s reappointment provides continuity, as well as strong governance.

NZTA is a Crown entity whose primary role is to contribute to an effective, efficient, and safe land transport system in the public interest. Its Board has eight members.

Mr Bridges has appointed experienced lawyer, Anna Adams and reappointed Grant Lilly, to the Board of the CAA.

“Ms Adams brings experience in public law and regulatory systems. She is also the Board Chair of law firm, Meredith Connell. Her appointment will provide a new perspective for the CAA,” Mr Bridges says.

Mr Lilly has a strong aviation background after 40 years’ experience in the aviation sector. His reappointment will provide continuity to the Board. He has been on the CAA Board since 2011.

The CAA is a Crown entity whose primary function is to regulate and promote an integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable civil aviation system. The CAA Board has five members.

Peter Cowper

Mr Cowper has extensive leadership experience with large and complex technical organisations and environments. He brings substantial experience in defining and managing complex change, consulting, strategic insight, risk management, ICT and telecommunications knowledge, procurement skills and commercial knowledge.

Vanessa van Uden

Ms van Uden has been Mayor and Councillor of Queenstown, a rapidly growing area of New Zealand. She has worked in governance, accounting and contract management. She has recent first-hand experience of local government roles in transport. Ms van Uden splits her time between Queenstown and Wellington.

Mark Darrow

Mr Darrow has a wealth of governance experience, as he is currently Chair of multiple entities and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for a District Health Board. He has transport sector experience with the Motor Trade Association, Dekra New Zealand, Courier Solutions and Armstrong Motor Group. Mr Darrow is Auckland based.

Adrienne Young-Cooper

Ms Young-Cooper is a senior and experienced Board member, having been on the NZTA Board since August 2011, and is a member of its Investment and Operations Committee. With her background in urban planning and as a company director, Ms Young-Cooper makes informed contributions. Given her previous experience as a Board member of Maritime New Zealand, she has a strong transport background. Ms Young-Cooper is Auckland based.

Anna Adams

Ms Adams is a practicing lawyer and Board Chair of law firm, Meredith Connell. She has been with Meredith Connell since 2003 and a partner since 2008. Her main experience has been in public law, health law, regulatory systems and litigation.

Ms Adams also has a background in public sector policy and managing legal risk. She brings an analytical approach to managing issues and good communication and relationship skills.

Grant Lilly

Mr Lilly has governance experience from a number of director roles in the aviation sector including Queenstown Airport Corporation Limited, Jetconnect Limited, Jetstar Airways Limited, Air Nelson Limited and Eagle Airways Limited. He was a member of the Board of Airline Representatives from 2006 to 2011, and a board member of the New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust from 2008 to 2011.

ends

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