Transport Minister Announces New Chair for New Zealand Transport Agency – NZTA

Incoming shake up?

 

I caught this in between the 6pm News headlines yesterday:

New Zealand Transport Agency Chair appointed

  • HON PHIL TWYFORD – 11 APRIL 2018

Transport Minister Phil Twyford today announced the appointment of Michael Stiassny as Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Board.

Michael Stiassny has been appointed for a term of three years commencing on 19 April 2018.

“Michael Stiassny has a wealth of governance, leadership and financial knowledge having been involved in governance and corporate positions for the past three decades,” Phil Twyford says.

The NZ Transport Agency’s core functions are to plan and invest in New Zealand’s land transport networks through the National Land Transport Programme.

“This Government has a transformative agenda to rebalance the transport system toward better safety, access and value for money, along with more investment in regional and local roads and rail. 

“The NZ Transport Agency has a crucial role to play in creating a modern and sustainable transport network across land transport modes. Michael Stiassny brings strong and decisive leadership to the Board.

“I’d like to thank Dame Fran Wilde who’s been acting chair over the past three months and acknowledge the contribution of Chris Moller who stood down in January,” Phil Twyford says.

 

Background on Mr Stianssny

Michael Stiassny is an experienced director having held a number of public and private directorships for a number of years and specialises in strategic advice and issues resolution. He is the current Chair of Vector, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited and Tower Limited. Michael Stiassny is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Law and Commerce.

—ends—
Source: Beehive.govt.nz

 

After reading a piece from the Herald on Mr Staissny (see: Doctor Doom – portrait of a corporate undertaker) I see he does not take mediocrity lightly but at the same time will stick up for those who might have not been able to representative themselves against more powerful entities.

Essentially Minister Twyford has appointed a WOW class candidate to Chair NZTA which one of their first assignments is to get a handle on the new Government Policy Statement (see: Government Releases Draft Government Policy Statement for Consultation (Due May 2)) that focuses on Safety, Access, Environment and Value for money.

 

Will be interesting to see Mr Staissny’s leadership on an transport agency who’s Minister is asking for very big changes!

 

Michael Stiassny. Photo credit: Getty / File via Newshub http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/02/advisory-group-set-up-for-public-media-funding-commission.html