All change at New Zealand ports

John Auld has retired after chairing Port Taranaki for the past six years and been succeeded by port director Peter Dryden, who was formerly managing director of Dow Agrosciences Australia and New Zealand. Mr Auld was credited with having had a “great influence on the growth and success” of the port.

Port Marlborough chief executive Ian McNabb is to also retire after leading the business for the past decade and is being succeeded by the port’s current business delivery manager Rhys Welbourn. Mr McNabb is noted to have made a “significant contribution” to the business.

South Port (Bluff) chief executive Mark O’Connor has stepped aside after 18 years leading the firm and been succeeded by the port’s former commercial manager Nigel Gear. The leadership qualities of Mr O’Connor were highlighted in the appointment coming from within the port’s ranks.

Another retiree is Napier Port chief executive Garth Cowie, who has also ended an 18-year term at the helm of the business and been succeeded by former Kotahi Logistics/BoxConnect senior executive Todd Dawson. Mr Cowie’s management vision was recognised as having ensured “Napier port is well-positioned for the future”.