New appointments to Transfund and Transit Boards

The Transport Minister Paul Swain has announced appointments to the Boards of Transfund New Zealand and Transit New Zealand.

Transfund

Dr Janice Wright has been re-appointed to the Transfund New Zealand Board and assumes the role of Chair. Dr Wright's appointment is for a period of two years, to February 2006.

Mr Bryan Jackson is a new appointment to the Board. He is a director of Wellington College of Education and is on the board of a number of local authority trading companies. He is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr Jackson commences his two-year appointment on 10 February 2004.

Mr John Anderson, Ms Janice West and Mr Colin Knox remain as board members. Mr John Anderson assumes the position of Deputy Chair.

Mr David Stubbs will continue to serve as a board member pending further appointments.

Transit

Mr David Stubbs has been re-appointed to the Transit New Zealand Board and assumes the role of Chair. Mr Stubbs' appointment is for a period of two years, from 10 February 2004 to 28 February 2006.

Sir Tipene O'Regan has been re-appointed as Deputy Chair of the Transit Board for a term of two years.

Other board members comprise Mr Mike Williams, Mr John Wright, Dr Janice Wright (until her current term expires in October 2004) and a new appointment - Mr Gary McIver.

Mr McIver is currently a part-time consultant with Toyota New Zealand and has an extensive background in commercial and general management mainly in the motor industry. He takes up his two-year appointment on 10 February 2004.

Mr Alan Bickers steps down as Chair of the Board of Transit New Zealand. He had served as a board member for a period of six years.

Mr Swain says "The Government appreciates the contribution Mr Bickers has made to the Transit Board since his appointment in 1997. In particular I want to thank him for his recent contribution as Chair during the passing of the Land Transport Management Bill and the development of Transit's first-ever 10-year programme.

"Mr Bicker's leadership during this time has ensured that the transition to the new transport regime has been smooth and orderly."

"In announcing these appointments, I am delighted that people with such a wealth of experience make themselves available to these positions."