Transport Minister Chris Bishop has today announced the reappointment of David Smol and the appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. 

“David Smol’s wide-ranging regulatory, governance and public sector experience will continue to provide valuable oversight to the NZTA Board,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Lana Stockman brings a diverse professional background across finance, engineering, psychology and regulation.

“Her understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and operators in New Zealand and Australia will strengthen the Board’s capability.

“Steve Haszard is a commercially astute board member and executive leader with strong regulatory experience.

“His experience leading organisations through change, including as Chief Executive of WorkSafe and Managing Partner of Meredith Connell, will be valuable to the Board.

“Murdo Beattie brings deep commercial and investment management experience, including in complex infrastructure and transport-related transactions.

“His leadership on significant transactions, including the recapitalisation of Air New Zealand and the Crown re-acquisition of KiwiRail, will add strong commercial expertise to NZTA’s governance.

“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring NZTA has the governance, regulatory and commercial expertise needed to deliver for New Zealanders.

“I would like to particularly acknowledge Catherine Taylor, who is retiring after five and a half years of service to NZTA. She has made substantial contributions to the Board’s governance and oversight of NZTA. Catherine’s leadership as Chair of the Regulatory Subcommittee has been especially valuable in supporting the Board’s regulatory responsibilities. 

I also thank Pat Dougherty and Mike Rudge for the subject matter expertise and valuable contribution they have brought to the Board,” Mr Bishop says.

Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie’s appointments are for three-year terms ending on 26 July 2029. 

David Smol’s reappointment is for a two-year term ending on 31 July 2028.