Three new directors for AT board

Three new members have been appointed to the Auckland Transport board – former finance minister and deputy prime minister Sir Michael Cullen and experienced directors Mary-Jane Daly and Kylie Clegg. The appointments were welcomed by mayor Phil Goff. “Auckland Transport has a vital role to play in addressing the city’s major transport challenges caused by unprecedented population growth,” he said. “I need a strong and effective board to ensure good governance and delivery of key performance indicators. All three members have governance and business experience. Between them, they bring the financial, legal and political skills we need on the board.” Mary-Jane Daly is currently serving as director on a number of boards, including Cigna Life Insurance, Kiwi Property Group, the New Zealand Green Building Council and the Earthquake Commission. Olympian Kylie Clegg is the chairman of the Hockey Foundation and a former board member of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Halberg Disability Sports Foundation. Clegg has also been a board observer on Auckland Transport and is the deputy chair of the Waitemata District Health Board. Cullen currently chairs New Zealand Post, and has recently been appointed chairman into the inquiry of the local council and government response of the Edgecumbe flooding. Goff said that with his nine years’ experience as finance minister of New Zealand, Cullen will be “invaluable” in strengthening the relationship between the Auckland Council and central government.  “Mary-Jane Daly and Kylie Clegg have excellent financial and legal skills and also bring a better gender balance to the Board.” the mayor said. AT chair, Dr Lester Levy said, “These three new directors bring an excellent mix of skill and experience which will complement those we already have on our board. They came through a rigorous selection process and will be part of the next phase of driving innovative change in the region.” The new directors will begin their roles from May 1 2017.