Ex-director returning to port

Port of Tauranga has announced former director Sir Robert McLeod is set to rejoin its board and replace Alastair Lawrence, who is retiring after 10 years’ service.

McLeod, pictured, was previously a member of the company’s board for six years in his capacity as chairman of Quayside Holdings, the investment arm of Bay of Plenty Regional Council and majority shareholder of the port. 

He retired in October 2023 and is returning as an independent director from July 1.

Julia Hoare, Port of Tauranga chair, says: “Sir Rob brings deep governance experience, outstanding financial skills and extensive iwi connections. We are very fortunate to have a director of his calibre.”

McLeod was chief executive officer and managing partner of Ernst & Young Oceania between July 2010 and December 2014 and retired as its New Zealand chairman in 2015.

He is currently chairman of Nati Growth Ltd, formerly Ngāti Porou Holding Company, and Sanford Ltd. He is also a director of China Construction Bank (New Zealand) Ltd and a number of privately-owned entities.

McLeod was appointed Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2019 for services to business and Māori.

Lawrence, a director and audit committee chairman, is due to retire for the port’s board on August 31, with McLeod taking on his committee role after that date.

Hoare thanked Lawrence for his contribution during his decade-long tenure.

“Alastair is an astute director and committee chair with a wealth of commercial knowledge and experience,” she says. 

“We’re extremely grateful for his significant contribution and his long service to the port.”