New boss unveiled for transport agency

Nicole Rosie has been appointed chief executive of the NZTA and will take up the position in mid-February.

Sir Brian Roche, chairman of the agency’s board, says: “Nicole has more than two decades’ executive experience in the public and private sectors, and in range of industries and functions. 

“For the past three years she has led Worksafe New Zealand. She has significant executive leadership experience in transport and commercial firms, including Toll and Fonterra.”

He adds Rosie’s appointment is important for the NZTA as its revitalisation continues so it delivers “a safe, connected and integrated transport system”.

Mark Ratcliffe, interim chief executive, has agreed to remain in the role to enable a thorough handover and support for the half-year reporting process. Sir Brian has acknowledged Ratcliffe’s strong leadership since he took on the role in January.

Background on the new boss

Nicole Rosie is currently chief executive of WorkSafe NZ. According to its website, she’s “a highly experienced executive who brings a unique and valuable mix of talents to our work”.

“She joined WorkSafe in December 2016 from Fonterra where she was leading a major shareholder-value project,” states the site. “She has led health and safety, she has led major change programmes, she has worked in ACC and injury management, forestry, transport infrastructure and energy, and has managed relationships with industry in her roles in transport, energy and at Fonterra where she was also acting general manager for risk.

“Prior to Fonterra, Nicole managed strategic relationships at Vector, was general manager for policy and safety at KiwiRail, general manager of risk and strategy at Toll NZ, and general manager for health, safety and environment at Tranz Rail. She also has experience with WorkCover Queensland and ACC, and was health and injury prevention manager at Fletcher Challenge Forests.”

‘Exactly what the country needs’

The appointment of Nicole Rosie as chief executive of the NZTA is “exactly what New Zealand needs” to reduce its road toll and improve transport choice, says Bevan Woodward, spokesman for Movement, which is an alliance of national organisations supporting safe active travel for Kiwis.

“Her experience of leading Worksafe NZ should greatly assist the agency to adopt the ‘safety first’ approach to transport management. This is long overdue and is highlighted not only by our appalling road fatalities and serious injuries, but our fear of walking and cycling in New Zealand.

“We look forward to the NZTA adopting the safety-first approach, just as every other industry sector in New Zealand has. By making our roads safer, our road toll will reduce and more people will be able to walk and cycle. The benefits are widespread and hugely significant. They include reduced traffic congestion, a healthier population, more liveable communities, less pollution and lower carbon emissions.”