NZTA chairman stands down
Michael Stiassny has resigned as chairman of the NZTA, saying he has completed what he set out to do – and that’s to reposition the agency to focus on public safety.
“The time is now right for a new chairman and new permanent chief executive officer with the skills required to guide the necessary culture change within the agency to ensure public safety is at the heart of its function,” he says.
Phil Twyford, Minister of Transport, has acknowledged Stiassny’s decision and thanked him for his service, saying he worked tirelessly to not only uncover, but to resolve systemic failures at the NZTA.
“As a result of his leadership over the past year, New Zealanders can have confidence that the agency is fully focused on ensuring public safety on our roads.”
Stiassny’s resignation comes six months after revelations the NZTA had not been properly checking up on companies certifying vehicle safety and giving out licences. The agency’s chief executive Fergus Gammie resigned in December.
“The board-instigated regulatory compliance review is now complete, more than 300 regulatory compliance enforcement actions have been taken and the recommendations of the independent inquiry report by Kristy McDonald QC are almost fully implemented,” says Stiassny. “And general managers have been appointed for two new key functions – regulatory and safety, and health and environment.
“These are the cornerstones of a new approach by the agency, the results of which will continue to play out in months and years to come. The time is now right for a new chairman and new permanent CEO with the skills required to guide the necessary culture change within the agency to ensure public safety is at the heart of its function.”
When checked by Autofile Online at 3.50pm on April 26, Stiassny was still listed as chairman of the board on the NZTA’s website.
His biography stated: “Michael has widespread experience in all matters financial. He has a 40-year strong background in financial consultancy and is a prominent strategic adviser. He is a leading corporate governance practitioner and advocate for sustainability practices.
“Michael is currently chairman of Tower Ltd and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Ltd, as well as a director of a number of private companies. Michael is a fellow and past-president of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, and a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
