Port appoints permanent boss

Kirstie Gardener has been appointed as the permanent chief executive officer of Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) after filling the role in an acting capacity since December last year.

She joined LPC four years ago and was general manager people and safety before taking on the top job when Roger Gray moved to Ports of Auckland at the end of 2021. Before that she was general manager human resources at ANZCO.

Margaret Devlin, chair of LPC’s board of directors, says Gardener’s appointment as permanent chief executive officer takes place with immediate effect and follows a two-staged recruitment process with external consultants.

This announcement comes as investigations are taking place following the death of LPC employee Don Grant during the loading of a coal vessel on April 25.

Gardener, pictured, says: “I am aware of the circumstances in which this announcement comes, and I am determined to ensure that we learn from the tragedy and help make the port sector safer. 

“I am also committed to ensuring that LPC continues to play its role in delivering positive outcomes for Canterbury.”

Devlin adds the board is committed to co-operating fully with the inquiries at LPC and it intends to “take away learnings and process changes from those investigations once they have concluded”.