Reynolds new transport agency chairman
The government has appointed Dr Paul Reynolds as the new chairman of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and he will take up the role from February 1.
Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, says Reynolds is an experienced chairman and public sector leader “as well as an excellent strategist”.
Reynolds, pictured, has worked as chief policy adviser at the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, and also spent six years as deputy director general of policy at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
He went on to be chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment from 2008 until 2015 and currently sits on the boards at AgResearch and Landcare Research, where he is chairman and deputy chairman respectively.
Wood adds: “Waka Kotahi requires a chair that is a highly experienced governor who can navigate complex environments, drive the development of strategy, build consensus and effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
“Both Waka Kotahi and the wider transport system are facing challenges such as climate change, the transition to a focus on multiple modes of transport, the need for effective and modern regulation, and how to manage significant change equitably.
“All of these require a collaborative working approach, and a solutions-focused leader with a vision for the future.”
The minister, who announced the appointment on December 20, says Reynolds’ appointment strengthens the board’s regulatory and environmental capabilities, and will offer an additional perspective on the specific transport challenges for regional New Zealand.
“I am confident Dr Reynolds has the right skills to lead the board for the next three years and am excited to work with him,” continues Wood.
“As chair, he will work collaboratively with transport and Treaty partners to solve problems and explore new opportunities.”
Reynolds will replace Sir Brian Roche, who announced in June 2021 he would be stepping down as chairman when his term expired. Roche was appointed to the role in June 2019.
Wood says Waka Kotahi has benefited from Roche’s calm and collected approach, and thanks him for his dedicated service as chairman.
“He entered the board during a challenging period for the organisation and was able to make key structural changes while also managing the impacts of the Covid pandemic and other significant challenges.”
