KiwiRail releases board members’ resignation letters, including David McLean’s, after Ombudsman intervenes
McLean’s letter came a week after Willis had raised concerns with him that KiwiRail had spent an “excessive and not justifiable” amount on consultants from global management consultants McKinsey & Company.
Willis and Goldsmith went on to announce McLean’s retirement earlier than he had wanted, on June 23.
This was in the period immediately following the Interislander Aratere ferry running aground near Picton, which coincidentally happened shortly after McLean had informed ministers of his retirement.
Willis told the Herald that ministers routinely decided the timing of announcements about board changes.
“That was the case in this instance.”
McLean did not respond to a request for comment.
KiwiRail originally refused to release the resignation letters for privacy reasons.
The Herald complained to the Ombudsman, arguing there appeared to be an inconsistent approach across organisations subject to the Official Information Act.
For example, Kāinga Ora released the resignation letter of former board member Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman and Wellington Water released the resignation letter of former chief executive Tonia Haskell.
The Herald also argued this type of information should be released because KiwiRail board members were ultimately accountable for an organisation funded by public money.
The Ombudsman’s office advised two weeks ago that it was investigating.
Before the Ombudsman completed the investigation, KiwiRail senior government relations adviser Dave Allard wrote to the Herald advising the letters would be released after all.
“We have gone back and consulted with the former board members whom your request related to and have enquired if they would be comfortable with their individual resignation letters now being released, given the passage of time that has elapsed.
“They have agreed they can be released, with personal email addresses and signatures withheld.”
Former chief executive of Canadian airline WestJet Ed Sims submitted his resignation letter on June 28.
“I appreciate that I have only served in this role for eighteen months of my three-year term. Nonetheless, I am offering my resignation in the best interests of yourselves as shareholding ministers, and of the company.
“Whilst my tenure has been shorter than intended, I would like to recognise the work undertaken by management during my tenure, including the ongoing cyclone recovery, the progress in metro operations (notably the City Rail Link), the elevated maturity of all safety management systems, and the reduction in enterprise risks particularly in asset management.”
When approached for comment, Sims said he had nothing further to add.
Transport consultant Rachel Pinn sent her resignation letter the following day.
She said her daughter was starting school in October and she wanted to be present in her life over the next few months.
Former Labour MP Maryan Street submitted her resignation letter on July 5.
“It is largely because of the signals the Board has been, and has not been, given by our shareholders that I have arrived at this decision.
“I am grateful to have had the experience of working with the extremely capable directors on this board and adding to my existing governance experience.
“I hope the Government sees fit to retain some of the essential expertise remaining amongst current board members – they are worthy of your confidence.”
Pinn and Street could not be reached for comment.
Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.