Auckland Council has appointed an interim board to navigate Auckland’s transport CCO through the reform process to create a solely public-transport delivery organisation.
Auckland Councillors unanimously have appointed the following interim board: Andrew Ritchie (chair), Rob Clarke, Dale Dillicar, Miriam Dean KC, and Adrienne Young-Cooper.
Chair, Andrew Ritchie has more than 30 years’ experience as a leader across the transport and tourism industries and still has ownership in various business across New Zealand, Australia and the USA, with a notable focus on public transport as former Director of Operations and CEO for Ritchies Transport Holdings and President of the Bus and Coach Association of NZ. He was appointed as a director of Auckland Transport in 2024.
The Council says the appointment of a board is a key preparatory step in advance of the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill.
Mayor Wayne Brown was a member of the selection panel and said he looks forward to the board starting its work.
“The returning and fresh appointees understand CCO reform and why it’s important to Aucklanders which is a key part of my agenda to fix Auckland’s transport,” he said.
“Auckland Council is ready for the change and now the CCO will be ready for the transition too. We have picked the best candidates, who understand the industry, and they will get on with the job of reforming and improving so that Auckland can reap the benefits.”
Councillor, Christine Fletcher chaired the selection panel and endorsed the appointments.
“The selection panel had applicants of a very high standard, reflecting a lot of interest in the opportunity to get Auckland’s transport right,” she said.
“In the end, both the panel and committee were unanimous in endorsing these appointments.
“They were selected to form a well-balanced team with the range of skills and perspectives needed for this enormous change for Auckland’s transport governance. We have every confidence in their capability to lead the new CCO effectively and for the best interests of Aucklanders.”
The terms of the board members will be for six months from the date of the Bill being passed. All appointments are subject to the final provisions of that legislation. While the Bill only indicated a three-member board at its first reading, five appointments have been made in line with Auckland Council’s submission to the Bill, Council said in a statement.
About the interim board:
Rob Clarke is an experienced businessman with international experience as a Managing Director within manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries.He founded and chaired Chevron Traffic Services and chaired Chengeta Trust which cover include traffic management businesses and related, training and technologies.Â
Dale Dillicar is a senior finance executive with over 25 years’ experience across global industries, specialising in financial management, governance and operational oversight. For the past decade, she has been with Fonterra, currently serving as General Manager Financial Planning & Analysis for Fonterra’s operating office. Dale was appointed to the board of Auckland Transport in 2024.
Miriam Dean (CNZM, KC) has extensive legal and governance experience who has led a number of public enquiries, reviews including Auckland Council’s 2019 review of CCOs. She was a member of the Auckland Transition Agency and the transition from Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency to (now) Crown Infrastructure Delivery Ltd. Miriam is a board member for Chorus Limited and Real Estate Institute of New Zealand and recently retired as chair of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme.
Adrienne Young-Cooper has 30 years of public sector experience. She has an in-depth knowledge of Auckland’s challenges regarding transport and urban development and infrastructure, with previously roles that include Eke Panuku, Housing New Zealand, Hobsonville Land Company and NZTA. She served as chair of Auckland Transport from 2020 to 2022. Adrienne also chairs Haumaru Housing and the Cornwall Park Trust Board.Â
