Ports chief to step down

Ports of Auckland chief executive Geoff Vazey has confirmed he is leaving at the end of next year after 11 years with the company.

Vazey has been chief executive for nine years and has maintained the port's premier position in that time.

He has had a difficult juggling act in the past few years, trying to maintain the status of the port on the doorstep of a rapidly growing city.

The pragmatic Vazey is known to be approachable, straight-talking, and a shrewd operator with an effective management style.

Before he became chief executive in 1996 Vazey held the roles of general manager of operations, general manager of port services and general manager of plant services.

He could not be reached for comment.