Top jobs shuffled in roads shakeup

By KEVIN TAYLOR, Political Reporter


Changes at the top of the Government's two main roading agencies are looming after dissatisfaction with progress on transport projects - particularly in Auckland.

Transit New Zealand chairman Alan Bickers is expected to be replaced by Transfund chairman David Stubbs, and Mr Stubbs will himself be replaced by Transit and Transfund board member Jan Wright.

Mr Stubbs, best known in Auckland as project director for the then-controversial Aotea Centre in the 1980s, will be in charge of the country's road-building body.

The rejig is expected to go to Cabinet's first meeting of the year today for approval.

Last month, Transit chief executive Robin Dunlop, who has been in the top job since 1989, announced that he was leaving in February to head the Ministry of Transport.

The Government is understood to be unhappy with progress on roading projects and on implementing alternative transport options, particularly in Auckland.

The city's clogged roads are a politically important issue for the Government, which hopes to go into the 2005 election with concrete progress on completing the motorway network and other transport options.

In early December, Transport Minister Paul Swain and State Services Minister Trevor Mallard announced a review of agencies in the transport sector, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Transit, Transfund, Land Transport Safety Authority and Maritime Safety Authority.

A draft report is expected by mid-April.

With a budget of more than $600 million, Transit administers, maintains and constructs state highways. Transfund allocates funds to Transit and local and regional councils.

Mr Bickers confirmed yesterday that he was stepping down as his term as chairman finished at the end of October, but said he did not know who his replacement would be.

The Tauranga-based company director and management consultant had served seven years on the Transit board, half as chairman, and indicated late last year that he did not want another full term as chairman.

Mr Bickers said he had offered to stay a little longer, but he was not upset or angry at going.

He was satisfied with the progress Transit had made in the past three years, particularly in Auckland.

"I think seven years has been a fair contribution, and I've certainly enjoyed my time. And it's appropriate to change the chair and the board members from time to time."

Mr Stubbs, of Whitianga, could not be contacted for comment.

Dr Wright, an independent policy adviser and analyst from Wellington, said last night that she was unable to confirm anything.

David Stubbs

* Registered civil engineer, now retired and living in Whitianga. Spent much of his career with Auckland City Council.

* Project director for the building of the controversial Aotea Centre in the 1980s.

* Managed the council's abattoir from 1974 to 1981.