Maritime New Zealand Board Confirms Key Appointments

Kevin Short, who has served as Deputy Chair since April 2025, will now step into the organisation’s top leadership position following the completion of Dame Jo Brosnahan’s term.

The New Zealand Government has announced major leadership changes at Maritime New Zealand, confirming new appointments to the organisation's board as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance across the country's maritime sector.

Associate Transport Minister James Meager revealed that Kevin Short will take over as Chair of Maritime New Zealand from 1 July 2026, while experienced public-sector leader Charles Finny will become Deputy Chair. Governance specialist Belinda Clark has also been appointed as a new board member.

The appointments come at a critical time for New Zealand's maritime industry, which continues to face increasing demands around safety, environmental protection, international trade, and infrastructure resilience.

Kevin Short Elevated to Chair Role

Kevin Short, who has served as Deputy Chair since April 2025, will now step into the organisation's top leadership position following the completion of Dame Jo Brosnahan's term.

Minister Meager said Mr Short's experience on the board and understanding of Maritime New Zealand's strategic direction made him a strong choice to lead the agency into its next phase.

According to the Government, Mr Short has already played an important role in helping guide Maritime New Zealand through operational and regulatory matters over the past year. His appointment is expected to provide continuity as the agency continues modernising its oversight of maritime safety and transport systems.

Maritime New Zealand is responsible for overseeing a broad range of functions, including maritime safety regulation, environmental protection, certification, accident investigations, and ensuring compliance across shipping and port operations.

The Chair position carries significant responsibility, particularly as the maritime sector faces growing pressures linked to climate change, supply chain resilience, and increasing international shipping demands.

Charles Finny Named Deputy Chair

Charles Finny will officially join the board in late May before taking over as Deputy Chair from July 2026.

Mr Finny is widely recognised in New Zealand's business and trade sectors for his experience in governance, public policy, and international trade relations. He has held senior diplomatic and trade advisory roles and has worked extensively with export industries and major infrastructure stakeholders.

Minister Meager highlighted Mr Finny's understanding of regulatory systems and maritime operations, as well as his close engagement with port leadership around the country.

His appointment is expected to strengthen the board's expertise in areas such as international trade logistics, shipping competitiveness, and export-driven economic growth.

New Zealand relies heavily on maritime transport, with the majority of the country's imports and exports moving through its ports. As global shipping networks evolve, the Government has placed increasing emphasis on improving efficiency, resilience, and sustainability within the maritime sector.

Belinda Clark Brings Governance and Risk Expertise

Belinda Clark will join the Maritime New Zealand board in June, bringing decades of senior governance and executive experience across New Zealand and Australia.

Ms Clark has previously held major leadership roles in the public sector and currently serves on several governance boards. Her expertise includes organisational leadership, audit systems, delivery oversight, and risk management.

The Government believes her background will strengthen Maritime New Zealand's governance capabilities, particularly in managing operational risk and ensuring effective oversight of complex regulatory responsibilities.

Her experience working with large government agencies is also expected to support Maritime New Zealand as it continues responding to technological change, evolving safety standards, and increasing environmental expectations.

Tribute to Outgoing Chair Dame Jo Brosnahan

Minister Meager also paid tribute to outgoing Chair Dame Jo Brosnahan, who has led the board since December 2018.

During her tenure, Maritime New Zealand navigated a period marked by major disruption and transformation, including challenges linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, global shipping instability, and increasing regulatory demands.

Dame Jo played a central role in steering the organisation through operational reforms and strengthening its oversight responsibilities during a rapidly changing period for the maritime industry.

The Government acknowledged her years of public service and thanked her for her contribution to maritime governance in New Zealand.

Her term will officially conclude on 30 June 2026.

Maritime Sector Facing Major Challenges

The leadership transition comes as New Zealand's maritime sector faces several significant challenges and opportunities.

Global shipping disruptions in recent years exposed vulnerabilities in international supply chains, prompting governments worldwide to place greater focus on transport resilience and port efficiency.

At the same time, the maritime industry is under growing pressure to reduce emissions and transition toward more sustainable operations. International shipping regulations are tightening, and governments are increasingly investing in cleaner fuels, improved port infrastructure, and digital technologies.

Maritime New Zealand plays a key role in ensuring the country's shipping systems remain safe, environmentally responsible, and economically efficient.

The agency is also responsible for responding to maritime emergencies, monitoring marine pollution risks, and maintaining safety standards for commercial and recreational vessels.

Focus on Strong Governance

The Government says the new appointments are intended to ensure Maritime New Zealand remains well-positioned to handle future challenges while maintaining strong governance and regulatory oversight.

With experience spanning governance, trade, public administration, and risk management, the incoming board leadership is expected to help guide the agency through an increasingly complex operating environment.

As New Zealand continues to depend heavily on maritime trade and transport, the effectiveness of Maritime New Zealand's leadership will remain crucial to supporting economic stability, environmental protection, and public safety across the country's waters.