Two KiwiRail Board members have resigned as the Government calls for changes at the rail and ferry operator.
Ed Simms, a former airline boss, and Rachel Pinn, a transport consultant, have resigned.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the board will be refreshed following the grounding of Interislander ferry Aratere.
Willis said late last month the Government was “considering additional changes to further refresh the KiwiRail Board,” with State Owned Enterprises Minister Paul Goldsmith saying the Government is focused on ensuring KiwiRail takes every necessary action “to maintain the safety and reliability of its ferry operation[s].”
The NZ Herald reported Sims’ resignation was effective from June 28 and Pinn’s resignation would take effect on July 31.
KiwiRail board chair David McLean announced late in June he would be standing down from his role earlier than expected, with his term due to finish in October.
At the time, Willis said the resignation was “unrelated” to the grounding of the Aratere ferry.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown previously said the Government is “very disappointed” in the state of KiwiRail’s asset management.