Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced two new appointments to the board of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

The new members are former mayor of Queenstown, Vanessa van Uden, and professional director Mark Darrow.

“Ms van Uden brings a new perspective, along with her local government experience,” said Bridges. “Mr Darrow has wide-ranging governance experience, and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee for the Counties Manukau District Health Board. His appointment brings extensive transport knowledge and an injection of fresh energy to the NZTA‘s board.”

In her roles as mayor and councillor, van Uden has worked in governance, accounting and contract management. She has recent first-hand experience of local government roles in transport. In addition to his experience in chairing multiple entities, Darrow has transport sector experience with the Motor Trade Association, Dekra New Zealand, Courier Solutions and Armstrong Motor Group.

In addition, Bridges has reappointed Adrienne Young-Cooper, who has been a member of the NZTA board since August 2011 and is a member of its Investment and Operations Committee. Young-Cooper has a background in urban planning.

NZTA is a Crown entity whose primary role is to contribute to an effective, efficient, and safe land transport system in the public interest. Its board has eight members.