O’Connor to leave South Port
South Port NZ Limited chief executive Mark O’Connor has resigned and will leave the Bluff port in late October.
In the most recent financial year South Port achieved a record cargo and profit, with volumes having lifted by 50 per cent or about 1.0 million tonnes since 2009.
O’Connor oversaw a refocus of the business on the core freight delivery element, to ensure appropriate infrastructure existed to support bulk cargo growth.
He also saw the establishment of the Intermodal Freight Centre in Invercargill.
During the time O’Connor served as chief executive South Port’s annual dividend increased from 5.5 cents per share to 26c while the share price has lifted from $0.86 to its current level of $5.35 - representing an increase in market capitalisation of around $120 million.
About four years ago he had said when he turned 55 he would leave the port sector, O’Connor said.
‘‘That date has come around quicker than I thought but it is appropriate for me to step back from a full time role and identify other projects which may be of interest.’’
O’Connor believed his biggest achievement was forming a management team who strived to meet targets.
He said he would take some time out and go travelling overseas.
‘‘Beyond that I will actively seek out some new director positions where I can offer value.’’
O’Connor was in the chief executive role for 17 years and worked for South Port for almost 25 years.
‘‘I have certainly appreciated the opportunity to lead a committed and talented group of individuals.’’
He was comfortable the was in a good position.
‘‘I am very comfortable that the company is in great shape to move forward.’’
O’Connor said he appreciated the manner in which the South Port board had guided the company.
‘‘I pay special port tribute to Rex [Chapman] in his role as chair.
‘‘Bluff Port occupies an important position in the supply chain landscape.’’
Southland’s challenges were highlighted in the Southland Regional Development Strategy, which O’Connor had been an active part of.
‘‘It is critical that local government pushes forward with the necessary steps to support the action plan linked to this strategy.
‘‘I have been encouraged by the level of effort contributed by business and other parties to ensure SoRDS succeeds and that Southland remains a healthy and vibrant part of New Zealand.’’
In the future he believed the people in the strategy would continue with the same effort and commitment demonstrated today.
The strategy needed to be embraced and moved forward by the region, he said.
‘‘All the people in the strategy have tried to make the action teams the best they can ... and people have to put their shoulder to the wheel to continue.’’
South Port chairman Rex Chapman said the timing of this decision had been signalled to the board for a number of years.
The board was ‘‘naturally disappointed’’ to lose O’Connor, particularly given the progress the company made in the last two decades while he was at the helm, Chapman said.
The board would commence the process of seeking a replacement for O’Connor immediately.
MAD Day Out
National MP for Invercargill Sarah Dowie (above, with Matt Sillars, of Sport Southland) will host MAD Day Out at Sandy Point tomorrow. The family event was held for the first time last year as the launch of the Department of Conservation’s Healthy Nature Healthy People initiative. This year, an obstacle course, a water slide and free rides on DOC’s argos will feature at the event, an initiative that recognises the importance of engaging with nature, for the conservation of natural environments, physical and mental wellbeing. The MAD Day Out is on from noon to 2pm.
Entries open
The Gore District Council is looking for a new ambassador for the District. It is an opportunity for 18 to 35-yearolds living in, or with a strong connection to, the Gore district, to share their passion for the district and promote it. Entries are now open and close on Thursday, April 6, at 5pm. All entrants will have the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills, get tech savvy, and improve their people and networking skills. The winner’s prize package is valued at more than $3500 and includes a trip to Gore’s sister city Tamworth. The winner can choose which of Tamworth’s major events to attend, based on their interests. The final awards night will be on May 25.
Vandals strike again
The Elston Lea Kindergarten has been vandalised for the second time in a week, with teachers arriving to a scene of destruction yesterday. The kindergarten had been damaged on Tuesday night, forcing it to close for the day on Wednesday. Head teacher Anna Sutherland said although the impact was not as bad this time around, the vandals had damaged property in the same manner as on Tuesday. ‘‘Nothing was taken again, I think it’s probably the same people – they hit all the little things they didn’t get the first time around.’’ Despite the damage, the kindergarten remained open on Friday. ‘‘I’m just sad for all the families, we feel violated.’’