A board overseeing Auckland's light rail design and construction will be led by Dame Fran Wilde, Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced.
Fran Wilde Photo: SUPPLIED
Dame Fran is a former Cabinet Minister for Labour who was responsible for Homosexual Law Reform member's bill, was the first woman to serve as Wellington mayor, chaired Wellington's regional council, and has held positions on private sector boards.
Wood said the light rail project would bring far-reaching benefits for communities, and Dame Fran was an excellent fit for the role.
"Her diverse experience in governance, community involvement, work with iwi, infrastructure and delivering transport and urban development outcomes will be invaluable in the role of ALR Chair," he said.
She will be joined on the board by Lucy Tukua, an director with relationships with mana whenua and communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and board member for Hauraki Māori Trust Board; and Leigh Auton, a consultant and professional director who was previously chief executive for Manukau City Council.
Wood said Tukua's appointment would ensure te ao Māori was embedded into the board from the beginning, and Auton's would ensure continuity from the ALR Establishment Unit Board "which he has contributed to significantly".
The new board takes over from the ALR Establishment Unit Board from 1 June.
The light rail project has been an aim for Labour for years, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promising in 2017 a line to Mount Roskill within four years and to the airport within 10.
It was stymied by opposition from coalition partner New Zealand First in Labour's first term, however, and has been frequently criticised by the National and ACT parties for a lack of action despite significant funding.
Wood said the project was making "excellent progress".
"The tender for detailed design is currently out to market as part of an integrated approach with the Alternative Waitematā Harbour Crossing, and work on policy, funding, and urban design components is well under way.
"We continue to engage with communities along the route, and Auckland Airport has recently announced provision for Light Rail in its $300 million plans for a new transport hub."
Budget 2022 allocated a further nearly $200m over four years to the project.