Port Taranaki has appointed Charlotte Littlewood to its board of directors.

According to the port, Littlewood, who is also a member of the Taranaki Regional Council, joins David MacLeod, chairman of the TRC, as the two TRC-appointed directors on the port’s board.

“I’m thrilled and would like to acknowledge my fellow regional councillors in appointing me to this position,” said Littlewood. “I understand I am the first woman to ever join the Port Taranaki board, so it is an endorsement of my abilities that I have been appointed. The port plays a vital role in helping keep the Taranaki Regional Council rates as the lowest in New Zealand. I want to be part of a strong governance team that ensures the port is a thriving business, and one that supports the regional economy.”

Littlewood has worked in various project management, strategy and research roles in Powerco Ltd. and at the Ministry for Social Development in Wellington, and has also held governance roles in the community.

“Charlotte will bring a range of important skills and a different perspective, which will be valuable in a changing industry that requires us to adapt and be innovative,” said John Auld, chairman of Port Taranaki, which is fully owned by the TRC. “We welcome her aboard and look forward to working with her in the coming months and years.”