Our people and structure
On this page:
Our staff are located in our 10 regional offices, our Wellington head office, at our Marine Pollution Response Centre in Auckland and our Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand in Lower Hutt.
Our Director and Chief Executive Officer
Kirstie Hewlett
Kirstie Hewlett has the dual role of Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She is accountable to the Board of Directors.
As CEO, Kirstie is also the senior manager responsible for the day-to-day running of Maritime New Zealand.
Kirstie joined Maritime New Zealand in May 2021.
Senior management team
The five Deputy Directors and two Deputy Chief Executives reporting to Kirstie Hewlett each have a specific functional responsibility.
Sharyn Forsyth
Deputy Director, Engagement, Communication and Coordination
Responsibilities:
- Managing relationships with industry and government agencies
- External education and communication
- Internal communications and coordination (including leading recreational boating and working with the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code Secretariat)
- America’s Cup
Peter Brunt
Deputy Director, Regulatory Systems Design
Responsibilities:
- International engagement and coordination
- Domestic policy design
- Operational policy and guidance
- Legal services
Deb Despard
Deputy Director, Compliance Systems Delivery
Responsibilities:
- Assisted compliance
- Entry control (certification)
- Safety and environmental monitoring, auditing and inspecting
- Investigating and enforcing maritime safety and environmental protection systems
Nigel Clifford
Deputy Director, Safety and Response Systems
Responsibilities:
- Maritime Incident Readiness and Response
- Search and Rescue Coordination Services
- Navigation Safety Systems - Aids to Navigation and Maritime Distress and Safety Communications
- Marine Pollution Response Services
- Maritime Security Services
- Pacific Maritime Safety Programme
Andrew Saunderson
Deputy Chief Executive, Organisational Strategy and Systems
Responsibilities:
- Strategy, Planning and Governance
- Research and Ministerial Services
- Maritime Intelligence
- Finance, Property and Procurement
- Information Services and Delivery
Kenny Crawford
Deputy Director, Maritime Systems Assurance
Responsibilities:
- Maritime systems advice and assurance
- Maritime and environmental technical advice and support
Anne Greenwood
Deputy Chief Executive, People Capability
- Recruitment and induction
- Career development, learning and development, performance planning and review
- Change management
- Organisational culture and engagement
- Organisational HSW system operation and reporting
- Industrial and employment relations
- Payroll
