We operate the region’s port and marinas, and facilitate the operation and growth of some of Marlborough’s most significant industries, including recreational boating, forestry, fishing, marine farming, and domestic and international tourism, including cruise.
The port provides the South Island terminal for Cook Strait passenger and freight ferries at Picton, it operates New Zealand’s deepest export shipping berth at Waimahara Wharf in Shakespeare Bay, and a multipurpose berth at Waitohi Wharf in Picton Harbour. Picton is a busy cruise ship port and is able to accommodate the world’s largest class of cruise vessels in Shakespeare Bay.
A significant part of our operation is Marlborough Sounds Marinas – New Zealand’s largest marina operator outside of Auckland, which comprises of three marinas including Picton, Waikawa and Havelock. The marinas provide facilities including marina berths, boatsheds and secure compound parking for over 2,000 vessels.
Port Marlborough has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Waikawa Marina Trustee Limited and PMNZ Marina Holdings Limited, both of which were established to facilitate the sale of long-term berth entitlements in the Waikawa Marina Trust area in the 1990s.
We’ve embarked on a journey to evolve our more traditional infrastructure-focused port business to a designed, sustainable operation; a best-in-class specialist port.
This means realigning priorities and encouraging new thinking and behaviours to evolve as an organisation. We’ve worked with our people to develop a clear expression of what matters to us and how we think, operate, act and interact – between ourselves, with our customers, with our communities and with other stakeholders. One thing is clear to us: Port Marlborough’s legacy in our province runs deep.
Our physical, operational and economic presence in the geography and communities of Picton, Waikawa, Havelock and the wider Sounds make a real difference to environmental, social and economic outcomes for these places and their people. The port supports the success of others – our business and recreational customers, iwi, communities, industry stakeholders and our shareholder.
We recognise the beauty and importance of the Marlborough Sounds environment and the way it has supported our people, lifestyle and economy over centuries – It’s vital that we protect our unique environment to sustain future generations.
Our decisions have a far reaching, long lasting and cumulative effect – and they matter. We know that genuine success needs to be measured across environmental and social outcomes as well as financial metrics. We’re clear on what drives us, and we’re working hard to lead the way as an environmentally restorative port, driving success for Marlborough.
We’ve embraced the task of evolving our internal culture and decision making to put people, the planet and prosperity through partnerships at the heart of the thinking and actions across our team everywhere, every day.
We’re actively developing new and stronger relationships, communicating more openly, and specifically targeting our support for community initiatives to those aligned with our values.
The health, safety and wellbeing of all people in our workplaces is a top priority. We value Hauora – and have invested in additional skills, training and engineering solutions in support of this goal.
We protect the future through our value of Kaitiakitanga – because safeguarding healthy ecosystems and the future of our areas of operation is critical to ensuring our port, the industries and communities we support can continue for future generations.
We work as one team – and commit to a partnership approach – Mahi Tahi – embraces all of our partnerships – with our people, customers, iwi and communities. We’re reaching beyond ‘corporate citizenship’, instead acting and engaging as a genuine community partner.
We do what we say we will do, and act with integrity – Pono – in everything we do.
Delivering excellence – Kairangatira – to our customers and excellent economic outcomes for our Shareholder and the region.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the corporate governance of Port Marlborough, and provides strong oversight and strategic direction, ensuring the organisation’s impacts on the economy, environment, and society are effectively managed. Their primary duty is to ensure accountability to the shareholder (MDCH) and to define and supervise the company’s operational strategy.
Responsibilities of the Board span regulatory and legal compliance, including governance of risk management to identify and mitigate enterprise risks. The Board receives 12 governance reports per year and meets at least six times over the reporting period to review performance and consider planning, material issues and risks. Subcommittees of the Board include the Health and Safety Committee, People, Performance and Culture Committee, and Audit and Risk Committee.
The Board of Directors is composed of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds and is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. The Board delegates its authority for the executive management and operations of the company to the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team.
Chair of the Board; Member of Health & Safety Committee, Member of People Performance and Culture Committee
Appointment: December 2020
Warren McNabb has a rich background in law, infrastructure, and utility investment banking, with significant experience in renewable energy development and carbon farming. As Chair of the Board, Warren leverages his expertise in regulated infrastructure sectors, capital markets, and strategic development to guide Port Marlborough’s governance.
Director; Chair of Health & Safety Committee, Member of Audit & Risk Committee
Appointment: December 2021
Heather Roy brings wide-ranging experience in governance and public service, spanning present and earlier leadership roles, including Utilities Disputes Ltd and Financial Advice New Zealand. Her background includes a notable political career as a former Member of Parliament and a Minister of the Crown. Heather’s expertise in governance, health and safety, and strategic leadership significantly contributes to her role as Chair of the board’s Health and Safety subcommittee.
Director; Council Representative on the Board, Member of Health & Safety Committee, Member of Audit & Risk Committee
Appointment: December 2023
Geoff Blake brings extensive financial and operational experience as a Chartered Accountant from his tenure at Airbus/Safe Air and as Chief Financial Officer of Marlborough District Council. His comprehensive understanding of finance and risk management contributes valuable insights to the board.
Director; Member of Health & Safety Committee, Member of the People Performance and Culture Committee
Appointment: December 2024
Carolyn brings broad leadership and governance experience, having been a commercial law firm partner, served as deputy chief executive in government agencies, and held a senior non-political advisory role to two former Prime Ministers.
Of Te Ātiawa descent, Carolyn focuses on inclusive, results-driven practice. Her expertise in policy, governance, assurance, and strategic engagement across a wide range of kaupapa in government, business, and community adds depth and perspective to the board.
Director; Chair of People, Performance and Culture Committee, Member of Health & Safety Committee
A seasoned civil engineer with four decades of experience in infrastructure, Colin Crampton offers deep expertise in infrastructure management and governance. His leadership experience in people management and strategy development is instrumental in his role as Chair of the People, Performance and Culture Committee.
Director; Member of Audit & Risk Committee, Member of Health & Safety Committee
Mark brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the Board. He served as Chief Executive of Marlborough District Council for a decade, following senior roles in engineering and infrastructure management across local government. Mark’s deep understanding of Marlborough’s economic drivers, regulatory environment, and planning processes contributes to the Board’s decision-making across key areas of regional growth and sustainability.
Director; Chair of Audit & Risk Committee, Member of Health & Safety Committee
Richard Olliver has broad experience across diverse sectors including finance and infrastructure. His current roles include key positions at Fulton Hogan Limited and The Bottling Company Limited. Richard’s strong background in capital management and financial analysis supports his leadership in the Audit & Risk Committee.
The Senior Leadership Team provides leadership for our people to achieve company goals across the strategic pillars of People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships.
With broad experience across their respective areas of responsibility, each member of the team brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to operational excellence, driving success for Marlborough and delivering outstanding results for our people and stakeholders.
Together, the team leads innovation and collaboration across the organisation, maintaining Port Marlborough’s position as a vital facilitator of Marlborough’s key industries and a trusted partner within the community.
Chief Executive Officer | Te Tumu Whakarae
With over 20 years in the port and marine industry, Rhys Welbourn has held engineering, operational, and commercial management roles and has been the Chief Executive of Port Marlborough since 2017. He leads the Senior Leadership Team in executing the company’s strategy to drive success in the Marlborough region.
Rhys holds an MBA from Cranfield University and has completed the Advanced Leadership Programme at Cambridge University and the Advanced Negotiation Program at Harvard University. He is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
General Manager Finance and Technology | Poutoko Ahumoni, Hangarau
Lisa Parnell leads the Finance and Technology team, delivering financial and business services that optimise profitability and support sustainable growth. Lisa’s team is responsible for the company’s technology strategy and ensuring continued investment in assets and people to achieve Port Marlborough’s vision.
General Manager Infrastructure and Environment | Poutoko Tūāhanga, Taiao
Gavin Beattie leads the engineering, environment, and workshop teams, focusing on developing and maintaining port and marina infrastructure while achieving environmental sustainability targets. His leadership in infrastructure planning prioritises long-term resilience, innovation, and integrating safety and sustainability into all projects.
Gavin also serves on the board of Marlborough Inland Hub Ltd as a Director, to oversee land assets in this joint venture for Port Marlborough partnership with CentrePort.
General Manager Marinas and Property | Poutoko Herenga Waka me ngā Papa
Anouk Euzeby oversees the marinas and property teams, prioritising customer satisfaction and building strong commercial relationships. Her team is dedicated to developing new business opportunities around the port’s marinas and land holdings while ensuring that commercial and recreational boating customers enjoy a premium experience at Marlborough Sounds’ world-class marinas.
General Manager Port and Marine | Poutoko Pōta, Moana
Ryan leads the Port and Marine teams, ensuring that the port is well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of customers across Marlborough’s key trades, including Forestry, Cruise, Inter-island Ferries, Export Cargo, and Fishing. His team provides professional pilotage, towage, and land-based services, all aimed at supporting safe and efficient port operations. They also manage maritime safety, security, and biosecurity in close collaboration with regulators.
Ryan also serves on the board of Marlborough Inland Hub Ltd as Director and Chair, to oversee land assets in this joint venture for Port Marlborough partnership with CentrePort
General Manager Communications and Engagement | Poutoko Whakapāpā
Connie Smith leads internal and external communications strategies, while also overseeing the company’s social and community partnership initiatives.
Connie manages partnerships and stakeholder engagement, media relations, corporate publishing, and reporting. She also strategically manages the sponsorship portfolio, ensuring that Port Marlborough’s success translates into meaningful connections and lasting benefits for the community. Connie is an accredited member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.
General Manager Health, Safety & Wellbeing | Poutoko Hauora, Haumaru me te Oranga
Anthony Burgess is responsible for cultivating an integrated safety culture across Port Marlborough, ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of all staff, contractors, and users. He emphasises providing resources and systems to support workers, with a focus on the company’s core value of Hauora – sustaining what keeps us healthy
General Manager People & Culture | Poutoko Tāngata, Ahurea
Nicky leads our commitment to cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace culture at Port Marlborough. Nicky’s team focuses on driving our people and workplace culture strategies, enhancing talent attraction and retention, and lifting leadership capability. Nicky is also responsible for ensuring our performance management framework supports the ongoing development and engagement of our people.
