Our people

Geoff Dangerfield

Geoff was appointed the NZ Transport Agency's Chief Executive designate on 2 April and officially became the NZTA's first Chief Executive on 1 August 2008.

He joined the NZTA from the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) where he was Chief Executive from May 2001. Under his leadership, MED had an integrating influence in aligning both departments and ministers in a unified economic development strategy for New Zealand.

Previously, Geoff was Deputy Secretary to The Treasury in charge of the Asset and Liability and Management Branch, with responsibilities for the Crown's investments and interests in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Crown financial institutions, and New Zealand's foreign and domestic debt.

He joined The Treasury in 1985, working on reforms to transform departmental trading activities into SOEs, and on primary sector and science policy. From 1993 to 1995, Geoff worked in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as an advisor on economic and fiscal strategy and Treaty settlements.

Before joining The Treasury, he worked in the Ministry of Works and Development on assessing public sector resource investment and regional infrastructure projects.

Geoff holds an MSc in resource management from the University of Canterbury.

Ernst Zollner, Group Manager Strategy and Performance

Ernst was previously Director of Urban Development and Transport at the Wellington City Council, where he has held other roles including in strategic planning and economic development. During his career he has lectured on infrastructure planning and urban economics at the University of Auckland, worked at Local Government NZ and as a consultant in private practice. Ernst has a Masters Degree in city and regional planning, strong economic qualifications and considerable experience in stakeholder relationships.

Ian Gordon, Group Manager Access and Use

Ian was previously General Manager, Regulatory Services for Land Transport NZ. Prior to that, Ian led Land Transport NZ's Vehicle Certification Unit (VCU). This involved managing the regulatory framework for vehicle standards and nationwide compliance of the vehicle inspection industry. He spent 25 years in the military, rising to the rank of Colonel after holding the positions of Chief of Strategic Planning and Chief of Logistics. Academic qualifications include an MA (Hons) in Strategic Studies and Military History and a Diploma in Strategic Studies.

Liz Huckerby, Group Manager People and Capability

Liz was previously Acting Deputy Commissioner at the Inland Revenue Department and has also worked at the State Services Commission, in health and the private sector. Liz has held roles in human resources, corporate services and governance and has a Masters degree in Business from Massey University.

Allan Frost, Group Manager Organisational Support

Allan was previously the Chief Financial Officer and subsequently Chief Information Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Allan also sat on the Ministry’s management executive board. He has considerable experience in change, information services and financial management, and how to use them effectively to support business delivery. Allan is a Chartered Accountant by profession.

Colin Crampton, Group Manager Highways and Network Operations

Colin was previously General Manager Capital Projects for Transit NZ. Colin has considerable experience in highways development, having worked for Transit since 1989. He has been active in introducing new business approaches and systems to procurement, risk management and business reporting, and providing strategic advice on major projects.

Dave Brash, Group Manager Regional Partnerships and Planning

Dave joined the NZ Transport Agency in December 2008 from The Treasury where he was General Manager of the Emissions Trading Group, leading the development of New Zealand's emissions trading scheme. This role was a two-year secondment from the Ministry for the Environment, where he was General Manager responsible for working with central government. He has more than 23 years experience working with central and local government agencies on complex policy reforms and putting them in place. He has considerable experience in the management of change. Dave has a BSc (Hons) in geography – specialising in hydrology and computer science.

Wayne McDonald, Regional Director Auckland/Northland

Previously General Manager Transport Planning with Transit NZ, Wayne has spent his life working in the transport sector. He was previously Transit’s Regional Manager in Auckland and a director for the Traffic Design Group in Auckland. Prior to that, he was General Manager Transport for the Auckland Regional Council, which included responsibility for Auckland International Airport and The Yellow Bus Company. Wayne is a civil engineer who specialised in transportation planning and traffic engineering after obtaining a Masters degree in that field.

Dr Deborah Hume, Regional Director Wellington/Nelson Marlborough

Previously General Manager Strategic Support with Transit NZ, Deborah had worked to develop strong stakeholder relationships for Transit and to align business plans with the broader sector direction. She has a PhD from Queen’s University in Canada.

Jenny Chetwynd, Regional Director Taranaki/Manawatu/Hawke’s Bay

Previously Manager of Environmental Strategy for Transpower, Jenny has also held policy and planning roles with the Porirua and Hutt City Councils, the Ministry for the Environment and Boffa Miskell, an environmental planning consultancy.

Mark Yaxley, Regional Director Canterbury/West Coast

Mark was previously acting Partnership Manager Southern and formerly Principal Planning Advisor with Land Transport NZ and Transfund respectively. Mark has spent over 20 years in management and engineering roles within local councils, including the Waitaki District and Dunedin City Councils. He holds a Bachelor of Business and NZCE (Civil), and is a Registered Engineering Associate.

Bruce Richards, Regional Director Otago/Southland

Previously Transit NZ’s acting Regional Manager for Otago/Southland, Bruce was Resource Consents Manager at the Dunedin City Council and a consultant to the same council and Queenstown Lakes District before joining Transit. Bruce holds a NZCLS and Bachelor of Surveying.

Harry Wilson, Regional Director Waikato/Bay of Plenty

Harry was previously Chief Executive of Environment Waikato and Group Manager Resource before that. He has held various management roles at Children, Young Persons and their Families Service, the Department of Social Welfare and the New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Handicapped.