Lyttelton Port Company has today confirmed the appointment of Acting CEO Kirstie Gardener as permanent Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.

The company said “this appointment comes at a difficult time after a tragic incident at LPC on Anzac Day morning, with the passing of LPC whānau member, Don Grant, during the loading of a coal vessel.”

“LPC is aware of the circumstances in which this announcement is made and would like to again acknowledge the family and friends of Don at this time, for their loss.”

Lyttelton Port Company Board of Directors Chair Margaret Devlin said “this is a very difficult time for Don’s family, as it is for his friends here at LPC. We will continue to support those affected in any way we can, going forward.”

“On behalf of the Board, I am keen to reiterate our commitment to cooperating fully with the active investigations being conducted at LPC. I also want to reiterate our intentions to take away learnings and process changes from those investigations once they have concluded,” she said.

Kirstie said she was pleased to have accepted the role in a permanent capacity, having been Acting CEO from December 2021.

“I am aware of the circumstances in which this announcement comes, and I am determined to ensure that we learn from the tragedy and help make the Port sector safer. I am also committed to ensuring that LPC continues to play its role in delivering positive outcomes for Canterbury,” Kirstie said.