Lyttelton Port Company Chief Executive Officer Roger Gray has been appointed co-chair of the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour governance group, joining Yvette Couch-Lewis from Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke to guide the programme forward.

Gray appointed at June’s governance group meeting

At the latest governance group meeting in June, representatives from each partner organisation confirmed Roger’s appointment.

The kaupapa/purpose of the plan is to restore the ecological and cultural health of Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour as mahinga kai.

Moving the programme forward with partner organisations

Roger says working with the partner organisations, Environment Canterbury, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Christchurch City Council is the best way to gather momentum behind this important programme.

“The Port is part of the fabric of Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, and because of that we are firmly focused on ensuring the sustainability of our environment, and the Port, which supports thousands of jobs, for future generations.

“I believe having these key players sitting at the same table is vital to ensuring the success of our vision.”

Working alongside Yvette Couch-Lewis

Roger says he is also proud to work alongside Yvette from Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke as co-chair, who he describes as a champion of Whakaraupō.

“Yvette has played a vital role in the programme since its inception, so I am proud to walk alongside her as co-chair, and together take the project forward.”

Yvette says it is the perfect time in the project’s development for a co-chair to be appointed.

“It makes sense for the Governance Group to be jointly chaired by mana whenua and the Port, who have such a longstanding relationship around Whakaraupō – I’m really pleased.”