Thank you for the opportunity to speak at this significant event to mark the end of Peter Davie’s tenure as Chief Executive of Lyttelton Port Company.
We’re here to acknowledge Peter’s 16 years as Chief Executive of the Company. However, I understand that his association with the port goes back many years earlier and started with his appointment as a marketing junior. He clearly had ambitions for greater things and went on to work in Australian ports for a number of years, for seven of those in the role of CEO.
Peter became Chief Executive of Lyttelton Port Company in 2003 and since then he has worked with two Christchurch City Holdings Chief Executives, Bob Lineham and Paul Munro, and three mayors, Garry Moore, Bob Parker and now me.
In Peter’s sixteen years with the port, there have been both great challenges and achievements. The greatest challenge was, of course, the response to the earthquakes. Immediately following the February 2011 quake, the port was only closed for three days. That is an extraordinary achievement.
Since then he has led the Port through the development of the Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan and the business case for the redevelopment, which has included a significant component of reclamation.
During his time as Chief Executive container volumes have tripled, equating to over half of all South Island container movements.
As Peter leaves LPC it is positioned well for the future, with new Berths including the Cruise Berth and an expanded Container Terminal (thanks to the reclamation programme), not to mention the development of a successful inland port in Rolleston.
The port has also been opened up to the community with the completion of the Te Ana Marina, which is a fantastic facility, of which you can be very proud.
So Peter, I would like to thank you on behalf of the people of Christchurch for your 16 years with Lyttelton Port Company.
And I want to acknowledge Wendie – behind every succesful man I’ve ever known lies an equally successful partner. And you have been no exception.
I wish you both well for the future – I understand sailing may have a significant part to play in that – which feels a perfect way to bring this part of your career to a close.
Recognising too the leadership role you have also played with the Chamber of Commerce, you have made a significant contribution to your city and region, and we are the richer for that.
So congratulations on all your achievements and we wish you clear skies, calm seas and a kind wind forever at your back, wherever life takes you.