A high-level appointment has been made to the committee overseeing more than $100 million of shares in Bluff’s port. Cassandra Crowley, an independent director of South Port since 2023, has been named to Environment Southland’s newly formed Investment Committee.
Crowley, a Rotorua-based chartered accountant and lawyer, adds this role to her existing positions, which include chairing Southern Cross Travel Insurance and serving as deputy chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency.
The committee, which had its first meeting yesterday, replaces the former South Port subcommittee and has an expanded scope. In addition to managing the council’s 66% shareholding in South Port, it will also focus on improving returns from the council’s broader investment portfolio—this includes its managed fund, land holdings, and buildings.
While the committee’s interest register was not set up in time for the meeting, Crowley noted her ongoing interest in South Port. Environment Southland chair Nicol Horrell said there were no concerns about conflicts of interest, and highlighted Crowley’s experience and professionalism.
Andrew Morrison, a Southland farmer with a background in leading agricultural businesses, has also joined as the committee’s new independent chairman. Councillors Eric Roy, Jeremy McPhail, and Maurice Rodway will round out the team.
Several former members are not returning under the new structure, including Mr Horrell himself and councillors Paul Evans, Jon Pemberton, Alastair Gibson, Lyndal Ludlow and Peter McDonald.
The shift to a new committee model had been in development for a few years. Horrell said it would provide a more strategic use of council resources and could reduce the rates burden for residents by leveraging the council’s balance sheet more effectively.
A report tabled at the meeting showed the investment portfolio reached a value of $34.5 million in January but dropped to $33.4 million by March. Despite the dip, a return of 7.1% was achieved in the nine months to March 31, before management fees.
South Port remains a key asset for the region. As New Zealand’s southernmost commercial deep-water port, it is overseen by five independent directors and one non-independent director.