TUANZ elects new chairman

Chris O'Connell is replacing Merv Altments as TUANZ chairman after a contested election.

As reported last month, O'Connell stood against Altments for the post. He told Computerworld he saw 2008 as a “tipping-point year” for New Zealand telecommunications. He said two competing philosophies of telecommunications were in play. One was the internet model of interoperability and “comfortably separated layers” that can be obtained from different suppliers and customised separately. The other, the old vertically integrated telco model.

“The trend [towards independently provided internet-style fibre networks] that started with Citylink is now going nationwide,” he said. Vital tools such as voice-over-IP and high-definition videoconferencing are “no longer the preserve of a few chief executives” but critical to the success of New Zealand’s economy.

“I want to make a difference at this crucial time and I think I can only do that from the chairman’s position," he said at the time, denying his run was an overt criticism of TUANZ's the current leadership.

A new board has also been elected. They are: Merv Altments

David Boyes, Westpac NZ

Kevin Drinkwater, Mainfreight Ltd

Michael Foley, Voco

Jane Hindle, Enterprise Northland Trust

Peter Muggleston, ASB Bank

Pat O’Connell, Rank Group

Bruce Turner, Connell Wagner Ltd

Doug Wilson, NZ Automobile Association