The response effort to the Rena's grounding is now under the control of Keith Manch, with former Maritime New Zealand chief executive Catherine Taylor stepping aside.

The former chief executive and registrar of the Real Estate Agents' Authority, Keith is the new MNZ chief executive and director of the national maritime safety authority.

New Maritime New Zealand director and chief executive Keith Manch. Photo: Maritime New Zealand.

He says continuing an effective response to the Rena, and undertaking two reviews of the maritime sector are among his key priorities.

'I've been looking forward to starting work at Maritime New Zealand,” says Keith.

'As an organisation it has an incredibly diverse, interesting and important role to play – a role that couldn't be more important given recent events off the coast of Tauranga.

'I've been fortunate to have been involved in some of the work that has gone on in the background regarding the Rena response and have been impressed by the dedication, professionalism and passion with which MNZ, the local community and other agencies have responded to this crisis.

He says it is an incredibly interesting time to be joining MNZ and is excited by the opportunity to lead the team and learn more about the organisation as it moves forward.

Keith says his priorities will include completing two significant overhauls of the maritime sector, including the Qualifications and Operational Limits, and Maritime Operator Safety System reviews.

'Both of these important projects are about making sure New Zealand has modern, effective and robust frameworks for seafarer qualifications and for ensuring the safety of domestic commercial vessels, which underpin the maritime transport system.”

Keith has 20 years experience in the public sector and says he will continue working to build on positive relationships with industry and other important stakeholders.

'MNZ will be continuing to look at ways we can improve and streamline the services we provide to industry and others.

'There is a huge amount of technical knowledge, skill and expertise within the MNZ team – and I'm looking forward to working alongside them to continue to lead and support the maritime industry.

'I'm also very much looking forward to getting out and meeting and talking with people from different parts of the sector and other key contacts over the coming weeks and months.

'I'd also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank my predecessor, Catherine Taylor.

'My goal is to continue to build on the work she has started to ensure that MNZ remains a modern, effective and responsive regulator.”