The Southland District Council (SDC) has appointed Rex Williams as one of its two directors on the board of Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL).

MSTL operates the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, parking facilities, staff accommodation, wastewater and recycling systems at Milford Sound and is owned in equal proportions by Real Group and Skeggs Group, with SDC holding the remaining 2%.

The company operates from revenue received from a levy that is added to visitors' cruise tickets.

Williams said he was looking forward to contributing to MSTL.

“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is a very special place with a unique set of governance challenges and responsibilities which will require careful consideration,” he said.

Williams, a civil engineer, comes with an extensive resume including government governance appointments on the West Coast District Health Board and two terms as Environment Canterbury commissioner.

He has also served on the University of Canterbury Council's finance committee and was Chancellor for three years.

From 2006 to 2021, he was a director and chair of Invercargill-based H W Richardson Group Limited.

Volunteer governance roles have included chair of national cycling advocacy group CAN, river care group Styx Living Laboratory Trust and the Southland Museum Redevelopment Panel, along with being a trustee of Canterbury Museum.

A committee member and Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors Canterbury, he also provides mentoring to a range of government appointees.

Williams is currently chair of Te Tai o Poutini Planning Committee on the West Coast.

“Over the years I have learned the importance of understanding the philosophy and practice of community decision-making while bearing in mind the commercial necessities of all activities,” Williams said.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said Williams was definitely the right person for the role and it was exciting to add such a wealth of expertise.

“I was really impressed with [Williams] broad experience across a range of sectors, including local government,” Scott said.

“Given the complexities of Milford Sound Piopiotahi, I am confident Rex will be a valuable addition to the board as council's appointment.”

Williams will join five other directors on the MSTL board, for a three-year term, on 1st July 2025.