Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Birch as Independent Chair of its Board, succeeding Duncan Hardie, who will retire from his role as director on 1 April.
Debbie brings a wealth of expertise in global debt capital markets, funds management, commercial and strategic investment, and risk management. Her governance experience spans multiple sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, funds management, and the primary sector.
As Independent Chair of WMS, Debbie is set to lead the company into its next phase of growth and development, with a strong commitment to sustainable practices and long-term success.
“I am excited to take on this new role at WMS and contribute to its ongoing growth. The company is at a critical juncture, and I look forward to working closely with the Board and management to drive the business forward while ensuring we operate sustainably and responsibly,” says Birch.
Debbie holds several prominent directorships, including roles with Westpac NZ, Napier Port, Hawkes Bay Regional Investment Company, Miraka, and Te Puia Tapapa. She also chairs Eastland Group and is a highly regarded leader within the New Zealand business community.
Her commitment to sustainable finance was demonstrated when she played a key role in the Sustainable Finance Leadership Forum, which developed New Zealand’s 2030 roadmap for a sustainable financial system.
Debbie’s leadership and governance skills are complemented by her recognition in the finance sector, receiving the INFINZ Award for Māori Leadership in Finance (“Te Tohu Kahukura”) in 2023.
Acknowledging Duncan Hardie’s Legacy
WMS is proud to acknowledge the legacy of Duncan Hardie, who steps down as Chair after many years of exceptional service. Duncan’s leadership has been crucial to the growth and success of the company, and his vision helped establish WMS as a key player in the industry.
Originally from Canterbury, Duncan spent much of his early career in Westland and Nelson before relocating to Sydney in 1986. In Australia, he became involved in property development with Hardie Pacific Limited. and then Goodman Hardie, a Sydney-based company, and played a central role in its successful listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 1995. The company listed on the ASX in 1995, with a $28M raising, then merged with Macquarie Industrial in 2000 to form Macquarie Goodman, a $1bn company, at which stage Duncan exited to once again explore private investment opportunities.
Hardie Pacific embarked on the West Coast minerals project two decades ago when it secured its first permits, marking the beginning of what would become a globally focused venture. Duncan’s entrepreneurial drive and strategic oversight have been instrumental in advancing the project from concept to where it stands today.
Duncan has overseen the growth of several successful ventures, including Apollo Gas, Waterford Coal, and various mineral exploration companies. His legacy in New Zealand includes holding permits and freehold land over a significant portion of Westland’s Heavy Minerals Sand deposits, which form the foundation of the company’s current operations. Duncan’s continued engagement in the sector across several Pacific countries, through ventures such as Weora Limited and Hard Earth Limited, showcases his passion for mineral exploration and innovation.
WMS is deeply grateful for Duncan’s leadership and strategic vision, which have been critical to the company’s success. While his decision to step down as Chair marks the end of an era, his contributions will continue to shape the company’s future. Duncan will remain the largest shareholder and serve as a strategic advisor to the team.
WMS Drives Expansion with Consent Application for Mananui
WMS has recently progressed with its resource consent application for the extraction of heavy mineral sands from privately owned farmland at Mananui, south of Hokitika.
This exciting new project, which is now in the public notification phase, represents a significant step in WMS’s continued growth and expansion along the West Coast of New Zealand.
The Mananui project will primarily focus on the extraction of garnet, titanium (ilmenite) and gold, with these valuable minerals set to be exported through the Port of Greymouth.
Hardie says with Debbie at the helm, he can see a clear pathway forward to unlocking a globally significant titanium resource on the West Coast.
“I’m thrilled to have someone with Debbie’s extensive governance experience step into this pivotal role as we look toward the future. Her appointment is crucial in steering the strategic decisions that will guide the company through this exciting phase of expansion.
“Debbie’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale and innovate our operations. The Mananui project marks a significant milestone in our growth, and we remain dedicated to environmentally responsible practices, which have been proven through our successful pilot plant in Westport. “With her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices, we are confident that Debbie will lead WMS to new heights,” says Hardie.
