Gisborne District Council appoints a new harbourmaster

DEPARTED: Former Gisborne harbourmaster Sonny Ali resigned from the role with Gisborne District Council and has been replaced by Peter Buell, originally from Canada, who has previous experience as a harbourmaster in the Bay of Plenty and Canterbury. Herald file picture

Gisborne District Council has announced a replacement harbourmaster in the wake of the departure of Salvatore Ali earlier this month.

Council environmental services and protection director Helen Montgomery said the council was sad to say goodbye to Mr Ali, who resigned to travel around New Zealand before returning to the United States with his family.

“Sonny, as he was known to us all, was our harbourmaster for three years.

“During his time with the council, he oversaw many improvements in the maritime functions of the council, with a view to always making it safer for every user,” Ms Montgomery said.

“We wish Sonny and his family all the best.”

The new harbourmaster will be Peter Buell.

“Peter is originally from Canada and has worked in New Zealand before for many years,” Ms Montgomery said.

“He comes with experience as a harbourmaster for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and before that in Canterbury.

“Because Peter is overseas we need to secure him a spot in MIQ before we can announce his start date.

“Until then we have cover for our upcoming summer period,” Ms Montgomery said.

Captain Martin Moore, the harbourmaster for Hawke's Bay Regional Council, will assist with the day-to-day issuing of permits.

“Consulting company Navigatus, which has maritime expertise and has previously covered the harbourmaster functions in Dunedin, will handle all other harbourmaster matters until Peter arrives in Gisborne.”