Mr Blenkiron joined the Tiwai Point smelter in early 2022, bringing with him a strong background in industrial leadership and a deep commitment to sustainability and regional development.
During his tenure, he had overseen a period of significant transformation and achievement for the smelter and the wider Murihiku region, the statement said.
In his time at Tiwai, Mr Blenkiron had driven strong change across NZAS.
That included securing a 20-year power agreement, ensuring the smelter’s operations through to 2044.
Mr Blenkiron had backed a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, initiating and advancing the progressive remediation of the Tiwai site, including a permanent closure of the on-site landfill and long-term planning for sustainable land use, alongside rectifying previous environmental missteps, the statement said.
NZAS became a key player in New Zealand’s energy resilience, offering up to a third of its power supply during peak demand periods and positioning the smelter as the country’s largest "virtual battery" — helping reduce carbon emissions by displacing coal-fired generation.
This landmark agreement was called into full effect during last year August’s energy crisis.
Mr Blenkiron also fostered deeper collaboration with Ngāi Tahu, resulting in the signing of a partnership of a memorandum of understanding, aligning with Treaty of Waitangi principles, the statement said.
Current Tiwai casting and logistics manager Matthew Black will step in as acting chief executive and general manager. — Allied Media
