Three New Zealand Transport Agency directors have resigned, six weeks after the sudden departure of the agency's chief executive.
Board members Adrienne Young-Cooper and Chris Ellis have left unannounced and deputy chairwoman Dame Fran Wilde will leave at the end of January.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford confirmed the resignations in a statement to Stuff.
The agency is under a wide-ranging review following fall-out over its poor enforcement of transport regulations, including the recall of almost 20,000 vehicles needing warrant of fitness retests.
Board chairman Michael Stiassny described the changes as occurring as a time of "continuing challenges".
Former NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie, Transport Minister Phil Twyford and board chair Michael Stiassny at the 2018 announcement of an external compliance review.
"There has been significant change at NZTA in recent months, and as a consequence this is leading to board and senior management changes," he said.
"The NZTA has continuing challenges and some significant decisions and actions are ahead of it this year.
"I am looking forward to working with new directors and senior leaders to meet these challenges."
Adrienne Young-Cooper has resigned unannounced.
The agency's board members are appointed by the Transport Minister, but Twyford has no role in their departure.
NZTA had been going through "a massive change process", he said.
"It's understandable that there may be some movements on the board during this period."
Wilde made no comment when contacted by Stuff.
Young-Cooper and Ellis have not been able to be reached.
NZTA's chief executive Fergus Gammie resigned in December, with the beleaguered agency's compliance work under review by law firm Meredith Connell.
The reviewers are working through 850 outstanding compliance files including one car – recently issued a warrant of fitness – which crashed, killing a passenger whose seat belt failed.
In a statement about his decision to stand down in December, Gammie admitted the agency had been reliant on education and self-regulation rather than focusing attention and resources.
"In resigning, I note that the approach and focus of the Transport Agency has necessarily changed," said Gammie.
Ellis and Wilde joined NZTA's board in 2016, with Wilde – a former Labour MP, mayor of Wellington and regional council chairwoman – as deputy chairwoman.
Their terms were until April 30, while Young-Cooper's was due to end on June 30.
Young-Cooper also chairs Housing New Zealand and Auckland Council's development agency Panuku.