Poynter, formerly Solid Energy’s South Island planning manager, will stay at the company for up to two days a week. He will represent Solid on mining and mining-related projects, including community consultation and sponsorship.

In his new role at Eastern, Poynter will represent the company on stakeholder relations and project work throughout New Zealand, working out of Eastern’s Westport office.

Eastern, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and also has mining interests in Queensland, bought New Zealand mine Cascade in June this year and the Whareatea West exploration permit last year.

Eastern is also pursuing other mining opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.

“We are taking a long-term approach to developing coal projects in New Zealand – in particular on the west coast – and a person of Kevin’s standing in the coal industry should prove invaluable to us,” Eastern chief Paul Williams said.