The government has begun the process of recruiting a Telecommunications Commissioner.

Communications Minister Paul Swain said advertisements for the position will appear both in New Zealand and overseas in the next few days.

"The closing date for applications will be 8 June," he said.

“We are looking for a person who can earn the respect of the telecommunications industry and generally be seen as impartial and fair.

“We want someone with a strong commercial orientation plus good understanding of competitive markets and an understanding of the critical issues faced by the telecommunications industry.

“The Telecommunications Commissioner will be an additional Commissioner within the Commerce Commission and will take particular responsibility for administering the new telecommunications legislation," Paul Swain said.

The Commission is also expected to employ extra staff to assist with the new telecommunications work.

The appointment of the Commissioner will be finalised when the telecommunications legislation is passed, which is expected to be in late September.

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