17 August 2004

Charities Commission Interview Panel Appointed

The Ministry of Economic Development today announced members of the interview panel that will recommend potential Charities Commissioners to the Government.

Ministry Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield said Dame Cath Tizard, John Belgrave, and Tony Dale would interview potential Charities Commissioners. Ministry Regulatory and Competition Policy Deputy Secretary Mark Steel will also be on the panel.

"This interview panel has knowledge of Crown entity management, expertise in governance issues for charitable organisations, and experience in the charitable sector," Mr Dangerfield said.

The Government is currently considering the Charities Bill, which provides for the creation of a Charities Commission and the establishment of a registration, reporting and monitoring system for charities. Based on the provisions in the current Bill, the Commission would have between five and seven members.

The Bill's provisions could change due to Parliamentary consideration and the Commissioners would not be appointed until after it was passed into law. This allows for the Commissioner positions to reflect any changes to the Bill. The recruitment process has started due to the length of time it takes to appoint Commissioners. The Bill could be passed into law as early as December this year.

Mr Dangerfield said 377 people expressed interest in a Commissioner position.

"The quantity and calibre of the applicants ensures the inaugural board will have high quality members with the necessary governance, charitable sector, law and accounting experience to govern, direct and supervise the Commission's business."

Interviews will occur in September, after which the Government would consider the panel's recommendations.

INTERVIEW PANEL BIOGRAPHIES

Dame Cath Tizard

Dame Cath Tizard was Governor-General of New Zealand from 1990-96. She is a former Mayor of Auckland and former city and regional councillor. Dame Cath has had extensive involvement with community, charity, arts and educational organisations. Since retiring, she has remained active in community affairs, including membership of the Auckland Board of Conservation, chair of the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust, deputy-chair of the Kiri Te Kanawa Trust, Patron of Hospice New Zealand and the Variety Club Children's Charity. She is also a patron or trustee of numerous other community sector organisations.

John Belgrave

John Belgrave is the Chief Ombudsman. He has spent most of his career in the public service and is experienced in Crown entity management. Previous roles have included Chair of the Commerce Commission, Secretary of Commerce and Secretary for Justice. Mr Belgrave also has an extensive knowledge of consumer interests, having headed the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Tony Dale

Tony Dale is an accountant and economist, managing director of Public Management International LTD, and an internationally recognised public sector management consultant. Mr Dale has a strong professional interest in governance, accountability, and performance management arrangements for voluntary sector agencies. He has authored a guidance book for the Institute of Chartered Accountants on Financial Reporting and the application of Financial Reporting Standards by Voluntary Sector Entities. Mr Dale is a member of the Charities Commission Establishment Group that has been advising the Ministry of Economic Development.

Mark Steel

Mark Steel is Deputy Secretary of the Regulatory and Competition Policy Branch at the Ministry of Economic Development. Mr Steel's responsibilities include monitoring and advising Ministers on the performance of, and appointments to, eight crown entities. He joined the Department of Trade and Industry in 1985 and has worked on a wide range of regulatory policy issues including competition law, state enterprise restructuring, intellectual property, company and securities law reform.

ENDS

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