17 June 2005
Media Release

Press Council Chairman retires

Sir John Jeffries, Chairman of the New Zealand Press Council since 1997 is to retire at the end of June. He will be replaced by retired High Court Judge, Hon Barry Paterson CNZM, OBE, QC of Auckland.

The Press Council was established in 1972 by newspaper publishers and journalists to provide the public with an independent forum for resolution of complaints against the press.

Commenting on Sir John’s retirement, President of the Newspaper Publishers’ Association Julian Smith said Sir John had greatly strengthened the standing and effectiveness of the press council in the eyes of both the public and print media professions.

“It is not just a question of hearing and adjudicating complaints, which Sir John has done with great efficacy, but he has also promoted the development of higher and higher standards of ethics and professionalism in journalism across all newspapers and magazines in this country,” Mr Smith said.

Barry Paterson has served on numerous public and private business and charitable organisations and is also currently Chairman of the Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand.

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