30 August 2002 Media Statement

Belgrave reappointed to Commerce Commission

John Belgrave has been re-appointed as Chair of the Commerce Commission.

In making the announcement, new Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel said the two-year appointment took effect from 25 August 2002.

John Belgrave has been extensively involved with both the development and implementation of competition policy in New Zealand. He has previous roles as Secretary of Commerce and Secretary for Justice and an extensive knowledge of consumer interests, having been responsible for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. He is a former Chief Executive of both the Bankers’ Association and Electrical Supply Association.

In his first term as Commission Chair, John Belgrave was responsible for implementing significant Commerce Act amendments and the Commission’s new regulatory responsibilities in the telecommunications, electricity and dairy industries.

"John’s depth of experience will continue to be invaluable and will provide stability as the Commission implements its new regulatory and enforcement responsibilities," Lianne Dalziel said.

John Belgrave’s Work History:

1994 – 1997 Secretary, Department of Justice & Ministry of Justice
1989 – 1994 Secretary, Ministry of Commerce (including Ministry of Consumer Affairs)
1985 – 1987 Comptroller (Chief Executive), Customs Department
1982 – 1985 Assistant Director General, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries
1980 – 1982 Assistant Secretary, Department of Trade & Industry
1976 – 1980 Minister (Commercial) & Senior Trade Commissioner, Tokyo
1973 – 1976 Director of Price & Stabilisation, Department of Trade & Industry
1969 – 1972 Trade Commissioner & Consul General Melbourne, Board member Melbourne Chamber of Commerce
1964 – 1968 Second Secretary (Commercial) New Zealand High

Note: attachment

Role of the Commerce Commission
The Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting competition and fair trade in New Zealand markets through its statutory enforcement and adjudication functions under the Commerce Act 1986, the Fair Trading Act 1986, the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998, the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001, and the Telecommunications Act 2001. In 2001, the Commission began setting up new regulatory regimes for the telecommunications, electricity and dairy industries.

Appointment of Chair of the Commerce Commission
The Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Minister of Commerce, appoints the members of the Commission. The Commission must consist of not less than six and not more than eight members, of whom at least three must be barristers and solicitors. One member of the Commission is appointed as Chair.

Terms of appointment
Commerce Commission Members can hold office for a term up to five years and may be re-appointed. Guidelines from the State Services Commission recommend that members of statutory boards serve no more than two terms. Board members may resign by written notice or may be removed from office by the Minister for prescribed failings.

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