25 October 2006

Registrar of Pecuniary Interests appointed

One of New Zealand’s most experienced former public servants with considerable experience of governance processes and ethical considerations in public life, Dame Margaret Bazley, has been appointed Registrar of Pecuniary Interests of Members of Parliament.

Dame Margaret takes over from former Ombudsman and former District Court Judge, Anand Satyanand, who has been appointed Governor-General.

The Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, said Dame Margaret has long experience as a senior public servant including extensive knowledge of the machinery of government. She has held the positions of acting Chief Executive, Department of Work and Income; Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Policy; Director-General, Social Welfare; Secretary for Transport; and Deputy Chairperson, State Services Commission.

Currently, Dame Margaret is the Chairperson, NZ Fire Service Commission; Chairperson, Foundation of Research, Science and Technology; Commissioner, Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct; Member, Risk Management Committee, Legal Services Agency. Dame Margaret was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2001.

Ms Wilson said Dame Margaret is eminently suited to take on the role of registrar which involves compiling the register and making judgments about whether pecuniary interests are registrable.

The registrar provides advice and guidance to Members in connection with their obligations under Standing Orders to make annual returns of pecuniary interests.

Dame Margaret takes up the position immediately.

ENDS

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