Friday 15 December 2006

Rebstock reappointed to Commerce Commission

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel today announced the reappointment of Paula Rebstock as chair of the Commerce Commission through to 31 March 2009.

Ms Rebstock has been chair of the Commerce Commission since 2003. She joined the Commission in 1998 and has previously served as an associate member, member and deputy chair.

“Over recent years, the Commission has taken on an extensive range of new roles and functions which Ms Rebstock has skilfully overseen and implemented,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“Her experience will be highly valuable to the Commission as it further develops its capabilities.”

The Commission has a number of important areas of focus in the coming years including the implementation of regulation in the gas distribution industry, targeting cartels for enforcement activity under the Commerce Act, and the re-set of electricity thresholds, Lianne Dalziel said

Commerce Commission background

The Commerce Commission is an independent Crown Entity. Its purpose is to promote dynamic and responsive markets so that New Zealanders benefit from competitive prices, better quality and greater choice.

The Commerce Commission fosters competition amongst businesses and informed choice by consumers, and implements sound regulatory regimes. It is responsible for enforcing the Commerce Act, Fair Trading Act, Electricity Industry Reform Act, Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, Telecommunications Act and Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act.

The Commerce Commission comprises between four and six members, including the chair, deputy chair, and the Telecommunications Commissioner, who are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the responsible Minister; and associate members, who are appointed by the Minister of Commerce in relation to specific matters the Commission is required to act independently on. The number of associates is not limited.

ENDS

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