Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister of Broadcasting

28 July 2008 Media Statement

New Chair and Governors for RNZ

Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard has announced the appointment of a new Chair and two new Governors for Radio New Zealand. Two other governors have been reappointed.

Former NZ Law Society President, Christine Grice has been appointed Chair. Former Attorney General, Rt. Hon. Paul East, QC and former Far North District Council Mayor, Yvonne Sharp, have been appointed as Governors.

Current Governors Steve Murray and Sifa Taumoepeau have been reappointed.

Ms Grice is a current Radio New Zealand Governor and a senior partner in a Waikato law firm. She has strong governance experience across a range of boards. She replaces Brian Corban who is stepping down after nine years as Chair.

“I welcome the new members and, in particular, acknowledge the skills and experience that Christine Grice, a current board member, brings to her new position,” Trevor Mallard said.

“I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that Brian Corban has made to Radio New Zealand during his three terms as Chair. He has been an excellent leader and has guided the organisation through a period of considerable change. I also thank retiring Governor, Alan Dick, for his contribution.”

Radio New Zealand has a board which consists of the Chair and seven Governors.

ENDS

Biographical Information

Christine Grice of Hamilton is a senior partner with Waikato law firm Harkness Henry & Co where she specialises in commercial litigation, public law, health law, trade practices and consumer law. She is a former President of the New Zealand Law Society. She also chairs the Perry Group Ltd and is a director of the Council of Legal Education. Christine is an honorary lecturer at Waikato University's Law School.

Rt.Hon Paul East Q.C. CNZM is a Rotorua-based barrister and company director. He was the Member of Parliament for Rotorua from 1978 to 1999 when he held a number of ministerial posts and was Leader of the House. From 1999-2002 he was New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK. Previously he has practised law with Morpeth Gould & Co in Auckland and East Brewster in Rotorua.

Yvonne Sharp of Kerikeri has had extensive experience and involvement in local government and community organisations. She was Mayor of the Far North District Council for three terms (1998-2007). Ms Sharp is the deputy chair of the QEII National Trust, chair of the Road Safety Trust, and the Presiding Member of the Northland Lotteries Committee.

Steve Murray of Wellington has a background as a senior manager and consultant. He has recently resigned as Managing Director of EDS New Zealand, a post he held for two years. Mr Murray was previously the Chief Executive of Tainui Group Holdings Ltd. He is a current Governor of Radio New Zealand and has affiliations to Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri.

Sifa Taumoepeau of Auckland, has a background in government relations and public policy. Mr Taumoepeau is currently the Manager of Government and Industry Affairs for Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. Prior to this role he was an advisor in the government relations area for Telecom New Zealand Ltd. He is a former board member of the National Pacific Radio Trust and is active in the Auckland Tongan community

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