New Independent Chair for Banking Ombudsman Scheme Announced

Media Release - 28 May 2013

New Independent Chair for Banking Ombudsman Scheme Announced

Queen’s Counsel Miriam Dean has been appointed by the Banking Ombudsman Scheme’s Board of Directors as its new independent chair, effective from 1 June 2013. 

Ms Dean is an Auckland barrister, director and mediator/arbitrator.  Formerly a partner in Russell McVeagh, she specialises in dispute advice and resolution with an emphasis on competition and consumer laws.  She was instrumental in the establishment of the dispute resolution association LEADR in New Zealand almost 25 years ago.

“This role ticks all the boxes in terms of my interests and skill set as it combines law, dispute resolution, and governance.  I think it is a great thing that industries such as the banking sector have dispute resolution schemes.  They are good for the customer and good for the industry,” Ms Dean says.

Ms Dean is currently Chair of NZ On Air, Chair of the Ministry of Justice’s Legal Aid Advisory Board, Deputy Chair of Auckland Council Investments Limited, a director of Crown Fibre Holdings Limited, and a trustee of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. 

She was previously an Auckland Transition Agency member, and member of the Government Electricity Review Group, and the Transitional Electricity Authority.  She is also the immediate past President of the New Zealand Bar Association.

In 2011 Ms Dean was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to law and business. 

Ms Dean takes over from current chair Professor Ron Paterson who has been appointed Parliamentary Ombudsman.

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