Hon Judith Collins

Minister for ACC
4 September 2012 Media Statement

New Chair and Members for ACC Board

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced a new Chair and new members for the ACC Board, reflecting the Government’s priorities for the highest standards of best practice and service, and rebuilding the public’s trust and confidence in the corporation.

“My appointments today underline the Government’s commitment to genuine culture change, and will lead to a more balanced and comprehensive approach to the governance and operation of ACC.

“I am pleased to announce the interim Chair Paula Rebstock has been appointed to the position of Chair. Paula has served the Board well in an acting capacity throughout a challenging time for the corporation. She has demonstrated a commitment to culture change at ACC and will bring important continuity to the role on top of her broad experience in corporate governance and regulation,” Ms Collins says.

The new Board members are Deputy Chair Trevor Janes, Professor Des Gorman and Kristy McDonald QC - all appointed for three year terms. A fourth new Board member has been identified, to commence in early 2013, bringing the Board up to its full membership of eight. The appointment will be announced later this year, giving the person time to fulfil prior business commitments. The new appointees join existing Board members Jill Spooner, John Meehan and Jane Huria.

“The Government’s priorities for ACC also include maintaining a focus on levy stability and financial sustainability, providing high quality services for claimants and clients, and ensuring the early resolution of disputes.

“Building on the strength of the existing Board members, the wide-ranging skills and experience of these appointees reflect our priorities. We now have a strong Board to lead ACC as it embarks on a new era of service for all New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

Biographies

Paula Rebstock is currently Chair of the Work and Income Board, Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Railways Corporation, Chair of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Commission and an existing member of the Accident Compensation Corporation Board. Ms Rebstock was previously the Chair of the Commerce Commission and has expertise in governance, economic regulation, and labour market policy. She has been on the ACC Board since April 2011.

Trevor Janes is an experienced director and chairman and has been employed in a number of senior management roles. He is currently Chair of the Public Trust and is self employed as a financial adviser and consultant in the public sector and private sector including in the areas of banking, equity markets and debt financing. Mr Janes has been a specialist advisor to the ACC Board investment subcommittee since 2003.

Professor Des Gorman is Head of Auckland School of Medicine and Associate Dean, and has doctorates in medicine and in philosophy. He has extensive medical knowledge across a number of specialties (including brain injury, occupational medicine, and toxicology). Affiliated to Ngapuhi, Professor Gorman is also Executive Chairman of Health Workforce NZ, and a member of the National Health Board.

Kristy McDonald QC has practised in criminal, public and constitutional, and administrative law during her distinguished career. Ms McDonald has served as Chairperson of the Mental Health Review Tribunal for ten years, and has acted as Legal Assessor to the NZ Medical Council, Dentists’ Disciplinary Tribunal, Psychologists’ Board, and the NZ Nursing Council. She served on the NZ Law Society’s Ethics Committee for nine years, including as Chair and is a current member of Lawyers Engaged in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

ENDS

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