Wellington-based Kristy McDonald QC has been appointed as Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission for a term of five years.

Ms McDonald has extensive experience as a litigation lawyer. In 1992 she was appointed as Chairperson of the Mental Health Review Tribunal; and from 1993 to 1996 she was a member the Removal Review Authority.

From 2008 to 2015 she chaired the Judicial Control Authority for Racing and from 2009 to 2013 she was the inaugural Chair of the Real Estate Agents Authority.  

She is currently a member of the Accident Compensation Corporation Board and Chair of Kiwifruit New Zealand. Ms McDonald has also been involved in a number of Commissions of Inquiry and Ministerial Inquiries.