New Zealand Law Society - Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Authority
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Are you a barrister or solicitor with at least 7 years’ practice of the High Court?
Do you have experience facilitating collective decision-making?
Can you lead an independent Crown entity board and build strong relationships?
On behalf of the Minister for Media and Communications, we are seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Authority Te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho (BSA).
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
Being the Chair of a Crown entity is rewarding and challenging. You will be leading the board in setting strategic direction and priorities, developing board policies and expectations for management, identifying and managing risks, and monitoring and evaluating the performance of the organisation.
In this role, your focus will be to:
provide effective leadership of the governance of the BSA, consistent with the Minister's expectations and requirements under the Crown Entities Act 2004.
act as the spokesperson for the BSA in ensuring the Minister and other key stakeholders are aware of the BSA’s views, objectives and activities
chair board meetings, including ensuring contributions are made by all members and assisting discussions towards the emergence of a consensus or majority view
maintain an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive while also taking an independent view to challenge and test management thinking.
Te Kawa Mataaho has developed a maturity matrix to highlight key attributes of a Crown entity Chair role: Personal qualities and attributes maturity matrix for high performing Crown entity board chairs and members
Kōrero mōu | About you
Under section 26(2) of the Broadcasting Act 1989, the person appointed to be Chair of the BSA shall be a barrister or solicitor of not less than 7 years’ practice of the High Court, whether or not the person holds or has held judicial office.
To be successful in this role, you will also have some or all the following:
an ability to deliberate as Chair of a quasi-judicial body
governance experience
an understanding of public interest in minimising harm from broadcasting
familiarity with te ao Maori, tikanga and te reo
insights into other communities the BSA wants to ensure are considered in decisions
an understanding of Crown governance and the legislative framework
time and energy for the position.
Any person who feels they can meet most of our criteria is welcome to apply. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
You may live anywhere in New Zealand. BSA board meetings are held every month, usually in Wellington. The time commitment of a Crown entity chair is expected to be up to 50 days per year.
Ko wai mātou | Who we are
The BSA is an independent Crown entity established pursuant to section 20 of the Broadcasting Act 1989 (the Act). The BSA oversees the maintenance of broadcasting standards by determining complaints, setting standards and providing information about the broadcasting standards system.
Want to know more about the BSA? Visit the BSA’s website.
Manatū Taonga supports Ministers to appoint and maintain effective boards of entities across Aotearoa New Zealand’s art, heritage, media and sport sectors. We work to promote a confident and connected culture and to support more New Zealanders to connect with the culture and heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Appointments to the BSA are made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Minister for Media and Communications.
Me pēhea te tono | How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for appointment to this position, please complete an expression of interest form and provide your CV for consideration:
Background checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact noms@mch.govt.nz.
Please ensure we have received your application no later than 5pm on 30 June 2025.
