New Electoral Commission Chief Executive
David Henry has been appointed by the Governor- General as a Member and Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission for a term of one year.
Mr Henry is a former senior public servant and more recently has worked as a management consultant. He was the Commissioner/ Chief Executive of the Inland Revenue Department from 1988-1995, Deputy Chair of the Y2K Readiness Commission from 1998-2000, and Chief Electoral Officer from 2000-2006.
The Electoral Commission is an independent Crown entity that registers political parties, party logos, and third parties. It also receives donations protected from disclosure, registers parties and third parties' annual returns of donations and returns of election expenses, and allocates election broadcasting time and funds to eligible political parties.
The appointment is for one year because the Government is considering a report on the structure of the electoral agencies.
Mr Henry replaces Dr Helena Catt who has stood down after five years in the position.
Justice Minister Simon Power said Dr Catt had made a significant contribution to the Commission and thanked her for her work over the past five years.