Press Release

17 April 2008

Appointment of Chief Ombudsman

Acting Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem, CBE, has been confirmed as Chief Ombudsman.

This follows unanimous support in the House today for a notice of motion moved by Hon Dr Michael Cullen recommending her appointment.

Ms Wakem has been Acting Chief Ombudsman since November 2007, in response to the ill health and then death of the former Chief Ombudsman John Belgrave.

Ms Wakem has enjoyed a distinguished career in the public and private sectors. She was a member of the Higher Salaries Commission (now the Remuneration Authority) from 1997 to 2005 and has been an Ombudsman since March 2005.

ENDS

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