Office of the Ombudsmen
Te Tari-o-Ngā Kaitiaki Mana Tangata
Death of Chief Ombudsman, John Belgrave
The Office of the Ombudsman notes with sadness the passing of the Chief Ombudsman, John Belgrave DCNZM.
“John was the quintessential public servant, in the very best sense of that phrase,” said Acting Chief Ombudsman
Beverley Wakem. “He gave a lifetime of service to his country in a variety of roles, latterly as Secretary for Justice,
Chair of the Commerce Commission and, since 2003, as Chief Ombudsman.”
“In his role as Chief Ombudsman, John was forthright but fair, and always principled in his approach. He was widely
respected in the community and in his dealings with Government agencies and Members of Parliament.”
Ms Wakem said that he would be sadly missed and his passing has left a huge gap in the office, the public sector and in
the wider Ombudsmen community, especially in Australia and the Pacific.
ENDS