NZ On Air chief, Jane Wrightson, has landed the plum Retirement Commissioner (RC) role in a move that sees a financial services outsider in the role for the first time.

Wrightson was named this morning as permanent replacement for Diane Maxwell, who finished her tumultuous term as RC this June.Peter Cordtz has been acting RC since Maxwell’s exit.

While Maxwell and her RC predecessors have had financial industry experience, Wrightson comes to the role with a long career in various broadcasting positions, dating back to a nine-year career as head of commissioned programmes for Television NZ starting in 1981.She was also chief film censor before taking up the deputy chief role at NZ On Air in 1994. After intervening chief executive jobs with SPADA and the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Wrightson returned to head NZ On Air in 2007.

In a statement, Commerce Minister, Kris Faafoi, said:“Jane’s experience in that key role within New Zealand’s multi-million dollar media sector has helped us grow our national identity and showcase it to the world.“NZ On Air connects New Zealanders and helps reflect what it is to be a New Zealander.“It supports inclusion and embraces our diversity through the local content it funds.

“The abilities Jane has shown in leading that work will neatly fit into the work she’ll be doing with the Commission for Financial Capability on a national strategy to help New Zealanders get ahead financially,” Mr Faafoi said.

Wrightson will take up the job from February next year.

Posted by Alec Waugh 1 November 2019