Commissioners appointed

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has announced three appointments to the Commerce Commission.

Bryan Chapple and Vhari McWha, pictured, have become commissioners having previously been associates, and Rakihia Tau is now an associate commissioner. They are five-year appointments.

Chapple was appointed as an associate commissioner in July 2022. He is an experienced economist and senior public-sector leader, with a deep understanding of the economy and the role of regulation.

McWha was appointed as an associate in September 2020 and succeeds commissioner Elisabeth Welson. McWha is also an economist and has advised on public policy and regulation, including competition analysis and market design.

In addition to these two appointments, Duncan Webb, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, has appointed Tau as associate commissioner. He joins the regulator in relation to matters arising under the Commerce, Fair Trading, Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance, and Fuel Industry Acts.

Tau’s experience includes managing Ngai Tahu Holdings’ strategic policy, litigation, and external relations, providing business advisory services and having a range of governance roles.

Welson, who has been a member of the commission for 11 years, will continue at the regulator under a transitional arrangement to complete determinations she has already been involved in.