Appointments to Advisory Committee on Official Statistics

Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson today announced six appointments to the Advisory Committee on Official Statistics (ACOS).

Professor Richard Bedford and Dr Peter Bushnell have been reappointed to the committee and there are four new appointments. The new appointees are:

Mr Murray Bain, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Research Science and Technology who brings experience and expertise from business, ICT, finance and banking, and from within the scientific and research community.

Mr Bill Bayfield, Chief Executive Officer, Environment Bay of Plenty with a background in regional and local government, and environmental issues including natural resource allocation and transport planning.

Ms Kim Hill, media commentator and broadcaster. Ms Hill is an experienced commentator who is accustomed to asking the hard questions, particularly in a political and economic context. She has a breadth of knowledge in a range of areas including science.

Mr Tom Lambie, farmer, Chancellor of Lincoln University, former National President of Federated Farmers, and a trustee of Motu Economic and Public Policy Research institute.  Mr Lambie has had considerable involvement in business, private research, and economic and public policy.

ACOS, which is chaired by Hon David Caygill, provides independent advice on official statistics to the Minister of Statistics and government.

"The new appointees bring a range of complementary skills and experience to the committee which now provides coverage of the social and economic sectors, academic research, science, business, the primary production sector, media, health, Maori, and Pacific Peoples", said Mr Williamson.