Re-appointments to the Standards Council

Commerce Minister Simon Power today announced the re-appointment of six members of the Standards Council.

The Standards Council is a Crown entity, which through Standards New Zealand develops, adopts, and publishes New Zealand standards. It has up to 12 members.

Mr Power said Richard Gibbons, John Hannah, Sharon Kletchko, Vivian Kloosterman, Vaughan Renner, and Michael Wallsmannsberger have been re-appointed for one-year terms.

“These re-appointments provide the Standards Council with continuity of expertise and experience, allowing the new chair to develop a robust succession plan,” Mr Power said.

“I am confident these members will maintain the council’s culture of diligence and industry-interest.”

Background

Richard Gibbons is an internationally-registered engineer, and was initially nominated to the council by the Electricity Networks Association. He has been a member of the Professional Practice Board of the Professional Engineers of New Zealand, as well as a Director of the Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation. 

John Hannah is a Professor and former Dean of the School of Surveying at the University of Otago, and was originally nominated to the council by the New Zealand Vice Chancellors’ Committee (NZVCC). His experience in and appreciation of Standards New Zealand’s role and functions has been of significant assistance in promulgating standards in the education sector, particularly for tertiary education.

Michael Wallsmannsberger is the council’s information technology (IT) systems specialist. He was initially nominated by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. His in-depth knowledge of IT and its uses has been beneficial, given the nature of the council’s activities and the broad use of IT applications in all areas of business.

Sharon Kletchko has 35 years’ knowledge and experience in the health sector. She chaired the development of the Medical Records standard and the Ambulance Services standard for Standards NZ. She was appointed in 2006, and has served on the council as deputy chair since September 2009.

Vivian Kloosterman has more than 25 years of engineering experience with particular expertise in environmental engineering. She was nominated by the Institution of Professional Engineers, of which she is a Fellow. She has been a member and chair of various engineering sector advisory boards.

Vaughan Renner is a business consultant for small to medium enterprises with many years of senior management experience with South Pacific Tyres. Originally, he was nominated by Business New Zealand. He has knowledge and experience of standards and international trade, and the ability to manage and develop organisations and businesses.