A contestable appointments process has recently taken place for the position of
Chair of the BSA, with public advertising for expressions of interest via the New
Zealand Law Society, Institute of Directors, and the Ministry’s social media channels.
As announced on 14 July 2025, Karyn Fenton-Ellis has been appointed to the Board
of the BSA, and current member John Gillespie has been reappointed.
Appointment of Karyn Fenton-Ellis
For the process resulting in Ms Fenton-Ellis’ appointment, further nominations were
also sought from sources such as the Manatū Taonga register of nominations, which
includes members of the public who have expressed interest in being a Crown board
member, the Treasury, and from caucus and coalition party colleagues.
The appointment of Karyn Fenton-Ellis was made in accordance with section 26(1B)
of the Act, that is after consultation by the Minister with such representatives of
public interest groups in relation to broadcasting as the Minister thinks fit.
Consultation with 26 public interest groups was undertaken throughout August 2024
and eight nominations were received. Five candidates were shortlisted, and three
candidates were interviewed.
Appointment of John Gillespie
The appointment of John Gillespie was made in accordance with section 26(1A) of
the Act, that is, after consultation by the Minister with such representatives of the
broadcasting industry as the Minister thinks fit. Consultation with 29 broadcasting
industry representatives took place throughout February 2025. 19 nominations were
received, and the reappointment of Mr Gillespie was endorsed by multiple agencies.
For this reappointment, no nominees were shortlisted or interviewed to replace Mr
Gillespie.
Information being released
Please find attached copies of the following previous appointment letters as
requested. Personal information has been removed under section 9(2)(a) to protect
privacy and in accordance with your request.
Item Date
Document Description
1
30 November 2021
Appointment letter to John Gillespie
2
October 2021
Appointment letter to Tupe Solomon-Tanoa'i
Released under the Official Information Act (1982)
2
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this
decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available via
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Emily Fabling
Pou Mataaho o Te Aka - Deputy Secretary, Policy, Performance & Insights
Released under the Official Information Act (1982)
3
