Job Ad
Job Title: New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology - Chair
Overview
NZIAT wil be a dedicated public research organisation (PRO) driving economic growth
through advanced technology development and commercialisation.
NZIAT wil first be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity, and wil take on PRO
status when legislation comes into effect in July 2026.
NZIAT wil fil a gap in the current system by providing leadership and coordination in
New Zealand’s advanced technology research and creating stronger pathways to
commercial outcomes. It wil be New Zealand’s centre of expertise on advanced
1982
technology:
Act
• Connecting world-class research teams across universities, PROs, and private
sector research partners.
• Transforming technological breakthroughs into commercial success.
• Building New Zealand's knowledge and foresight capability in critical emerging
technologies.
Information
• Linking New Zealand's expertise into global technology networks and markets.
• Connecting researchers and industry to solve difficult problems.
Role of Directors
Official
The Chair is expected to:
the
• Provide effective leadership and direction to the board and entity, consistent
with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations.
• Ensure effective accountability and governance of the entity, consistent with the
under
requirements of relevant legislation.
• Ensure the long-term benefit of the entity’s work, maximising commercialisation
and economic outcomes, while delivering critical public good knowledge and
services.
• Ensure the entity
Released delivers on Government priorities for science innovation and
technology.
• Maintain transparency between public funding and activity within the entity,
including developing and implementing appropriate cost recovery models.
• Work collaboratively with the other PROs to prioritise, avoid unnecessary
duplication, resolve trade-offs, and support consistency and coordination.
• Seek opportunities to boost research capability and knowledge production
through consortia approaches and co-investment.
• Develop and maintain sound relationships with Ministers and their advisors
including:
o Leading any formal entity discussions with Ministers, particularly on
budget and planning cycles, including the Statement of Intent and Letter
of Expectations.
o Signing off on formal governance documents (Statement of Intent, Annual
Report, others), generally in conjunction with the Deputy Chair (if
appointed).
o Acting as spokesperson for the board to ensure that Ministers and other
key stakeholders are aware of the board's views and activities, and that
Ministers' views are communicated to the board.
1982
o Ensuring that Ministers are kept informed under the 'no surprises'
obligations.
Act
• Act as the leader of the entity, including presenting the entity's objectives and
strategies to the public. Represent the entity to government and stakeholders,
including attending any select committee appearances by the entity.
• Chair board meetings, including:
o Setting the board agenda.
Information
o Ensuring there is sufficient time to cover issues.
o Ensuring the board receives the information it needs and that
contributions are made by all board members.
Official
o Assisting discussions towards the emergence of a consensus view and
summing up so that everyone understands what has been agreed.
the
• Ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the board.
under
Further, the Public Service Commission’s guidance sets out that a Crown entity director
should:
• comply with the Crown Entities Act, Companies Act and other relevant
legislation
Released
• act with honesty, integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s
interests
• act with reasonable care, diligence and skil (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in
the same circumstances)
• avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in
specified circumstances
• provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the
entity and Ministers’ expectations
•
provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is
managed effectively
•
manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity
•
attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in
place to support the entity
•
provide guidance and support to other board members to ensure they contribute
effectively to the governance of the entity.
Skills and experience required
At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates
for the Chair role that possess the fol owing skil s and experience:
•
Proven governance experience in public and/or private sector Chair roles.
•
Strong leadership, strategy, and stakeholder management skil s.
•
Significant organisational transition experience.
•
Deep interest in maximising the value of advanced technology for New Zealand’s
economic prosperity.
Additional skills, experience, and attributes
In addition to the required skil s, the fol owing would be advantageous:
•
Business and commercial acumen, including industry connections.
•
Commercialisation and innovation experience.
•
Financial acumen, including audit and risk management expertise.
•
Media and public relations experience.
How to apply
Click on the Apply now button below to complete your application. Al applications
under the Official Information Act 1982
must be submitted via our online process.
Applications close midnight, Sunday 14 September 2025.
Position description - Chair
Email boardappointme
Released [email address] if you have any further questions.
Job Title: New Zealand Standards Approval Board Member (x2)
About the Board
On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business,
Innovation and Employment is seeking applications for two Board members from
candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as a member of the New
Zealand Standards Approval Board.
The New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the Board) is an advisory committee
established under the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act). The Board
supports Standards New Zealand in its development process, providing independent
decision making and checks and balances. The Minister of Commerce and Consumer
Affairs is the responsible Minister for the Board. More information on the Act can be
foun
d here.
Key functions of the Board are to:
•
approve or decline proposals for persons to be chairpersons and members of
standards development committees of standards organisations
•
approve or decline proposed new New Zealand Standards, adopt or decline to
adopt other standards organisation’s standards as New Zealand Standards,
approve or decline modifications to New Zealand Standards, and archive or
revoke New Zealand Standards
•
provide the New Zealand Standards Executive with reasons in writing for its
decision the if the Board declines to approve members, standards, or
modifications of standards as per subsection (1)(a) to (f) of the Act
•
advise the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister, provide
the Minister with advice on the currency of New Zealand Standards, and on
under the Official Information Act 1982
priority areas for the development and review of New Zealand Standards, and on
any other matter that the Board considers necessary or advisable.
Further information on the Board can be found
here.
Person specifications
Released
Industry Expertise Required
At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for
two positions with expert knowledge of one or more of the fol owing:
•
IT
•
Engineering (mechanical, electrical, geotechnical)
•
Digital (trade, intel ectual property)
• Smal business (utilisation of standards, consumer advocacy)
• Manufacturing (logistics, supply chain).
Additional Skills, Experience, and Attributes Required
Ideally candidates wil have some or all of the fol owing:
• extensive business networks and connections
• an active interest in developing standards across a diverse range of subject
matter committees
• a clear understanding of the the sectors that use standards
1982
• prior involvement in the development or setting of standards
• a fair and balanced approach
Act
• experience to perform the functions of the Board
• attention to detail.
Applicants for member positions should have the necessary skil s and experience to
enable them to meet the requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the
Information
demonstrated skil s to contribute to board level decision-making. Applicants must have
the legal right to work in New Zealand.
More information
Official
Please refer to the position description for more details.
the
Applications close on
Sunday 14 September 2025.
For enquiries about the position, please contact
[email address].
under
Released

Position Description:
New Zealand Standards Approval Board – Two Members
August 2025
On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and
Employment is seeking applications for two Board members from candidates who wish to be considered for
appointment as a member of the New Zealand Standards Approval Board.
About the Board
The Board is an advisory committee
The New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the Board) is an advisory committee established under the
Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act). The Board supports Standards New Zealand in its development
process, providing independent decision making and checks and balances. The Minister of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs is the responsible Minister for the Board. More information on the Act can be found
here. Key functions of the Board are to:
•
approve or decline proposals for persons to be chairpersons and members of standards development
committees of standards organisations
•
approve or decline proposed new New Zealand Standards, adopt or decline to adopt other standards
organisation’s standards as New Zealand Standards, approve or decline modifications to New Zealand
Standards, and archive or revoke New Zealand Standards
•
provide the New Zealand Standards Executive with reasons in writing for its decision the if the Board
declines to approve members, standards, or modifications of standards as per subsection (1)(a) to (f) of
the Act
•
advise the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister, provide the Minister with advice
on the currency of New Zealand Standards, and on priority areas for the development and review of New
Zealand Standards, and on any other matter that the Board considers necessary or advisable.
Further information on the Board can be foun
d here.
Board Member Responsibilities
under the Official Information Act 1982
Role of Members
The individual duties of Board members are:
• to comply with their letter of appointment
• to bring an objective and fair approach to Board proceedings
Released
• to be a collaborative and effective communicator, and be willing and available to devote time and energy to
the role
• to act with honesty and integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests, with
reasonable care, diligence and skills
• not to disclose or make use of information that otherwise would not be available to them.
Members are expected to adhere to the Public Service Commission code of conduct. Further information can be
found
here.
Position Description:
New Zealand Standards Approval Board – Two Members
Membership of the Panel
The Board comprises of five to seven members appointed by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Members are appointed for terms of up to three years and may be reappointed on the expiry of their term. Members
of the Board may resign by written notice to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Members may be
removed from office at any time, and for any reason, by written notice from the Minister of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
Members are entitled to receive remuneration at a rate determined by the Cabinet Fees Framework. Board
members are paid a daily fee of $360 (under review). In addition to fees, members are entitled to be reimbursed
for actual and reasonable experiences incurred while carrying out the duties of the Board.
The time commitment for the Board is typically 25 days per year, including monthly board meetings, meeting
preparation time, strategy related sessions, and occasional conferences or events. The Board meets in W
1982ellington
on a regular basis. Board materials are distributed to members in sufficient advance of the meetings to allow
members to be thoroughly prepared.
Act
Person Specifications
Industry Expertise Required
At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for two positions with expert
knowledge of one or more of the following:
Information
• IT
• Engineering (mechanical, electrical, geotechnical)
• Digital (trade, intellectual property)
Official
• Small business (utilisation of standards, consumer advocacy)
• Manufacturing (logistics, supply chain).
the
Additional Skil s, Experience, and Attributes Required
Ideally candidates will have some or all of the following:
• extensive business networks and conn
under ections
• an active interest in developing standards across a diverse range of subject matter committees
• a clear understanding of the the sectors that use standards
• prior involvement in the development or setting of standards
• a fair and balanced approa
Released ch
• experience to perform the functions of the Board
• attention to detail.
Applicants for member positions should have the necessary skil s and experience to enable them to meet the
requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the demonstrated skil s to contribute to board level
decision-making. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Additional Information – email: [email address]
Job Title: New Zealand Standards Approval Board Chair
About the Board
On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business,
Innovation and Employment is seeking applications from candidates who wish to be
considered for appointment as Chair of the New Zealand Standards Approval Board.
The New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the Board) is an advisory committee
established under the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act). The Board
supports Standards New Zealand in its development process, providing independent
decision making and checks and balances. The Minister of Commerce and Consumer
Affairs is the responsible Minister for the Board. More information on the Act can be
foun
d here.
Key functions of the Board are to:
•
approve or decline proposals for persons to be chairpersons and members of
standards development committees of standards organisations
•
approve or decline proposed new New Zealand Standards, adopt or decline to
adopt other standards organisation’s standards as New Zealand Standards,
approve or decline modifications to New Zealand Standards, and archive or
revoke New Zealand Standards
•
provide the New Zealand Standards Executive with reasons in writing for its
decision the if the Board declines to approve members, standards, or
modifications of standards as per subsection (1)(a) to (f) of the Act
•
advise the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister, provide
the Minister with advice on the currency of New Zealand Standards, and on
priority areas for the development and review of New Zealand Standards, and on
under the Official Information Act 1982
any other matter that the Board considers necessary or advisable.
Further information on the Board can be found
here.
Person specifications
Released
Skills, Experience, and Attributes Required
At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for
the Chair position with the fol owing skil s and experience:
•
previous Chair or long-term board experience
•
understanding of public sector accountability
•
an active interest in developing standards across a diverse range of subject
matter committees
• prior involvement in the development or setting of standards.
A background in one or more of the fol owing industries would be helpful – IT,
engineering, digital, smal business, or manufacturing.
Applicants for the Chair position should have the necessary skil s and experience to
enable them to meet the requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the
demonstrated skil s to lead board level decision-making. Applicants must have the
legal right to work in New Zealand.
More information
Please refer to the position description for more details.
1982
Applications close on
Sunday 14 September 2025.
Act
For enquiries about the position, please contact
[email address].
Information
Official
the
under
Released

Position Description:
New Zealand Standards Approval Board – Chair
August 2025
On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and
Employment is seeking applications from candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as Chair of the
New Zealand Standards Approval Board.
About the Board
The Board is an advisory committee
The New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the Board) is an advisory committee established under the
Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act). The Board supports Standards New Zealand in its development
process, providing independent decision making and checks and balances. The Minister of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs is the responsible Minister for the Board. More information on the Act can be found
here. Key functions of the Board are to:
•
approve or decline proposals for persons to be chairpersons and members of standards development
committees of standards organisations
•
approve or decline proposed new New Zealand Standards, adopt or decline to adopt other standards
organisation’s standards as New Zealand Standards, approve or decline modifications to New Zealand
Standards, and archive or revoke New Zealand Standards
•
provide the New Zealand Standards Executive with reasons in writing for its decision the if the Board
declines to approve members, standards, or modifications of standards as per subsection (1)(a) to (f) of
the Act
•
advise the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister, provide the Minister with advice
on the currency of New Zealand Standards, and on priority areas for the development and review of New
Zealand Standards, and on any other matter that the Board considers necessary or advisable.
Further information on the Board can be foun
d here.
Board Member Responsibilities
under the Official Information Act 1982
Role of Members
The individual duties of Board members are:
• to comply with their letter of appointment
Relesed
• to bring an objective and fair approach to Board proceedings
• to be a collaborative and effective communicator, and be willing and available to devote time and energy to
the role
• to act with honesty and integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests, with
reasonable care, diligence and skills
• not to disclose or make use of information that otherwise would not be available to them.
Members are expected to adhere to the Public Service Commission code of conduct. Further information can be
found
here.
Position Description:
New Zealand Standards Approval Board – Chair
Membership of the Panel
The Board comprises of five to seven members appointed by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Members are appointed for terms of up to three years and may be reappointed on the expiry of their term. Members
of the Board may resign by written notice to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Members may be
removed from office at any time, and for any reason, by written notice from the Minister of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
The Chair is entitled to receive remuneration at a rate determined by the Cabinet Fees Framework. The Board
Chair is paid a daily fee of $560 (under review). In addition to fees, members are entitled to be reimbursed for
actual and reasonable experiences incurred while carrying out the duties of the Board.
The time commitment for the Board is typically 25 days per year, including monthly board meetings, meeting
preparation time, strategy related sessions, and occasional conferences or events. The Board meets in Wellington
1982
on a regular basis. Board materials are distributed to members in sufficient advance of the meetings to allow
members to be thoroughly prepared.
Act
Person Specifications
Skil s, Experience, and Attributes Required
At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for the Chair position with the
following skills and experience:
Information
• previous Chair or long-term board experience
• understanding of public sector accountability
• an active interest in developing standards across a diverse range of subject matter committees
Official
• prior involvement in the development or setting of standards.
A background in one or more of the fol owing industries would be helpful – IT, engineering, digital, small business,
the
or manufacturing.
Applicants for the Chair position should have the necessary skil s and experience to enable them to meet the
requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the demonstrated skil s to lead board level decision-
making. Applicants must have the legal right t
under o work in New Zealand.
Additional Information – email: [email address]
Relesed

Ms Victoria MacLennan
s 9(2)(a)
Email: s 9(2)(a)
Dear Victoria
Under schedule 1(9) of the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act), I am
pleased to appoint you as Chair of the New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the
Board), for a term of three years commencing on 1 February 2023 and expiring on
31 January 2026. A notice wil also be published in the
New Zealand Gazette should
you accept this appointment.
As you are aware, the Act sets out the Board’s functions and responsibilities, and
duties of Board members, which are briefly summarised below.
Functions of the Board
Section 12 of the Act sets out the functions of the Board. Section 13 of the Act sets
out considerations the Board must have regard to in carrying out its approval and
advisory functions. Under Schedule 1, clause 28 of the Act, the Board must act in a
under the Official Information Act 1982
manner consistent with its objectives and functions, perform its functions efficiently
and in a manner consistent with the spirit of service to the public, and not contravene
the Act.
Duties of Board members
Released
Clauses 20-27 in Schedule 1 of the Act outline the individual duties of Board
members, which are to:
• comply with the Act
• act with honesty and integrity
• act in good faith
• act with reasonable care, diligence and skil
• not disclose information
• disclose conflicts of interest
Term of Appointment
A member of the Board can continue in office despite the expiry of their term of office
until the member is reappointed, or the member’s successor is appointed, or the
Minister informs the member by written notice (with a copy to the Board) that the
member is not to be reappointed and no successor is to be appointed at that time.
Remuneration The daily fee for the Chair is $560. This fee reflects an element of public service and
the intangible benefits to the individual and their industry. Members are entitled to be
reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in undertaking the functions
and duties of the Board.
Meetings
As you know the Board is expected to meet every month for one day, excluding
January. Each meeting usually involves one day of preparation time for members.
Additional meetings may also be held outside these monthly meetings if Board work
matters require it. Clauses 16-18 in Schedule 1 of the Act describe how Board
meetings are conducted.
Disclosure of Interests
Schedule 1, clause 25 of the Act states a member who is personally interested
(defined in section 4(2) of the Act) in a matter relating to the Board must disclose
details of the nature and extent of the interest (including any monetary value of the
interest) to the Chairperson of the Board and in an interests register kept by the
Board.
A member who is personally interested in a matter relating to the Board must not
vote or take part in any discussion or decision of the Board relating to the matter.
The member must also be disregarded for the purpose of forming a quorum for that
under the Official Information Act 1982
part of the meeting of the Board or commit ee during which a discussion or decision
relating to the matter is made.
Removal from the Board
Under Schedule 1, cla
Released use 7 of the Act, the Minister may at any time remove a
member of the Board from office. The removal must be made by written notice to the
member (with a copy to the Board). To avoid doubt, the Minister may not remove a
member unless the Minister has properly considered the matter and complied with
the principles of natural justice.
Resignation from the Board
Under Schedule 1, clause 8 of the Act, a member of the Board may resign from
office by written notice to the Minister (with a copy to the Board) signed by the
member. The resignation is effective on receipt by the Minister of the notice or at any
later time specified in the notice.
Acknowledgement of your Appointment
I would be grateful if you could formally acknowledge your reappointment by signing
the attached letter and returning it to the Board Appointments and Governance Team
([email address]) at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment, who wil record it on my behalf.
A copy of this letter has also been provided to the current Board Chair and the
Manager of Standards New Zealand.
I wish you well for your term on the Board.
Yours sincerely
Hon Dr David Clark
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
under the Official Information Act 1982
cc: Vaughan Renner, Chair, NZ Standards Approval Board, s 9(2)(a)
cc: Malcolm MacMillan, National Manager, Standards New Zealand,
Malcolm macmil [email address]
Released
Hon Dr David Clark
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
c/- Board Appointments and Governance Team ([email address])
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Dear Minister
I acknowledge the receipt of your letter advising me of my appointment as a Chair of
the New Zealand Standards Approval Board. I note that it is for a three-year term
commencing on 1 February 2023 and expiring on 31 January 2026. I confirm my
acceptance of this reappointment.
I wil ensure that I keep myself fully familiar with the obligations and responsibilities
of the position. I am aware of the need to disclose and manage any conflicts of
interest as they arise
Signed:
Name:
Victoria MacLennan
under the Official Information Act 1982
Date:
Released
Document Outline
- Position Description NZ Standards Approval Board Member (Two Members) September 2025.pdf
- Position Description NZ Standards Approval Board Member (Chair) September 2025.pdf