2 June 2026
John Luke
[FYI request #34690 email]
Dear John
Thank you for your Official Information Act request, received on 13 May 2026. You
requested:
I noted, Appointments to the Board of the Accident Compensation Corporation
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2026-
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May I ask how you called for public nomination and on what platform you have
call for public nominations e.g. govt.jobs website. A copy of your ad as well and
pay rate. Also, how many applications you have received for each of the role from
the public and how many you have received from other nominating agencies
such as TPK or Ministry of women etc for your role. How many you have
shortlisted and how many you have interviewed.
Also, can I request to view the appointment letter if there is one sent to the
Richard George Keys, Michael James Playford and Lindsay Megan Wright. I am
happy for you to remove any relevant personal information.
Besides meeting fees, do they receive any other benefits, such as expense
reimbursement (If so, may I request to view your expense reimbursement policy
in relation to your board member), a laptop, ID card, phone, or similar provisions?
Response
I approved the Treasury calling for nominations from their candidate database and
conducting a targeted search for candidates with the requisite skil s, while also seeking
nominations from my Caucus and Coalition colleagues to support the delivery of ACC’s
turnaround plan. The attached position specification outlines the capabilities and
expertise sought and the director’s fee (please refer to item 1 of the attached
information for release).
In total, 38 nominations were received, 13 from my Caucus and Coalition colleagues. I
agreed to Treasury interviewing five candidates and I appointed Richard Keys, Lindsay
Wright, and Michael Playford. The appointment letters are attached (please refer to
items 2-4 of the attached information for release).
Board members may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in
carrying out their duties, in line with ACC’s Board Travel and Reimbursement of
Expenses Policy (item 5). Board members may also be provided with tools required to
perform their role effectively, such as access to ACC systems, a laptop, or other
equipment where necessary (item 6).
In response to your request, I am providing the following documents that are publicly
available:
1. ACC Board Governance Manual (publicly available on the ACC website, here:
Board-Governance-Manual-v3.pdf)
2. Cabinet Office Circular CO (25) 2: Cabinet Fees Framework for members
appointed to bodies in which the Crown has an interest (publicly available, here:
Cabinet Office Circular CO (25) 2: Cabinet Fees Framework for members
appointed to bodies in which the Crown has an interest - July 2025 - Cabinet
Office)
Information being released
Please find enclosed the following documents:
Item
Date
Document Description
Decision
1.
26 January 2026
ACC Position Specification
Release in full
2.
26 April 2026
Letter of Appointment – Richard Keys
Release in part
3.
26 April 2026
Letter of Appointment – Lindsay Wright
Release in part
4.
26 April 2026
Letter of Appointment – Michael Playford
Release in part
Board Travel and Reimbursement of Expenses
5.
29 October 2024
Release in full
Policy
6.
29 October 2024
Board IT Policy
Release in full
I have decided to release the relevant parts of the documents listed above, subject to
information being withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act – to
protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons.
In making my decision, I have considered the public interest considerations in section
9(1) of the Official Information Act.
This reply addresses the information you requested. Under section 28(3) of the Act,
you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this
request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
