link to page 2 link to page 5 link to page 10 link to page 15 link to page 20 link to page 24
Table of Contents
1.
ACC Position Specification
1
2.
Letter of Appointment - Richard Keys
4
3.
Letter of Appointment - Lindsay Wright
9
4.
Letter of Appointment - Michael Playford
14
5.
Board Travel and Reimbursement of Expenses Policy
19
6.
Board IT Policy
23
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 1
Page 1 of 24
Crown Board Position Specification
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
On behalf of the Minister for ACC, we are inviting applications from individuals who possess
strong governance and leadership capability.
Applicants must have the necessary capabilities that enable them to meet the requirements
of a director in terms of the Companies Act 1993 and other relevant legislation. They must
be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skil s, attributes, behaviours, and personal qualities
critical for organisational stewardship and required for particular roles on the board.
For a full list of capabilities applicable to Crown companies and State-Owned Enterprises
boards go to:
What we look for - Board Appointments
Capabilities sought
Candidates must demonstrate some of the following capabilities that align with the unique
nature of ACC, ensuring it can effectively oversee a turnaround that meets Government
priorities while maintaining financial sustainability and operational effectiveness. These
capabilities reflect ACC’s mix of commercial and public service objectives, its critical role in
New Zealand’s social infrastructure, and its operational complexities.
Applicants’ background and experience should evidence the strengths and ability that wil
provide strategic oversight and guidance, ensuring ACC delivers on its mandate while
navigating its multifaceted challenges:
Health & Disability sector
• Familiarity with healthcare policies, systems, and outcomes to guide ACC’s role in
rehabilitation and injury prevention.
• Experience in fostering inclusivity, resilience, and high performance within
organisations, particularly in the health and disability sector.
Investment Management
• Expertise in managing large-scale funds, investment strategies, and ensuring
financial sustainability.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that align investment objectives
with organisational goals
.
Insurance/Actuarial
• Knowledge of insurance principles, underwriting, risk pooling, and claims
management, particularly in accident compensation schemes.
• Understanding of actuarial assessments, forecasting, and managing long-term
financial liabilities to ensure scheme sustainability.
Corporate/Finance
• Strong financial management expertise, including oversight of large-scale funds and
financial sustainability.
• Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating strategic, financial, and
operational risks in complex organisations.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 1
Page 2 of 24
Legal, compliance and regulatory, or contract management/procurement
• Comprehensive understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, compliance, and
public accountability requirements.
• Expertise in risk management, including the ability to address compliance and
procurement chal enges effectively.
Governance, strategy and leadership
• Proven experience in governance roles, ensuring robust oversight and accountability
within public sector frameworks.
• The ability to provide input into strategic direction and balance short-term priorities
with long-term goals.
Commitment
Monthly board meetings are located mainly in Wel ington or Auckland with two meetings per
year in regions. In addition, each member is expected to contribute to one or two
subcommittees, with approximately half a day of preparation required for each. There is an
annual one-day strategy session. Video conferencing is used when required.
Remuneration
Directors’ fees for the ACC Board are $80,400 per annum.
Closing Date
Nominations should be forwarded to Rebecca Lloyd in my Office, by
5pm on 19 February
2026 ([email address]). It would be appreciated if current CVs are provided for any candidates put forward. Fol owing
receipt of nominations, consideration wil be given to the composition of the board.
Current Board Composition
Board Member
Appointment date
Term end date
Region
Jan Dawson (Chair)
1 June 2024
31 May 2028
Auckland
David Hunt (Deputy
1 September 2021
30 June 2027
Wel ington
Chair)
Kim Gordon
11 September 2023
31 August 2027
Auckland
Bella Takiari-Brame
1 February 2021
30 June 2026
Waikato
Dan Buckingham
1 June 2024
31 May 2026
Auckland
Dr Helen Nott
1 February 2021
30 June 2028
Australia
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 1
Page 3 of 24
Entity’s business and structure
ACC is the statutory Crown entity (a Crown Agent) established under the Accident
Compensation Act 2001 (the Act) to manage and deliver New Zealand’s universal no fault
accident compensation scheme. It is a very substantial and complex organisation,
responsible for the assets and liabilities associated with the Motor Vehicle, Earners’, Non-
earners’, Treatment Injury, and Work Accounts.
The objectives of ACC, as set out in the Act, relate to the delivery of services that wil
minimise both the incidence of injury in the community, and the impact of injury on the
community. ACC’s core functions are to:
•
reduce the incidence and severity of personal injury through investment (Injury
Prevention)
•
rehabilitate claimants back to work or independence
•
manage assets, liabilities, and risks in relation to the five accounts
•
pay compensation entitlements to eligible claimants during periods of personal injury.
Current Context
New Zealand is in a tight fiscal environment. Getting the Government’s books back in order
wil require a sustained, collective effort. It is critical that all public sector organisations,
including ACC, play their part.
Ministers have placed significant expectations on the Board to improve the sustainability of
the Accident Compensation Scheme and reduce pressure on levy payers. The Board has
been asked to drive better performance across ACC (particularly relating to rehabilitation
rates) and reduce costs. There is a need to get back to basics and support injured New
Zealanders to return to work.
There is a need for strong governance to turn around a decade of declining claims
performance, while ensuring that the scheme is able to be sustainable and equitable for
future generations.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 2
Page 4 of 24
Richard Keys
s9(2)(a)
Dear Mr Keys
I am pleased to formal y offer you appointment as a Board Member of the Accident
Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
The appointment is made under sections 28-35 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 and is on the
basis that you:
•
have consented in writing to being a board member
•
have certified that you are not disqualified from being a board member
•
have disclosed the nature and extent (including monetary value, if quantifiable) of all
interests that you have, or are likely to have, in matters relating to ACC.
If at any time after your appointment you become disqualified from holding office as a board
member you must inform me immediately. A list of the persons who are disqualified from
holding office as a board member is set out in Section 30 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The
appointment is also subject to the satisfactory completion of background checks.
Please note that you wil hold office at the pleasure of the Minister, and that you may be
removed as a board member at any time, and for any reason, by written notice by the Minister
to the entity.
On taking up this appointment you wil ensure that you are appropriately indemnified and
insured by the entity. You could discuss this with the entity’s management. You are welcome
to take out additional insurance at your own cost if you wish.
You wil be aware that responsibilities placed upon board members have increased in recent
years and are stil subject to significant change from time to time. If you have not already done
so, I strongly recommend that you make yourself familiar with the legal rights and obligations
of board members. A key element of your obligation is the need for confidentiality with regard
to the board and board committee discussions.
Schedule 1 to this letter sets out Ministers’ general expectations in regard to the avoidance of
conflict of interest situations by board members of Crown entities.
Please also ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the Code of Conduct for Crown
Entity Board Members, available on the
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
website, which sets out minimum standards of integrity and conduct you are expected to
follow. The Code reinforces the requirement of political neutrality which requires all Crown
entity board members to act in a politically impartial manner, irrespective of their political
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 2
Page 5 of 24
interests. Consistent adherence to this Code is critical to ensure that Crown boards and board
members conduct themselves in a way that maintains public trust and confidence.
It is also possible that you may be placed in a situation where, as a result of circumstances
which are not related to your position as a board member of ACC, your continuing to act as a
board member might nevertheless place ACC or the Minister in a difficult position.
Consistent with your duty to act in the best interests of ACC, if you find yourself in such a
situation you must take the initiative and raise the matter with the Chair, and if appropriate,
me. While there are no set criteria for such situations, examples include:
•
where legal proceedings have been, or are likely to be, brought against the board
member
•
where the board member has been, or is likely to be, subject to negative media or
public scrutiny
•
where the board member is placed in a situation of actual or perceived conflict of
interest
•
any issue affecting the board member’s ability to contribute to the board (for example,
as a result of other time pressures, extended overseas travel (ie more than two months,
il ness, etc)
•
where the board member is appointed to any position as an employee of the Crown,
or intends to undertake significant contract work for any Crown entity
•
any other similar circumstance which may place the entity or Ministers in a difficult or
embarrassing position.
I also expect you to familiarise yourself with the contents of the Owner’s Expectations
document which outlines Ministers' expectations of the companies fully or partially owned by
the Crown. The manual and related updates are at:
https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/guide/owners-expectations-manual. I congratulate you on this appointment and look forward to your contribution.
If you wish to accept the appointment, please sign and return the “Agreement to Accept
Appointment” form copying in the address listed in the document.
Yours sincerely
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
Agreement to Accept Appointment
cc:
[email address]
[email address]
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 2
Page 6 of 24
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
It is necessary that appointees to Crown entity boards be advised of the expectations of the
Minister with regard to the management of conflicts of interest that may arise in the course
of their term.
Board members occupy a fiduciary position, which requires them to act bona fide in what the
board member considers is in the best interests of the entity. Accordingly, board members
are required not to place themselves in a position of a conflict of interest other than to the
extent allowed under the Crown Entities Act 2004.
It is expected that all board members make themselves familiar with their obligations under
the Crown Entities Act 2004. Nothing in this statement obviates any board member
responsibility in this regard. However, it is important that appointees are aware of the
additional expectations of the Minister with regards to conflicts of interests.
The Minister expects that no member of the Board of ACC or its subsidiaries wil undertake
work for ACC. This expectation is not intended to preclude a board member from undertaking
assignments for the Board which properly fall within the definition of a board member’s
duties, but would preclude the board member carrying out, say, a consulting assignment for
the management of ACC.
The Minister also expects that board members of ACC should not be placed in a conflict of
interest through the involvement of an organisation with which the board member has an
ongoing substantial commercial or professional interest or employment, with a Crown entity
of which they are a board member. Two situations that could create a conflict of interest
where Crown entities engage organisations in which board members have such an interest
are:
1.
Where the organisation has been engaged for a one-off, specific assignment.
2.
Where the organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with the Crown entity.
With regard to the first situation, the Minister considers that, provided the concerned board
member declares his/her interest in the organisation to be engaged for the assignment and
takes the appropriate actions under the Crown Entities Act 2004 (eg refraining from voting), it
is unlikely that the organisation need be excluded from undertaking the assignment. To
exclude the organisation could unduly penalise organisations from competing for business,
especially when they are in highly specialised areas.
However, the Board of ACC wil also need to consider whether the affected board member
should be party to the service to be provided by his/her organisation to ACC. The Minister
expects a board member in this situation to distance themselves from the provision of service
or advice although, in a highly specialised sector, this may not always be possible. The ACC
Board should give careful consideration to a board member’s involvement in deliberations
on the assignment.
The second situation referred to above causes the Minister greater concern, ie where the
organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with ACC.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 2
Page 7 of 24
The situation can arise from the company engaging, say, legal, accounting or other
professional advice or services. Many of these firms are sources for a large number of board
members and the potential for conflicts of interest is high.
In principle, the conflict of interest provisions in the Crown Entities Act 2004 should provide
adequate direction against allegations of conflicts of interest, but the Minister has additional
concerns that those provisions may not entirely remedy the situation. A board member who
frequently stands aside from board decision-making places a greater burden on the
remainder of the Board. This can also deny the Board the skil s and experience of a board
member, which is not (generally speaking) in the best interests of ACC. There is also
potential for the Minister and boards to be significantly distracted by allegations of conflicts.
The need to address each allegation can be time-consuming.
Accordingly, the Minister wishes to convey to all board members an expectation that ACC
should not engage in an on-going arrangement with an organisation in which a board
member has an interest of the nature outlined in this letter.
The Minister is of the view that ACC should be beyond reproach. Fol owing the expectations
of the Minister described in this statement should ensure that this is so. In the event that
exceptions to these measures appear appropriate, they should be referred to the Minister.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 2
Page 8 of 24
Agreement to Accept Appointment
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
WELLINGTON 6160
Dear Minister
I acknowledge receipt of your letter offering me appointment as a Board Member of the
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
I confirm my acceptance of this appointment on the terms and conditions of the appointment
letter.
I wil ensure that I keep myself fully familiar with the obligations and responsibilities of the
position, and ensure that the entity has taken any necessary steps to arrange for an indemnity
and/or insurance for me in my position as Board Member.
I undertake to advise you, via Treasury, of any change in my circumstances that may have an
impact on my ability to continue to serve on the ACC Board.
Yours sincerely
Richard George KEYS
Date:
Please return to:
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 3
Page 9 of 24
Lindsay Wright
s9(2)(a)
Dear Ms Wright
I am pleased to formal y offer you appointment as a Board Member of the Accident
Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
The appointment is made under sections 28-35 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 and is on the
basis that you:
•
have consented in writing to being a board member
•
have certified that you are not disqualified from being a board member
•
have disclosed the nature and extent (including monetary value, if quantifiable) of all
interests that you have, or are likely to have, in matters relating to ACC.
If at any time after your appointment you become disqualified from holding office as a board
member you must inform me immediately. A list of the persons who are disqualified from
holding office as a board member is set out in Section 30 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The
appointment is also subject to the satisfactory completion of background checks.
Please note that you wil hold office at the pleasure of the Minister, and that you may be
removed as a board member at any time, and for any reason, by written notice by the Minister
to the entity.
On taking up this appointment you wil ensure that you are appropriately indemnified and
insured by the entity. You could discuss this with the entity’s management. You are welcome
to take out additional insurance at your own cost if you wish.
You wil be aware that responsibilities placed upon board members have increased in recent
years and are stil subject to significant change from time to time. If you have not already done
so, I strongly recommend that you make yourself familiar with the legal rights and obligations
of board members. A key element of your obligation is the need for confidentiality with regard
to the board and board committee discussions.
Schedule 1 to this letter sets out Ministers’ general expectations in regard to the avoidance of
conflict of interest situations by board members of Crown entities.
Please also ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the Code of Conduct for Crown
Entity Board Members, available on the
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
website, which sets out minimum standards of integrity and conduct you are expected to
follow. The Code reinforces the requirement of political neutrality which requires all Crown
entity board members to act in a politically impartial manner, irrespective of their political
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 3
Page 10 of 24
interests. Consistent adherence to this Code is critical to ensure that Crown boards and board
members conduct themselves in a way that maintains public trust and confidence.
It is also possible that you may be placed in a situation where, as a result of circumstances
which are not related to your position as a board member of ACC, your continuing to act as a
board member might nevertheless place ACC or the Minister in a difficult position.
Consistent with your duty to act in the best interests of ACC, if you find yourself in such a
situation you must take the initiative and raise the matter with the Chair, and if appropriate,
me. While there are no set criteria for such situations, examples include:
•
where legal proceedings have been, or are likely to be, brought against the board
member
•
where the board member has been, or is likely to be, subject to negative media or
public scrutiny
•
where the board member is placed in a situation of actual or perceived conflict of
interest
•
any issue affecting the board member’s ability to contribute to the board (for example,
as a result of other time pressures, extended overseas travel (ie more than two months,
il ness, etc)
•
where the board member is appointed to any position as an employee of the Crown,
or intends to undertake significant contract work for any Crown entity
•
any other similar circumstance which may place the entity or Ministers in a difficult or
embarrassing position.
I also expect you to familiarise yourself with the contents of the Owner’s Expectations
document which outlines Ministers' expectations of the companies fully or partially owned by
the Crown. The manual and related updates are at:
https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/guide/owners-expectations-manual. I congratulate you on this appointment and look forward to your contribution.
If you wish to accept the appointment, please sign and return the “Agreement to Accept
Appointment” form copying in the addresses listed in the document.
Yours sincerely
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
Agreement to Accept Appointment
cc:
[email address]
[email address]
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 3
Page 11 of 24
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
It is necessary that appointees to Crown entity boards be advised of the expectations of the
Minister with regard to the management of conflicts of interest that may arise in the course
of their term.
Board members occupy a fiduciary position, which requires them to act bona fide in what the
board member considers is in the best interests of the entity. Accordingly, board members
are required not to place themselves in a position of a conflict of interest other than to the
extent allowed under the Crown Entities Act 2004.
It is expected that all board members make themselves familiar with their obligations under
the Crown Entities Act 2004. Nothing in this statement obviates any board member
responsibility in this regard. However, it is important that appointees are aware of the
additional expectations of the Minister with regards to conflicts of interests.
The Minister expects that no member of the Board of ACC or its subsidiaries wil undertake
work for ACC. This expectation is not intended to preclude a board member from undertaking
assignments for the Board which properly fall within the definition of a board member’s
duties, but would preclude the board member carrying out, say, a consulting assignment for
the management of ACC.
The Minister also expects that board members of ACC should not be placed in a conflict of
interest through the involvement of an organisation with which the board member has an
ongoing substantial commercial or professional interest or employment, with a Crown entity
of which they are a board member. Two situations that could create a conflict of interest
where Crown entities engage organisations in which board members have such an interest
are:
1.
Where the organisation has been engaged for a one-off, specific assignment.
2.
Where the organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with the Crown entity.
With regard to the first situation, the Minister considers that, provided the concerned board
member declares his/her interest in the organisation to be engaged for the assignment and
takes the appropriate actions under the Crown Entities Act 2004 (eg refraining from voting), it
is unlikely that the organisation need be excluded from undertaking the assignment. To
exclude the organisation could unduly penalise organisations from competing for business,
especially when they are in highly specialised areas.
However, the Board of ACC wil also need to consider whether the affected board member
should be party to the service to be provided by his/her organisation to ACC. The Minister
expects a board member in this situation to distance themselves from the provision of service
or advice although, in a highly specialised sector, this may not always be possible. The ACC
Board should give careful consideration to a board member’s involvement in deliberations
on the assignment.
The second situation referred to above causes the Minister greater concern, ie where the
organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with ACC.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 3
Page 12 of 24
The situation can arise from the company engaging, say, legal, accounting or other
professional advice or services. Many of these firms are sources for a large number of board
members and the potential for conflicts of interest is high.
In principle, the conflict of interest provisions in the Crown Entities Act 2004 should provide
adequate direction against allegations of conflicts of interest, but the Minister has additional
concerns that those provisions may not entirely remedy the situation. A board member who
frequently stands aside from board decision-making places a greater burden on the
remainder of the Board. This can also deny the Board the skil s and experience of a board
member, which is not (generally speaking) in the best interests of ACC. There is also
potential for the Minister and boards to be significantly distracted by allegations of conflicts.
The need to address each allegation can be time-consuming.
Accordingly, the Minister wishes to convey to all board members an expectation that ACC
should not engage in an on-going arrangement with an organisation in which a board
member has an interest of the nature outlined in this letter.
The Minister is of the view that ACC should be beyond reproach. Fol owing the expectations
of the Minister described in this statement should ensure that this is so. In the event that
exceptions to these measures appear appropriate, they should be referred to the Minister.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 3
Page 13 of 24
Agreement to Accept Appointment
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
WELLINGTON 6160
Dear Minister
I acknowledge receipt of your letter offering me appointment as a Board Member of the
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
I confirm my acceptance of this appointment on the terms and conditions of the appointment
letter.
I wil ensure that I keep myself fully familiar with the obligations and responsibilities of the
position, and ensure that the entity has taken any necessary steps to arrange for an indemnity
and/or insurance for me in my position as Board Member.
I undertake to advise you, via Treasury, of any change in my circumstances that may have an
impact on my ability to continue to serve on the ACC Board.
Yours sincerely
Lindsay Megan WRIGHT
Date:
Please return to:
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 4
Page 14 of 24
Michael Playford
s9(2)(a)
Dear Mr Playford
I am pleased to formal y offer you appointment as a Board Member of the Accident
Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
The appointment is made under sections 28-35 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 and is on the
basis that you:
•
have consented in writing to being a board member
•
have certified that you are not disqualified from being a board member
•
have disclosed the nature and extent (including monetary value, if quantifiable) of all
interests that you have, or are likely to have, in matters relating to ACC.
If at any time after your appointment you become disqualified from holding office as a board
member you must inform me immediately. A list of the persons who are disqualified from
holding office as a board member is set out in Section 30 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The
appointment is also subject to the satisfactory completion of background checks.
Please note that you wil hold office at the pleasure of the Minister, and that you may be
removed as a board member at any time, and for any reason, by written notice by the Minister
to the entity.
On taking up this appointment you wil ensure that you are appropriately indemnified and
insured by the entity. You could discuss this with the entity’s management. You are welcome
to take out additional insurance at your own cost if you wish.
You wil be aware that responsibilities placed upon board members have increased in recent
years and are stil subject to significant change from time to time. If you have not already done
so, I strongly recommend that you make yourself familiar with the legal rights and obligations
of board members. A key element of your obligation is the need for confidentiality with regard
to the board and board committee discussions.
Schedule 1 to this letter sets out Ministers’ general expectations in regard to the avoidance of
conflict of interest situations by board members of Crown entities.
Please also ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the Code of Conduct for Crown
Entity Board Members, available on the
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
website, which sets out minimum standards of integrity and conduct you are expected to
follow. The Code reinforces the requirement of political neutrality which requires all Crown
entity board members to act in a politically impartial manner, irrespective of their political
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 4
Page 15 of 24
interests. Consistent adherence to this Code is critical to ensure that Crown boards and board
members conduct themselves in a way that maintains public trust and confidence.
It is also possible that you may be placed in a situation where, as a result of circumstances
which are not related to your position as a board member of ACC, your continuing to act as a
board member might nevertheless place ACC or the Minister in a difficult position.
Consistent with your duty to act in the best interests of ACC, if you find yourself in such a
situation you must take the initiative and raise the matter with the Chair, and if appropriate,
me. While there are no set criteria for such situations, examples include:
•
where legal proceedings have been, or are likely to be, brought against the board
member
•
where the board member has been, or is likely to be, subject to negative media or
public scrutiny
•
where the board member is placed in a situation of actual or perceived conflict of
interest
•
any issue affecting the board member’s ability to contribute to the board (for example,
as a result of other time pressures, extended overseas travel (ie more than two months,
il ness, etc)
•
where the board member is appointed to any position as an employee of the Crown,
or intends to undertake significant contract work for any Crown entity
•
any other similar circumstance which may place the entity or Ministers in a difficult or
embarrassing position.
I also expect you to familiarise yourself with the contents of the Owner’s Expectations
document which outlines Ministers' expectations of the companies fully or partially owned by
the Crown. The manual and related updates are at:
https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/guide/owners-expectations-manual. I congratulate you on this appointment and look forward to your contribution.
If you wish to accept the appointment, please sign and return the “Agreement to Accept
Appointment” form copying in the addresses listed in the document.
Yours sincerely
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
Agreement to Accept Appointment
cc:
[email address]
[email address]
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 4
Page 16 of 24
Crown Entity Board Members - Management of Conflicts of Interest - Schedule 1
It is necessary that appointees to Crown entity boards be advised of the expectations of the
Minister with regard to the management of conflicts of interest that may arise in the course
of their term.
Board members occupy a fiduciary position, which requires them to act bona fide in what the
board member considers is in the best interests of the entity. Accordingly, board members
are required not to place themselves in a position of a conflict of interest other than to the
extent allowed under the Crown Entities Act 2004.
It is expected that all board members make themselves familiar with their obligations under
the Crown Entities Act 2004. Nothing in this statement obviates any board member
responsibility in this regard. However, it is important that appointees are aware of the
additional expectations of the Minister with regards to conflicts of interests.
The Minister expects that no member of the Board of ACC or its subsidiaries wil undertake
work for ACC. This expectation is not intended to preclude a board member from undertaking
assignments for the Board which properly fall within the definition of a board member’s
duties, but would preclude the board member carrying out, say, a consulting assignment for
the management of ACC.
The Minister also expects that board members of ACC should not be placed in a conflict of
interest through the involvement of an organisation with which the board member has an
ongoing substantial commercial or professional interest or employment, with a Crown entity
of which they are a board member. Two situations that could create a conflict of interest
where Crown entities engage organisations in which board members have such an interest
are:
1.
Where the organisation has been engaged for a one-off, specific assignment.
2.
Where the organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with the Crown entity.
With regard to the first situation, the Minister considers that, provided the concerned board
member declares his/her interest in the organisation to be engaged for the assignment and
takes the appropriate actions under the Crown Entities Act 2004 (eg refraining from voting), it
is unlikely that the organisation need be excluded from undertaking the assignment. To
exclude the organisation could unduly penalise organisations from competing for business,
especially when they are in highly specialised areas.
However, the Board of ACC wil also need to consider whether the affected board member
should be party to the service to be provided by his/her organisation to ACC. The Minister
expects a board member in this situation to distance themselves from the provision of service
or advice although, in a highly specialised sector, this may not always be possible. The ACC
Board should give careful consideration to a board member’s involvement in deliberations
on the assignment.
The second situation referred to above causes the Minister greater concern, ie where the
organisation engaged has an on-going involvement with ACC.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 4
Page 17 of 24
The situation can arise from the company engaging, say, legal, accounting or other
professional advice or services. Many of these firms are sources for a large number of board
members and the potential for conflicts of interest is high.
In principle, the conflict of interest provisions in the Crown Entities Act 2004 should provide
adequate direction against allegations of conflicts of interest, but the Minister has additional
concerns that those provisions may not entirely remedy the situation. A board member who
frequently stands aside from board decision-making places a greater burden on the
remainder of the Board. This can also deny the Board the skil s and experience of a board
member, which is not (generally speaking) in the best interests of ACC. There is also
potential for the Minister and boards to be significantly distracted by allegations of conflicts.
The need to address each allegation can be time-consuming.
Accordingly, the Minister wishes to convey to all board members an expectation that ACC
should not engage in an on-going arrangement with an organisation in which a board
member has an interest of the nature outlined in this letter.
The Minister is of the view that ACC should be beyond reproach. Fol owing the expectations
of the Minister described in this statement should ensure that this is so. In the event that
exceptions to these measures appear appropriate, they should be referred to the Minister.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 4
Page 18 of 24
Agreement to Accept Appointment
Hon Scott Simpson
Minister for ACC
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
WELLINGTON 6160
Dear Minister
I acknowledge receipt of your letter offering me appointment as a Board Member of the
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), effective from 11 May 2026 up to 30 April 2029.
I confirm my acceptance of this appointment on the terms and conditions of the appointment
letter.
I wil ensure that I keep myself fully familiar with the obligations and responsibilities of the
position, and ensure that the entity has taken any necessary steps to arrange for an indemnity
and/or insurance for me in my position as Board Member.
I undertake to advise you, via Treasury, of any change in my circumstances that may have an
impact on my ability to continue to serve on the ACC Board.
Yours sincerely
Michael James PLAYFORD
Date:
cc:
[email address]
[email address]
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 5
Page 19 of 24
Board Travel and Reimbursement of Expenses
Policy
Policy Approver:
Board
Policy Owner:
Senior Corporate Secretary
Date Approved:
29 October 2024
Date of Next Review:
October 2026
Purpose
The standard of travel, accommodation, meals and other expenses relating to the Board must be
modest and appropriate to reflect ACC’s status as a Crown Agent, and withstand parliamentary
and public scrutiny. Board and Board Commit ee members must meet obligations of the Crown
Entities Act 2004 and the Cabinet Fees Framework relating to reimbursement of expenses.
ACC Board Members hold privileged positions as stewards of the organisation. The position
comes with very high expectations for standards of integrity and conduct and Board Members
must always put the interest of the Public Service and ACC before their own personal interests to
maintain trust and confidence of New Zealanders.
Scope
Board and Board Committee Members are entitled to incur and be reimbursed for out of pocket
expenses actually and reasonably incurred relating to Board business. A range of expenses can
be claimed, for example:
• Travel, accommodation and meal costs for all ACC business (including training and
development approved under the Board Training and Development policy)
• Mileage reimbursement for use of private motor vehicles on ACC business
• Memberships or course fees e.g. Institute of Directors, in accordance with the Member’s
training and development plan under the Board Training and Development policy
• Document destruction services for ACC documents.
Policy statements
Board and Board Committee Members wil be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties as set out in this policy and in accordance with the
Cabinet Fees Framework.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 5
Page 20 of 24
The following requirements must be satisfied before the expenditure is able to be reimbursed:
• Actual expenditure must be reasonable and publicly defensible
• Actual expenditure must relate to a justifiable business purpose incurred by the Member in
the course of duties performed on behalf of ACC
• The expenditure must be substantiated by an original receipt or tax invoice as proof of
payment. Quotes, estimates, travel itineraries or travel confirmation are not acceptable
forms of documentation to support expense claims. Cash transactions without invoice or
receipt wil not be reimbursed under any circumstances. However, a form relating to lost
invoices or receipts may be completed and accepted in lieu of the original invoice or receipt.
This form is available through the Corporate Secretariat.
Where travel or other expenses are incurred for both Board business-related activity and another
organisation, a fair apportionment shall be made between the organisations and only that part
attributable to ACC shall be claimed. The Board Member should explain this apportionment when
submit ing the expense to the Corporate Secretariat for reimbursement.
Policy on Travel, Accommodation, Meals & Alcohol
Travel
General Policy
Board Members are required to travel for Board-related business activity.
Board travel wil be arranged by ACC to secure the best available fare in accordance with the
standard ACC Sensitive Expenditure Policy.
However, with agreement between a Board Member and the Board Chair, a Board Member may
arrange and pay for his or her own travel and seek later reimbursement (this is usually the case
when a Board Member has other business to attend to at the same time as Board business).
Under the Al -of-Government air travel services contract, Board members can keep any
redeemable air points.
Conferences and International Travel
The Chair may ask Board Members to represent ACC at relevant conferences or courses, or to
conduct fact finding on ACC’s behalf. When this happens, ACC wil provide appropriate
assistance in accordance with this policy. This should only occur after receiving the Chair’s
approval.
Where a Board Member is asked to represent ACC at such an event by an external organisation
and that organisation has agreed to meet the costs of the Board Member’s attendance, the Board
Gifts and Hospitality Policy applies.
With approval from the Board Chair, Board Members are entitled to fly a class higher than
economy at ACC’s expense for international travel if:
• The flight is more than nine hours long
2
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 5
Page 21 of 24
• There is a need to attend official business on the day of arrival after a long flight
• Medical reasons indicate that a higher class is necessary or
• In exceptional circumstances economy is not available.
Al international travel by Board Members associated with development or ACC representation
must be approved in writing by the Chair, or in the case of the Chair, the Deputy Chair.
Board Car/Vehicle Travel
Car/Vehicle travel by Board Members on Board business activity may be reimbursed at the
mileage rate as specified by IRD (see www.ird.govt.nz/business-income-tax/expenses/mileage-
rates).
Taxis
Taxis may be used where appropriate or more economical. Board Members may be provided with
a Taxi Charge card or can claim for taxi-related expenses via the reimbursement of expenses
process.
Approval of Chief Executive's Air Travel
Al international travel by the Chief Executive on behalf of ACC must be approved by the Chair (or
in their absence, the Deputy Chair).
Domestic travel by the Chief Executive on behalf of ACC is reported on a monthly basis to the
Board Chair (along with all other Chief Executive expenditure).
Accommodation
Board accommodation wil be arranged by ACC. Generally, the Board wil aim to use
accommodation that is rated 3.5-star to 4-star, or equivalently priced options, but wil have regard
to the location of events being attended and the availability of accommodation. Regard must be
had to health and safety and the need to have Board Members staying at the same location
together where possible. When attending an event, it is acceptable to stay in the hotel or venue
hosting the event. Where there is doubt, the Chair is to decide what is appropriate, or in the case
of the Chair’s accommodation, the Deputy Chair.
If agreement is sought with the Board Chair, a Board Member may arrange and pay for his or her
own accommodation and seek later reimbursement.
Meals and Alcohol
Board Members are entitled to be reimbursed for actual and reasonable meal expenditure
incurred while travelling on Board business and training and development.
Without exception, alcohol, mini bar expenses and hotel entertainment wil not be reimbursed.
Board Functions
Board functions where meals and alcohol wil be purchased as an ACC business expense shall
comply with the Board Gifts and Hospitality Policy. Board functions must also comply with the
Sensitive Expenditure Policy, except with the writ en approval of the Board Chair or Deputy Chair.
3
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 5
Page 22 of 24
Procedures: Incurring Expenses and Reimbursement of Expenses
Board Members and Board Commit ee Members’ properly incurred expenses can be met by:
• direct chargeback (where chargeback is available) of hotel charges for:
o room
o meals
o non-alcoholic beverages
o business phone calls and internet usage
o parking
• ACC making arrangements on request (e.g. air travel, training courses)
• Reimbursement of expenses
Corporate Secretariat will seek details of any expenses to be reimbursed on a monthly basis and
arrange approval from the Board Chair (or Deputy Chair in the case of Chair expenses) prior to
payment.
Approvals
The Chair is authorised to approve reimbursement of the business expenses of Board Members.
The Deputy Chair is authorised to approve reimbursement of the business expenses of the Chair.
4
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 6
Page 23 of 24
Board IT Policy
Policy Approver:
Board
Policy Owner:
Senior Corporate Secretary
Date Approved:
29 October 2024
Date of Next Review:
October 2026
Purpose
Board Members should have access to necessary technology and equipment to effectively and
efficiently discharge their duties and functions while protecting the integrity of ACC's Information
Technology (IT) systems.
Scope
This policy covers personal IT equipment used by Board Members, and any equipment issued by
ACC.
Policy statements
Personal IT Equipment
Board Members are encouraged to use their own IT equipment including a laptop, smartphone or
iPad. Board Members wil have access to Board and Board Committee documents and other
information relating to Board business via the Diligent Boardbooks platform (Diligent). Diligent is
the only approved method of viewing and storing Board papers and is available on all devices.
If Board Members need to purchase specific IT equipment for their role on the ACC Board, there
is scope for reimbursement of actual and reasonable expenses in accordance with the Cabinet
Of ice’s Fees Framework. Reimbursement can be actioned via Corporate Secretariat, and wil be
governed by the Travel and Reimbursement of Expenses Policy including requiring approval from
the Board Chair.
ACC IT Equipment
Board Members are also entitled to standard ACC approved IT equipment. Arrangements for IT
equipment must be made through Corporate Secretariat. Al IT equipment assigned to Board
Members for their use remains the property of ACC. Al files and information stored or created on
ACC equipment are the property of ACC and may be accessed by ACC at any time if required.
20260335 MOIA Binder
Item 6
Page 24 of 24
ACC has a 'reasonable personal use' policy for usage of equipment for which the charges are
paid by ACC. Such equipment can be used for personal use, without reimbursing ACC, provided
such use is not excessive and is in accordance with expectations of reasonable usage.
Board Members are responsible for taking care of any IT equipment assigned to them by ACC.
Corporate Secretariat holds a list of ACC Approved IT Equipment. Al IT equipment purchased by
ACC must be returned to ACC at the end of a Board Member’s tenure, unless otherwise
arranged.
Document Storage and Security
ACC has an Information Management Policy that applies to all business activities performed by or
on behalf of ACC. Board Members should be aware this includes all writ en correspondence
(paper and electronic) and all spoken transactions (including meetings and telephone calls).
Corporate Secretariat is responsible for holding all formal records of Board meetings including
papers, minutes and actions. ACC information, including handwritten notes, should be retained
for seven years after the date the Member ceases to act for the Board. Disposal of information
must be pre-approved by ACC.
Board Member’s annotations in Diligent are deleted when books are archived to ensure there is
only one official copy of Board and Committee papers.
Members are responsible for the security of ACC information received as part of their role on the
ACC Board. Board Members should take extreme care in using personal email accounts for
communicating sensitive ACC information.
Board Members must take all reasonable precautions to avoid loss, security breaches or damage
to assigned IT equipment or ACC documentation. Board Members must immediately report any
loss, security breach (perceived or actual) or damage, to the Corporate Secretary or ACC Service
Desk on 0800 477 777.
Due to the nature and sensitivity of ACC’s business, Board Members must ensure that all
equipment (e.g. iPhone, iPad and voicemail) is protected by password and/or PIN so that any
information they contain remains secure at all times. Board Members must ensure any related
passwords or PIN numbers remain confidential and secure. In addition, the password and/or PIN
should not be easily guessed, e.g. 1234, 1111.
IT Support
Standard IT Equipment is supported by the Service Support Desk. Board Members can access
24-hour support from the Service Desk on 0800 477 777 or via email at [email address].
2
Document Outline
