Kris Faafoi announces new appointments to Commerce Commission

“Mr Gilbertson has considerable experience in the telecommunications industry and a strong reputation amongst his peers,” Mr Faafoi said.

The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister and Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister, Kris Faafoi, has today announced the appointment of Tristan Gilbertson as the new Telecommunications Commissioner and member of the Commerce Commission.

“Mr Gilbertson has considerable experience in the telecommunications industry and a strong reputation amongst his peers,” Mr Faafoi said.

“I believe his experience will complement the Commission’s needs and will be well-suited to a role that remains vital to the success of the industry.”

Mr Gilbertson has worked in the telecommunications legal and regulatory space for over 25 years and he has held executive leadership positions with Vodafone Group Plc, Telecom New Zealand Ltd, and Digicel Group Ltd.

He has been appointed for a five-year term, beginning on 8 June 2020, taking over from outgoing Commissioner, Dr Stephen Gale.

Dr Gale was first appointed as the Telecommunications Commissioner in 2012. During that time the role has included assessing the business mobile market for competitive constraints and implementing the Telecommunications Development Levy.

“I thank Dr Gale for the leadership and expertise he has demonstrated as the Telecommunications Commissioner for almost eight years,” Mr Faafoi said.

Today’s announcement also includes the appointment of Dr John Small as a member of the Commerce Commission.

Currently an associate member of the Commission, Dr Small has extensive expertise and experience in competition and regulatory economics.

He is the Founding Director of Covec, an economic consultancy firm, and a former Head of the University of Auckland’s Economics Department.

“Dr Small has made a valuable contribution to the Commission’s work as an associate member, particularly on the recent Retail Fuel Market Study. He brings a wealth of experience to the Commission,” said Mr Faafoi.

Dr Small has also been appointed for a five-year term. He will replace outgoing Commerce Commission member Dr Jill Walker.

“I would like to thank Dr Walker for the commitment and economic expertise she has brought to the Commerce Commission, and particularly the significant contribution she has made to trans-Tasman coordination for the enforcement of competition law,” Mr Faafoi said.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)