Media Minister Paul Goldsmith appoints Brent Impey as new RNZ chair

The Minister for Media and Communications has appointed Brent Impey as the new chair of RNZ, alongside Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca as new governors.

Paul Goldsmith says the appointments "will bolster the Board for the next three years, supporting RNZ to be a financially sustainable and trusted state broadcaster".

Impey - who had been a RNZ Board governor - says he brings a commitment to journalistic independence, and would advocate that alongside robust audience and performance measurement.

Goldsmith said Impey's elevation to chair "provides critical continuity for RNZ's governance and leadership".

"His decisive and transparent leadership style, deep media sector experience and commitment to journalistic independence will be valuable in guiding RNZ into the future."

Goldsmith also expressed his gratitude to Dr Jim Mather who had served three terms on the board, and outgoing governors Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner, "for their significant contributions to RNZ during their tenure".

"I wish them all the best," he said.

He welcomed the new governors, Browning and Dellabarca.

"They have a strong mix of governance and executive experience, including expertise in financial oversight, digital transformation and stakeholder engagement.

"Their collective skills will support RNZ in navigating the evolving media landscape."

Impey's career in the media sector included board roles at the Television Broadcasters Council, Advertising Standards Authority and Radio Broadcasters Association.

The annoucnement stated Browning was an "accomplished executive and director with digital technology expertise". She was currently the part-time executive director of WeCreate Inc and serves as deputy chair of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board.

It also stated Dellabarca was a "seasoned governance professional and executive leader with expertise in financial management".

He is a chartered accountant with a Bachelor of Laws degree and was currently the chair of Epic Char and a director on the Drive Electric Board.

Impey has been a RNZ Board governor since 1 September 2024.

He told RNZ he was looking forward to the new role, and also acknowledged the outgoing chair and fellow board members.

He said he strongly believed RNZ played a "pivotal and growing role" as a trusted and impartial source of news and entertainment for New Zealanders at a time of "increased populism and polarization".

"The New Zealand media sector is under stress and that makes a high performing RNZ more important than ever.

"As the Minister highlighted, I bring a commitment to journalistic independence," Impey added.

"Trust grows when journalists have the support and freedom to tell the stories that matter to all New Zealanders.

"Alongside safeguarding editorial independence, I'll be advocating for robust audience and performance measurement, continuing to build RNZ's live listening and digital audiences and ensuring that RNZ continues to demonstrate increased value and relevance for all New Zealanders."

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