Sir Brian Roche was the inaugural chairman of both the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Sir Brian Roche has been named as the new public service commissioner, 13 months after Peter Hughes announced his retirement from the role.
Sir Brian will begin his new role on 4 November and he will serve for two years and eight months, until 30 June 2027.
In a statement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Sir Brian was a highly respected New Zealander who had held significant roles across the public and private sectors.
"He has a proven track record of leadership and delivering results and has strong networks in the public sector and business community.
"He understands how to manage problems, develop talent and drive performance. This aligns well with our government's focus on raising the performance of the public service so that New Zealanders get the services they deserve."
Luxon said Sir Brian has or shortly will be resigning from a number of directorships and appointments to take up the role, but he will retain a small number of board positions which the Governor-General has given approval for.
"The roles are expected to require less than four hours per week of his time, on average across the year, and his remuneration will be adjusted to reflect this."
Sir Brian was the inaugural chairman of both the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and the New Zealand Transport Agency. He has also held roles at Hawke's Bay District Health Board, and was NZ Post's chief executive for seven years.
He was recognised for his services to state and business with a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017.
Most recently he led a group set up by the Labour-New Zealand First government in 2020 to support and improve the country's Covid-19 border security.
Public Service Minister Nicola Willis said she asked Sir Brian to apply for the role.
He did not want to do a five-year term, Willis added.
"This was the term that he wanted to sign up to. And we've accepted that in two years and eight months he will have a significant impact, he will make big changes in the public service."
Luxon said Sir Brian had been fully endorsed by every political party leader in Parliament.
"Yes it's a shortened term but he's going to add a lot of value to the public," he said.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he supported the appointment of Sir Brian.
"I worked very closely with him during the Covid-19 response, I had him set up a rapid review response group ... he did an outstanding job there and I also asked him as prime minister to oversee the cyclone response and he did an outstanding job there too.
"I think he will preserve the political neutrality of the public service which is a really important part of that role and ... will have the trust and confidence of the senior leaders within the public service."
Luxon also acknowledged the leadership of Heather Baggott today, after she acted as commissioner while the appointment process for a new commissioner was underway.
"She has stepped into the role and done an admirable job, and I'd like to thank her for her calm and thoughtful leadership during this time."