Source: New Zealand Government
Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell today announced the appointment of Deborah Hart as Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board.
“Deborah brings a wealth of governance, legal and accountability expertise to the role and will provide strong, independent leadership as the Commission enters its next phase and strengthens confidence in New Zealand’s sport integrity system.
“The Sport Integrity Commission plays a vital role in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sport and recreation environments for all New Zealanders. Deborah’s experience and leadership make her exceptionally well placed to guide the Commission through its next phase of development.”
Mitchell also announced the appointment of Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served as interim Chair since March 2026, as Deputy Chair.
“Traci has made a significant contribution to the Board and provided steady leadership as interim Chair. I want to thank her for stepping into that role. Her appointment as Deputy Chair will help support a smooth transition to the Commission’s new leadership structure.”
In addition, Tim Castle has been reappointed to the Board for a further two-year term.
“These appointments ensure the Board has the skills, experience and leadership needed to support the Commission’s important mandate and maintain public confidence in New Zealand’s integrity system.”
Biography
Deborah Hart is an experienced governance leader and public policy adviser with expertise in dispute resolution, regulatory systems, consumer advocacy, and human rights. She chairs Utilities Disputes Limited and the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and serves on the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
She has led major independent reviews, including the Independent Review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Electoral Laws, is legally qualified and has extensive experience designing complaints, investigation, and accountability frameworks. Her career includes advising government on dispute resolution and serving as Executive Director of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/deborah-hart-appointed-chair-of-sport-integrity-commission-board/