Key Takeaways
- Brent Impey has been appointed Chair of Radio New Zealand (RNZ) while continuing as a board governor.
- Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca join the RNZ Board as new governors, bringing digital, financial and governance expertise.
- Minister for Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith praised the appointments for providing continuity and strengthening RNZ’s financial sustainability and journalistic independence.
- Outgoing board members Dr Jim Mather, Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner were thanked for their service.
- Impey emphasized the importance of editorial independence, robust audience measurement and growing RNZ’s relevance amid a polarized media environment.
Appointment of Brent Impey as RNZ Chair
The Minister for Media and Communications, Paul Goldsmith, announced that Brent Impey has been appointed the new chair of Radio New Zealand’s Board. Impey, who had served as a board governor since 1 September 2024, will now lead the governing body alongside two newly appointed governors, Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca. The announcement highlighted that the reshuffle is intended to bolster the board’s capacity for the next three years, ensuring RNZ remains a financially sustainable and trusted state broadcaster. Impey’s elevation from governor to chair signals a commitment to continuity in leadership while injecting fresh perspectives into the board’s deliberations.
Ministerial Endorsement and Strategic Rationale
Paul Goldsmith welcomed the appointments, stating they will “bolster the Board for the next three years, supporting RNZ to be a financially sustainable and trusted state broadcaster.” He specifically praised Impey’s “decisive and transparent leadership style, deep media sector experience and commitment to journalistic independence,” noting that these qualities will be invaluable as RNZ navigates an evolving media landscape. Goldsmith also thanked outgoing board members Dr Jim Mather, Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner for their significant contributions, wishing them well in their future endeavors. The minister’s remarks underscored the government’s confidence that the refreshed board will enhance RNZ’s governance and operational effectiveness.
Brent Impey’s Media Background and Governing Experience
Before assuming the chairmanship, Impey accumulated extensive experience across New Zealand’s media sector. He has held board positions with the Television Broadcasters Council, the Advertising Standards Authority and the Radio Broadcasters Association. His tenure as an RNZ board governor since September 2024 gave him firsthand insight into the corporation’s strategic challenges and opportunities. Impey’s background equips him to understand both the editorial and commercial dimensions of public broadcasting, a dual perspective he intends to leverage in guiding RNZ toward greater resilience and relevance.
Profiles of the New Governors: Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca
Paula Browning joins the RNZ Board as an “accomplished executive and director with digital technology expertise.” She currently serves as the part‑time executive director of WeCreate Inc and holds the role of deputy chair on the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board. Her deep knowledge of digital transformation is expected to help RNZ expand its online presence and engage newer audiences. Richard Dellabarca, described as a “seasoned governance professional and executive leader with expertise in financial management,” is a chartered accountant with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He presently chairs Epic Char and serves as a director on the Drive Electric Board. Dellabarca’s financial acumen will strengthen the board’s oversight of RNZ’s budgeting, funding models and long‑term fiscal health.
Impey’s Vision for RNZ: Independence and Measurement
In his first comments as chair, Brent Impey reiterated his commitment to journalistic independence, stating that “trust grows when journalists have the support and freedom to tell the stories that matter to all New Zealanders.” He pledged to safeguard editorial freedom while advocating for robust audience and performance measurement systems. Impey believes that reliable data on listenership, digital engagement and audience satisfaction are essential for demonstrating RNZ’s value to stakeholders and for informing strategic decisions. By coupling independence with rigorous evaluation, he aims to ensure RNZ remains both credible and responsive to the public’s informational needs.
Addressing the Current Media Climate
Impey highlighted the pressures facing New Zealand’s media sector, describing it as “under stress” due to increased populism and polarization. He argued that a high‑performing RNZ is more important than ever, serving as a pivotal and growing source of impartial news and entertainment for all New Zealanders. The chair emphasized that RNZ must adapt to shifting consumption patterns, particularly the rise of digital platforms, while maintaining its core public‑service mission. He signaled intentions to grow RNZ’s live listening audience and deepen its digital reach, ensuring the broadcaster remains relevant across generations and geographic communities.
Acknowledgement of Outgoing Board Members
The announcement also paid tribute to departing board members whose tenure contributed to RNZ’s stability. Dr Jim Mather, who served three terms on the board, was thanked for his long‑standing dedication. Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner were similarly acknowledged for their significant contributions during their respective tenures. Goldsmith’s expression of gratitude reflected the government’s recognition of the institutional knowledge and steady guidance these individuals provided, which will help inform the incoming board’s continuity and strategic direction.
Conclusion: Outlook for RNZ Under New Leadership
With Brent Impey at the helm and the addition of Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca, RNZ’s board appears poised to balance continuity with innovation. The emphasis on journalistic independence, coupled with a push for rigorous audience measurement, suggests a strategy aimed at bolstering trust while adapting to digital trends. The minister’s endorsement and the acknowledgement of outgoing members underscore a broader commitment to good governance and sustainable public broadcasting. As New Zealand’s media environment continues to evolve, the refreshed leadership will need to navigate financial pressures, technological change and societal polarization, all while upholding RNZ’s mandate to serve as a trusted, impartial source of news and entertainment for the nation.