The Finance Minister has made a new appointment to the Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee.
Nicola Willis said agribusiness executive Hayley Gourley would begin her four-year term on October 1, succeeding Bob Buckle, who will retire from the MPC at the end of the month.
The MPC is the independent decision-making body that is responsible for setting the official cash rate.
Gourley has held board and executive management positions across some of New Zealand's biggest agribusinesses, including Rabobank, Skellerup, and Pāmu Farms (Landcorp).
She also holds a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Agricultural Economics from the University of London/ Imperial College and attended the London Business School under the Rabobank senior leadership programme. She has a Bachelor of Applied Economics, Agricultural Economics, from Massey University.
"Her roles at both board and executive level in leading agribusinesses provide her with a unique perspective that will enhance the Committee’s discussions," Willis said.
RBNZ board deputy chair Rodger Finlay said: “We are delighted to welcome Hayley to the MPC. She is a highly qualified candidate with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience from an extensive career in corporate, rural and financial services sectors to join the MPC and assist in its decision-making”.
Governor and MPC Chair Christian Hawkesby said the group was looking forward to working with Gourley.
“The MPC remains laser-focussed on its job to control inflation, and Hayley will play an important part in our discussions.”
The appointment comes amid a period of turmoil for the Reserve Bank.
Former Governor Adrian Orr resigned earlier this year in a row over funding, followed by chairperson Neil Quigley late last month.
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