She served as the 21st governor-general from 2016 to 2021
Dame Patsy Reddy has been named the new chair of the Climate Change Commission, an independent Crown entity advising and monitoring New Zealand’s efforts to transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient future.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced the appointment, which will take effect in February 2025.
“I’m pleased that Dame Patsy is joining the Commission. As former Governor-General, she will come to the role with an extensive and distinguished career in law and governance,” said Watts.
Reddy, who served as New Zealand’s 21st governor-general from 2016 to 2021, brings decades of governance experience in both the private and public sectors. Currently, she chairs the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation and serves as a trustee for organisations such as the Malaghan Institute and the Aspen Institute New Zealand. In recognition of her contributions, she was made a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016.
Reddy will succeed Dr. Rod Carr, whose term as chair concludes in December. Commissioner and deputy chair Lisa Tumahai will serve as acting chair until Reddy assumes her position.
In addition to Reddy’s appointment, Watts announced the addition of two new commissioners to the Climate Change Commission board: Felicity Underhill and Devon McLean. Both will serve from December until September 2028, replacing outgoing commissioners Catherine Leining and Professor James Renwick.
“Ms. Underhill has worked in the energy industry for over twenty years and will bring significant experience in decarbonisation of the energy, transport and industrial sectors. She has also been actively involved in future fuel transition programmes around hydrogen,” Watts said.
“Mr. McLean has had a long executive and governance career in the forestry and conservation fields. The Commission Board will benefit from Mr. McLean’s forestry industry experience and governance expertise,” Watts added.
Watts expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their service and emphasised the importance of the Commission’s role in shaping the nation’s climate policies.
Reddy, a lawyer and business executive, has also been instrumental in significant corporate and creative sector developments, including her involvement in the privatisation of Air New Zealand and leadership roles in numerous arts and education organizations. Her diverse background in governance is expected to enhance the Climate Change Commission’s work as New Zealand navigates its path toward a sustainable future.
