He is a barrister with nearly three decades of legal professional experience
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has announced the appointment of David Clarke, a barrister focusing on corporate and commercial law, as its new chief commissioner, effective 1 October.
Clarke has 27 years of legal professional experience, according to information from the TAIC’s website. His work in this area has included handling litigation and providing corporate and commercial advice for private and listed company boards and public entities.
He has more than two decades of experience serving in governance positions in commercial, public, and charitable sectors, including in chair, finance and audit, and risk roles. He was appointed to the TAIC in December 2022.
“I am delighted that David has agreed to the role of Chief Commissioner,” said Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s associate transport minister, in a news release. “David brings a wealth of leadership and governance experience to the role, and I am confident this mix of skills and experience complements those of the other Commissioners.”
Clarke has taken over the role from Jane Meares, who has retired effective 30 September. Clarke’s own term is set to expire on 30 November 2025.
Meares, who has been a commercial barrister at Clifton Chambers in Wellington, has wide-ranging legal advisory experience in both the public sector and the corporate world, as per the TAIC’s website. She first joined the TAIC in February 2015 and received her appointment as chief commissioner in November 2016.
“I would like to thank Jane Meares for the dedication and leadership she provided to the Commission since 2015, first as a Commissioner and then as Chief Commissioner from November 2016,” Doocey said in the government’s news release.
The TAIC has five commissioners, according to information from the TAIC’s website. The governor-general appoints each commissioner for a fixed and renewable term upon the recommendation of New Zealand’s transport minister.
