New Retirement Commissioner appointed

Thursday, January 9th 2003, 7:20AM

Former AMP manager Diana Crossan has been appointed Retirement Commissioner, replacing Colin Blair who is retiring from the role.

Crossan’s appointment was announced by Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey, along with the announcement of a Periodic Report Group who will advise the government on New Zealand’s retirement income policy.

Maharey said Crossan has the range of skills necessary for the challenging role of Retirement Commissioner.

“Diana Crossan has a stong background in the savings industry. She has held senior management positions in investment, savings and insurance organisations. She also has experience developing innovative marketing projects and securing commerical support for them.

"In addition, she has a good understanding of the issues facing Maori, Pacific peoples and women with regard to saving. These are priority issues for the Retirement Commissioner.

"The Retirement Commissioner’s role is likely to expand in the future to encompass monitoring and advising government on retirement village issues. The present functions include monitoring retirement income policies and promoting voluntary retirement savings by New Zealanders. Under the terms of the Retirement Income Act, Crossan is being appointed until the next periodic report is presented to Parliament (due by 31 December 2003).

"I want to place on record the thanks of the government to Colin Blair. He has served in this role for many years and has earned the respect of the industry and political parties alike. With innovative campaigns like the www.sorted.org.nz website, Colin Blair and his team have managed the extraordinary feat of lowering the average age of New Zealanders actively considering retirement issues from those in their 40s and 50s, to those in their 30s and below," Maharey said.

Who is Diana Crossan?

Diana Crossan currently leads the FUNZ project, a private not-for-proft initiative established to explore ways New Zealand families can save for their children’s tertiary education. She previously worked for AMP; most recently as Director, National Distribution Strategy Project, AMP UK and has also worked in the several government departments, including the Ministry of Justice, State Services Commission and the Ministry of Education.
She is a member of the boards of NZ Post, the JR McKenzie Trust and Relationship Services and a member of the Victoria University Council.

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