Council appoints new Risk and Audit Committee Independent Chair
Council has resolved to appoint Rachael Dean as the independent chairperson of its Risk and Audit Committee (RAC).
Following Sharon Roche's resignation as RAC’s independent chair last year, the role was advertised in September 2025 through an open application process.
Council received fourteen applications, which were reviewed by a panel comprising Mayor Chris Russell, Deputy Mayor Shayne Barry, and Councillor Dave Hingston.
The panel members shortlisted and interviewed the candidates and prepared a recommendation to appoint Rachael Dean to the role.
Council confirmed the appointment at the full council meeting on the 25 February 2026. Rachael Dean will start on 3 March 2026. Her appointment will cover the current triennium, until 2028.
Buller Mayor Chris Russell says: “Rachael brings an excellent mix of local government knowledge, governance experience, professional accounting and audit expertise to the role.”
Rachael Dean is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner, and an experienced governance and risk professional whose career spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand and internationally.
She has served on numerous boards and as an independent Chair of Audit and Risk Committees, including in local government.
Ms Dean says: “I’m very pleased to be taking up this role and look forward to using my experience to support Council.”
Council resolved that the remuneration for the role is $20,000.00 per annum, and that any expenses are handled in line with council’s Sensitive Expenditure Policy.
Appointing an independent chair for the Risk and Audit Committee is considered best practice and recommended by the Office of the Auditor General.
Councillor Hingston has acted as interim chair of RAC and chaired one meeting.
The Risk and Audit Committee provides independent oversight of council risk management, internal controls, audit processes, and compliance systems.
It supports council in fulfilling its governance responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and promotes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across council operations.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.