January 2016 - New Zealand Banking Association

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) is delighted to announce that Karen Scott-Howman has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.

Media Release29 January 2016 New Zealand Bankers’ Association announces new Chief ExecutiveThe New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) is delighted to announce that Karen Scott-Howman has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.Currently the Chief Executive at the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Karen brings considerable professional experience from both private and public sector roles. She has extensive experience as an advocate on regulatory and policy matters affecting the banking industry from her previously held positions as Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Advocacy at the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, and as Regulatory Director when she joined the NZBA in 2009.

Karen also has broad commercial, public and media law experience and a deep understanding of policy development, administrative and regulatory processes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Victoria University of Wellington, and was a commercial lawyer at Chapman Tripp in Wellington, and worked in leading law firms in Australia and Canada.

NZBA Council Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of New Zealand, Anthony Healy, welcomes the appointment of Karen to this crucial leadership role within New Zealand’s banking industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Karen back to the NZBA. Karen brings an excellent understanding of the legal, regulatory and policy issues affecting the banking sector. Her previous advocacy experience working closely with member banks and other financial sector organisations will be invaluable to the industry,” said Anthony Healy.

“The NZBA provides a critical forum for our 15 member banks to work together on non-competitive industry issues, and plays a significant role in shaping policies that contribute to a safe and successful banking system for New Zealand. Karen’s industry experience and leadership will be vital to the Association’s role as an advocate for the banking sector and how it contributes to the wider-economic benefit of the country,” Healy added.

ENDS

South Island farmers facing continued drought conditions are encouraged to talk with their bank said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA).

“Banks recognise how important the agri-sector is to our economy. We encourage any farmers facing hardship due to ongoing dry conditions to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work together through these challenging circumstances,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.

The NZBA has produced an information sheet on how banks can support and advise farmers facing financial challenges

“Banks work in partnership with farmers to support their businesses. Rural bank managers work closely with their farming clients to understand individual situations and needs. Farmers who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the drought should speak with their bank as early as possible,” Hope added.

In addition to talking with their banks, farmers can also seek advice about managing through drought conditions from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.