Who we are
The BSA is governed by a board of four members. Our small staff team is led by our Chief Executive who together support the members and run our office services.
Members
The BSA board governs the BSA and decides complaints. It is made up of four members (a chairperson and three others) who are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Broadcasting (our Minister).
The chairperson is required to be a barrister or solicitor. One member is appointed after consultation with broadcasters, and another after consultation with public interest groups.
Judge Bill Hastings (Chair)
Currently a District Court Judge, Bill Hastings has considerable experience of quasi-judicial bodies including Crown entities. He was New Zealand’s tenth Chief Censor from 1998 to 2010 and chairperson of the Immigration and Protection Tribunal from 2010 until 2013.
He has also previously held positions as senior law lecturer, Deputy Dean of Law and member of the governing Council at Victoria University, Wellington. He’s been a member of the Video Recordings Authority, the Indecent Publications Tribunal and the Film and Literature Board of Review.
Judge Bill Hastings was appointed as Chair of the BSA in October 2018.
Paula Rose QSO
Paula Rose is a Canterbury based director and safety professional. She holds a number of board positions including Deputy Chair WorkSafe NZ, Transport Accident Investigation Commission, Social Workers Registration Board, Brackenridge and is a member of the NZ Parole Board.
She was formerly National Manager, Road Policing with NZ Police, Deputy Chair of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety, and Executive Director to the Minister of Social Development on the Children’s Action Plan.
In 2013 Paula was awarded a Companion to the Queen's Service Order for her contribution to policing and the community.
Paula joined the BSA in July 2015.
Susie Staley MNZM
Susie Staley is a partner at Staley Cardoza Lawyers in Dunedin. She has chaired Maritime New Zealand and is currently chair for Save the Children NZ and retirement village operator Chatsford Management Ltd. Susie has chaired ID Dunedin Fashion Inc and been a board member of PGG Wrightson, Tower Ltd and Dunedin International Airport. She was a panel member of the Enterprise Awards for Industry New Zealand and a member of the Performance and Risk Advisory Board for the Ministry of Transport.
Susie was appointed as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in December 2014 for services to governance and business.
Susie Staley joined the BSA in October 2018.
Leigh Pearson
Leigh Pearson of Wellington is self-employed, specialising in government relations and communications. She advises the University of Auckland and was recently Acting General Manager Engagement and Partnerships at Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency. Leigh is a former journalist having worked with Radio New Zealand, Television New Zealand and Radio Deutsche Welle. She is a former chair of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and was a member of the BSA from 2009 to 2016.
Leigh rejoined the BSA in June 2020.
Past Board Members
Staff
As well as supporting the members in their decision-making and governance functions, the BSA staff carry out the various other functions of the BSA, such as research, communications and engagement with broadcasters, the public and stakeholders.
Staff Members
Belinda was appointed Chief Executive in May 2016. Belinda is a qualified lawyer and brings broad legal and regulatory experience from her career in private and public sector roles in New Zealand and overseas. Before joining the BSA, Belinda was a member of the Executive Committee of the Financial Markets Authority.
As Legal Manager Helen oversees the Legal Team, contributes to the strategic direction and organisational performance of the BSA, and is responsible for the BSA’s research activities. Helen has an LLB (Hons) degree from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St Louis, USA. Before joining BSA, she was Manager Legal Services & Company Secretary at Airways New Zealand and worked at two major NZ law firms. Helen is providing BSA with parental leave cover for 12 months.
Grace joined the BSA in November 2018. In her role as legal advisor, Grace advises the BSA on complaints, assists in preparing the BSA’s decisions and is also engaged in a range of strategic projects for the BSA. She has a double degree in Law and Arts (English Literature) from Victoria University.
Raina joined the BSA in October 2019. In her role as legal advisor, Raina advises the BSA on complaints, assists in preparing the BSA’s decisions and is also engaged in a range of strategic projects for the BSA. She has a degree in Law from Otago University. Before joining the BSA, Raina worked as a lawyer in a private civil litigation practice and was previously a journalist working in Malaysia.
Hayley is the BSA’s Executive Office Manager. In her role she provides support to the CE and legal team and oversees the day-to-day running of the office. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Victoria University. Prior to joining the BSA, Hayley worked as an optometry practice manager.
Rebecca is our frontline contact person for visitors coming into the office or calling the Broadcasting Standards Authority. She provides administrative support to the team as well as assisting the public and stakeholders with a wide range of enquires. Prior to joining BSA, Rebecca has worked in the Hospitality Industry as a Hotel Front Office Manager. We share Rebecca with NZ On Air.