I write to give you a further update on the progress being made to find a new Chief Executive for the Foundation, following Paula's resignation last January.

On 4 April you received advice that a good level of high quality interest was being shown in the position and that, in the meantime, Paula and her Senior Management Team will continue to lead the Foundation.

Forty-five applications for the position have been received, some of them from overseas. From these applicants, the top 5 were selected for a rigorous formal interview process wherein each candidate met 4 senior managers, a consumer representative and Board appointees. From this review, 3 of the top-most applicants will go forward and meet and make formal presentations to the Board on Friday 18 May.

It is hoped that, from this last set of discussions with Directors, the Board can select the best person to lead the Foundation into the future from among the high calibre candidates on offer.

Selection is not the end of the matter, however. It will take some time to gain final reference and security clearances, agree a contract and to work out obligations to a current employer.

Appointing a CEO to an organisation such as the Foundation is not a simple matter and the Board asks all stakeholders to be patient. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Be assured that the Board is as keen as anyone to find the new Chief Executive who will take the RNZFB into the future.

Don McKenzie
on behalf of Directors.