3 Nov 2010

Sherwin leaving MAF for top productivity job

8:01 am on 3 November 2010

After nine years as the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Murray Sherwin is leaving to chair the soon-to-be-established New Zealand Productivity Commission.

Finance Minister Bill English says Mr Sherwin is well-suited to the new role, having had wide experience as a public servant, including senior roles at MAF and the Reserve Bank.

The appointment, which is subject to the successful passage of legislation, will be for a five-year term. Mr Sherwin is due to leave MAF later this month.

The commission will be modelled closely on the Australian Productivity Commission, which has been operating for more than 10 years.