Photo Source: Simon Watts Instagram Account
Dame Patsy Reddy, the former Governor-General of New Zealand, has been appointed as the new chair of the Climate Change Commission, a role she will officially begin in February 2025.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts welcomed the appointment, highlighting Dame Patsy’s significant experience in governance and law. This change in leadership comes at a critical juncture for the Commission, which plays a key role in New Zealand’s climate strategy.
Minister Watts confirmed that Dame Patsy’s appointment will ensure the Commission remains well-equipped to support the nation’s transition to a low-emissions future, with interim leadership provided by current deputy chair Lisa Tumahai.
A Respected Leader Takes Charge
Dame Patsy Reddy is a seasoned leader with a distinguished career spanning both governance and business. Having served as New Zealand’s 21st Governor-General from 2016 to 2021, she has also held numerous influential roles, including chair of the New Zealand Rugby Union and trustee for organisations such as the Malaghan Institute and Aspen Institute New Zealand.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dame Patsy was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016. Her deep expertise in legal and organisational oversight positions her uniquely to lead the Climate Change Commission through the complex task of shaping New Zealand’s climate policies and ensuring the nation meets its carbon-neutral targets.
Rod Carr’s Legacy and the Path Forward
Dame Patsy Reddy steps into the role of chair of the Climate Change Commission following the conclusion of Dr Rod Carr’s five-year tenure. Carr, recognised for his strong advocacy, delivered a stark warning in his final address to Parliament:
“Those who continue to promote the combustion of fossil fuels in open air without permanent carbon capture and storage are, in my view, committing a crime against humanity.” He stressed the urgency of climate action, highlighting that New Zealand’s financial future is tied to ambitious climate policies. “The purpose of New Zealand’s climate law is not to do as little as possible as late as possible,”
Carr asserted, calling for policymakers to seize the opportunity presented by emerging technologies to achieve energy independence.
A New Leadership Team
Joining Dame Patsy on the Commission are Felicity Underhill and Devon McLean, both appointed as commissioners to bring specialised expertise to the board.
“Ms Underhill has worked in the energy industry for over twenty years and will bring significant experience in decarbonisation of the energy, transport, and industrial sectors. She has also been actively involved in future fuel transition programmes around hydrogen,” Mr Watts says.
“Mr McLean has had a long executive and governance career in the forestry and conservation fields. The Commission Board will benefit from Mr McLean’s forestry industry experience and governance expertise.”
The pair replace outgoing commissioners Catherine Leining and Professor James Renwick.
Challenges Ahead for the Commission
The Climate Change Commission, now under Dame Patsy Reddy’s leadership, faces an ambitious set of objectives. Among the Commission’s top priorities is the implementation of carbon-negative policies by 2050, along with addressing emissions from international aviation and shipping, which currently fall outside New Zealand’s reduction targets.
The Commission’s recent recommendation to aim for a carbon-negative future, with the goal of removing 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2050, has received support from scientists who argue that the target is both achievable and essential. Yet, there is still doubt over whether the government will adopt the bold policies required to meet these goals. “The actions proposed by the Commission are both realistic and feasible,” said Dr Jocelyn Turnbull, a carbon cycle specialist. “They would reduce energy costs for New Zealanders and help decrease dependence on fossil fuel imports.”
Positioning New Zealand as a Global Leader
Dame Patsy Reddy and her leadership team face not just immediate challenges but also a unique opportunity to establish New Zealand as a world leader in climate action. The transition to clean energy presents the dual advantage of reducing the country’s reliance on unpredictable international supply chains while unlocking considerable economic potential.
With Dame Patsy’s extensive experience in leadership and governance, the Commission is well-equipped to navigate this crucial phase. The new leadership team aims to lead New Zealand towards a sustainable, low-emissions future, demonstrating global climate leadership.