dailynewsnblog
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has announced the appointment of Rodger Finlay as its new Board Chair, alongside Rhiannon McKinnon, who joins as the newest of the Bank’s eight Board members (including the Governor). The decision was made by New Zealand’s Governor-General following recommendations from the Minister of Finance, as part of an appointment process managed by Te Tai Ōhanga – The Treasury.
The new appointments coincide with the beginning of Anna Breman’s tenure as Governor on 1st December 2025.
It has been a turbulent year for RBNZ, which the three new incumbents in its most senior roles of Board Chair (Finlay), Governor (Breman) and member of the board (McKinnon) will surely hope to calm. There was also an additional appointment of Grant Spencer to the Board in July 2025. The shake-up has arisen after the abrupt resignation of the previous governor, Adrian Orr, in March 2025. This was followed by the departure of the previous Chair, Neil Quigley, in August, after questions around his handling of Orr’s departure.
Rodger Finlay has a notable background in international investment banking, having held positions at leading institutions in London, such as CS First Boston, Paribas, and UBS. He joined the RBNZ Transition Board in October 2021 and became a member of the RBNZ Board on July 1, 2022. He has served as Deputy Chair since February 2023 and has been acting as Chair since August 29, 2025.
Finlay expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It is a privilege to be appointed as the RBNZ Board Chair. I look forward to supporting a renewed focus on delivering the Bank’s objectives regarding economic stability and broader central banking functions.” His current term as Chair will last until June 30, 2027.
Rhiannon McKinnon, who also has extensive experience in financial operations, including bond issuance and M&A transactions, will serve on the Board for a five-year term from December 1, 2025. Her past roles include CEO of Kiwi Wealth and board member positions with various organizations such as the NZ Film Commission and CFA Society of New Zealand.
Finlay emphasized the strong strategic leadership McKinnon brings, saying, “We welcome her appointment and look forward to her contributions towards achieving Te Pūtea Matua’s strategic objectives.”
Image Credits: rbnz.govt.nz
