John Allen is Victoria University of Wellington's chancellor and was previously chief executive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Post, WellingtonNZ, and the New Zealand Racing Board. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
John Richard Allen is likely to take over the role of chief ombudsman from Peter Boshier, who still has the job despite a law requiring his resignation at age 72.
Boshier resigned after his 72nd birthday on 16 March last year, but was asked to stay on while a replacement was found.
The Officers of Parliament Committee had recommended Allen as a replacement in the role, which was an independent position tasked with investigating complaints about administrative actions at all levels of government and ensuring proper public access to official information.
The committee is made up of MPs from all parties in Parliament, and Allen's appointment had unanimous support.
He is Victoria University of Wellington's chancellor, and was previously chief executive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Post, WellingtonNZ, and the New Zealand Racing Board.
The members thanked Boshier for his many years of public service and wished him all the best for his retirement.
Boshier told RNZ last year he was loving the job and did not feel his age was a factor.
Partners in Change consultancy's managing director Geoff Pearman had earlier said the age limit in the law appeared discriminatory.
The governor-general formally appoints the chief ombudsman, on the recommendation of Parliament.
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