It is with regret we note the sudden death of Mel Smith. Mel was on the Board of Transparency International New Zealand for several years and became our Patron in 2007.
Mel was passionate about transparency and accountability in the public sector and took a keen interest in the work of TINZ over many years.
Most of Mel’s working life was spent in the Department of Justice in a variety of roles, including Chief Inspector and later Secretary for Justice. He also spent four years as Deputy Secretary for Internal Affairs. From 1996-2001, he was a self-employed consultant specialising in public service projects.
In 2006, Mel was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). He was twice appointed Ombudsman first from 2001-2005 and then again as a temporary Ombudsman on 7 December 2006 for one year and shortly thereafter, at the request of the Prime Minister, commenced a review of the Criminal Justice Sector in New Zealand.
Our deepest condolences to Mel’s partner Prue and family.
