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.
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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.