The Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, Deborah Hart, has been appointed Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell announced the appointment on Monday, describing Hart as bringing “a wealth of governance, legal and accountability expertise” and saying she would provide “strong, independent leadership” as the Commission enters its next phase.
“The Sport Integrity Commission plays a vital role in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sport and recreation environments for all New Zealanders,” Mitchell said.
Hart has chaired the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand since 2022 and is widely recognised for her work in governance, dispute resolution and public policy. She also chairs Utilities Disputes Limited and serves as a member of the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
According to the Government, Hart has led major independent reviews, including the Independent Review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Electoral Laws, and has extensive experience designing complaints, investigation and accountability frameworks.
The minister’s official biography accompanying the announcement specifically identifies her role as Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand alongside her other governance positions.
Mitchell also announced that Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served as interim Chair since March 2026, has been appointed Deputy Chair, while Tim Castle has been reappointed to the Board for a further two-year term.
“These appointments ensure the Board has the skills, experience and leadership needed to support the Commission’s important mandate and maintain public confidence in New Zealand’s integrity system,” Mitchell said.
The Sport Integrity Commission is an independent Crown entity responsible for promoting integrity across New Zealand sport and recreation. Its responsibilities include safeguarding participants, administering complaints processes, addressing competition manipulation and supporting safe sporting environments.
The appointment adds the chairmanship of the Sport Integrity Commission to Hart’s existing governance roles, which include Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, Chair of Utilities Disputes Limited and membership of the Human Rights Review Tribunal.