MBIE confirms reappointment to the Commerce Commission

“Mr Liava’a will be commencing a second term in his Associate Commissioner role at the Commerce Commission, commencing on 16 May 2022,” said Andrew Hume, General Manager Small Business, Commerce and Consumer Policy, MBIE.

During his first term, Liava’a worked within the Commission’s Consumer and Mergers Divisions. Issues he has been involved in include encouraging responsible lending, avoiding scams and enforcing consumer rights. He works closely with Commission staff to promote awareness of the Commission’s work, utilising strong ties to community networks with Pasifika, budget advisory and consumer groups.

Mr Liava’a’s second term is for 3 years and will end on 25 June 2025.

In addition to the reappointment of Mr Liava’a, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Dr David Clark, proposes that Commissioner Elisabeth Welson be appointed as an Associate Commissioner for a short term until the end of 2022, after the expiry of her current term on 31 March 2022. This is in order to facilitate a smooth transition following the appointment of her successor, who is expected to be appointed later this year.

Background

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs appoints Associate Commissioners for their knowledge of, and experience in, areas relevant to the Commission's interests.

Bio for Joseph Liava’a

Joseph Liava’a was appointed as an Associate Commissioner in April 2019. Prior to joining the Commission, Joseph worked as the Community Liaison Manager for Nirvana Health Group. Before that he was a consumer law advisor for the former Ministry of Consumer Affairs and also worked as a private secretary for the Minister. Joseph has also given consumer law training to budget advice services and community law centres. He has been involved with a variety of boards and panels, including Pacific Health and Welfare Inc, Vaiola Pacific Island Budgeting Service Trust (Mangere), Otara Health Charitable Trust, as well as the board of Consumer New Zealand. Joseph is a member of the Commission’s Consumer Division.