Joan Withers named new TVNZ chair

Joan Withers has been appointed as the new chairwoman of TVNZ, replacing retiring chairman Wayne Walden. Photo: Greg Bowker.

Mighty River Power chairwoman Joan Withers has been appointed as the new chair of TVNZ.

Withers has been deputy chair of the state-owned broadcaster since 2009 and her previous experience in media companies includes being chief executive of Fairfax Media New Zealand.

TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kenrick told parliament's commerce committee last week the company expects to resume dividend payments in 2016 after a hiatus while it redeveloped its headquarters.

Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams today said Withers was a highly experienced director, having held several challenging and high profile positions in some of New Zealand's most iconic companies.

"Her background and expertise in media positions her well to take the helm of TVNZ at a time when it's growing its online presence.

"As Deputy Chair of the TVNZ Board since 2009, Ms Withers brings continuity, solid industry knowledge and significant governance leadership experience to the role."

As well as being the chair of Mighty River Power, Withers also sits on the board of the ANZ.

She formerly chaired Auckland International Airport and was previously chief executive of Fairfax Media New Zealand.

Her term runs from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016.

Adams thanked the retiring chair, Wayne Walden, for his stewardship of TVNZ over the last four years.