Fraser Whineray to chair PM’s advisory council

Mercury chief executive Fraser Whineray is the new chair of the prime minister’s Business Advisory Council (BAC).

A keen EV advocate, he replaces outgoing Air New Zealand boss Christopher Luxon.

The prime minister established the council last year to provide high-level free and frank advice on policies that directly affect business, harness the expertise of the private sector to inform government policy and to build closer relationships between government and business

“I’m delighted Fraser accepted my invitation and I look forward to his leadership of the council as we work together for business and the economy in order to lift the living standards of all New Zealanders,” Jacinda Ardern says.

“Fraser will be the chair until March next year, when the council will be paused in the run-up to the next general election.”

Whineray, who has been with Mercury about 11 years and chief executive nearly five years, says he values the chance to contribute to New Zealand’s future.

The council next meets in December.