Telecommunications Commissioner Ross Patterson has stood down
because of an "alcohol-related" health problem, surprising
colleagues who had no knowledge of his illness.
Dr Patterson was appointed in July last year on a salary of
$370,000.
Fellow commissioner Donal Curtin was stood down last week
during an independent investigation into a possible
undisclosed conflict of interest.
Commission chairwoman Paula Rebstock, one of three remaining
full commissioners, will assume Dr Patterson's role while he
takes leave of absence.
"Dr Patterson has asked me to convey that his health issue is
alcohol related and that he is seeking the appropriate
treatment," she told the Dominion Post.
Telecommunications Users Association chief executive Ernie
Newman said Dr Patterson's health issue was a surprise.
"Our members have extremely high regard for Dr Patterson's
work.
"He has been a very transparent and capable commissioner and
we wish him a speedy recovery and a return to his role.
"We don't believe he has made any recent decisions that we
have been anything other than 100 per cent satisfied with,"
Mr Newman said.
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