RNZ board member Richard Dellabarca steps in following unexpected resignation of CFO

RNZ has taken the step of appointing a board member to complete its end of year accounts after the unexpected resignation of its Chief Financial Officer.The public broadcaster told staff earlier this week that CFO Hilary Parker had resigned."We wish Hilary well," said a spokesperson in a statement.RNZ said board member Richard Dellabarca, a chartered accountant, is now acting as Chief Financial Officer.A spokesperson said Dellabarca's appointment would ensure financial leadership during the annual reporting period.RNZ said it expected to meet the timeframe for reporting its accounts. Last year, the annual report was signed on September 30 and published on October 21."As is standard, the accounts are subject to audit before they are finalised."A spokesperson said all RNZ's key stakeholders had been informed.A spokesperson for Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed his office had been notified of the CFO's departure under the no surprises convention.The change in CFO comes six months after the government spelled out financial expectations for the organisation.Goldsmith highlighted the public broadcaster's financial performance as the top item in the Letter of Expectation to the Board on March 18, 2026. Improving audience reach and growing trust levels were the other main items.The Letter noted: "It is a vital, ongoing expectation that RNZ delivers improved performance and represents a value-for-money investment for the Crown as owner. This includes right-sizing operations and increasing efficiency to mitigate reliance on cash reserves and the sale of land to fund operations."Dellabarca, a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Laws, is currently working out of the RNZ Auckland offices it shares with TVNZ.Dellabarca is a director of RNZ, North Harbour Rugby Union and commercial vehicle group Keith Andrews, and chair of bio-technology distributor Epic Char.He was appointed to the RNZ Board in May and commenced his appointment just over three months ago, on July 1.