Four lay members of the High Court who provide expert assistance to judges under the Commerce Act, have been reappointed for another five year term, Attorney General Dr Michael Cullen announced today.

They are Henry Ergas, Professor Lewis Evans, Professor Martin Richardson, and Kerrin Vautier.

Mr Ergas is a microeconomist, consultant and regional head of Asia Pacific CRA International. He has worked in both New Zealand and Australia and the OECD on competition issues. Mr Lewis is also adjunct Professor of Economics at the University of Singapore.

Professor Lewis Evans is a Professor of Economics at Victoria University of Wellington.  His areas of expertise are theoretical and applied economics, econometrics and public economics.

Professor Martin Richardson is currently a Professor of Economics at the Australian National University, School of Economics. His areas of expertise include international trade theory, industrial organisation and applied microeconomics.

Ms Vautier is a consulting research economist and senior (part time) lecturer at Auckland University. Her areas of expertise include competition policy/law/economics.

Lay members assist the Court in cases involving appeals from decisions of the Commerce Commission and in other matters under the Commerce Act.