Dr Don Abel

Assistant Governor and Head of Operations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Dr Don Abel joined the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in April 2004.

As Head of Operations Dr Abel has a general management function across the Bank, with particular responsibility for the Bank’s financial, corporate, commercial and other internal functions.

Dr Abel’s previous positions include:

• General Manager, Direct Service and Sales at National Bank of New Zealand Ltd (1995 – 2004)

• Chief Manager, Wellington Region Retail Bank at National Bank of New Zealand Ltd (1994 – 1995)

• Chief Manager, Property at National Bank of New Zealand Ltd (1990 – 1994)

• Chief Manager, Human Resources at National Bank of New Zealand Ltd (1985 – 1994)

Dr Abel has also spent time in the Advisory Group of the Prime Minister’s Department for both Rt Hon. Muldoon and Rt Hon. Lange (1983 - 1985) and was a Chief Economist at the National Bank of NZ Ltd (1978 - 1983).

Dr Abel was educated at the University of Auckland (NZ) where he completed a Master of Arts and Victoria University, Wellington where he completed a PhD in Geography.