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GOVERNMENT NEWS ARCHIVE 2006 |
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January |
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26 January New Zealand Lotteries Commission Chief Executive Trevor
Hall has resigned to take up the top position in private sector tourism
operator Tourism Holdings.
Act Party President Catherine Judd has resigned. She had been President since 2001. Act leader Rodney Hide said Ms Judd, had been a fantastic president who had given him her full support. Act members will now elect a new president, with the result expected in March. |
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30 March The Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, John Norton has resigned from his role, after eight years as Director. Mr Norton is to take up a role in international disaster management consultancy. During Mr Norton's time with the Ministry, new legislation has been developed and implemented to transform and redefine the way New Zealand manages hazards and disasters. "I have been able to take part in developing new arrangements for New Zealand to support other nations in managing their disasters, and in bringing help from around the world to us when needed. But perhaps the best experience has been working directly with communities affected by disasters. We have developed new, proactive ways to minimise hazards and prepare for, and respond to, disaster. I have seen New Zealanders at their best, and look forward to a new role in which I can share some of what we have learned". John Norton is to continue as Director until he leaves in late May. ANOTHER MÄORI SEAT? Mäori have until August 2 to decide whether to register on the Mäori or General electoral roles. The so-called Maori Electoral Option began this week and it will determine whether there is any change to the number of Mäori seats. Since the option was first offered in 1993, the number of Maori seats has risen from four to seven. 29 March Advertising has begun for a new Director of Security for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. The State Services Commissioner has been asked by the Government to manage the processes for selection of candidates for appointment to this role. The current Director, Richard Woods, will retire in October 2006. The Director of Security is appointed by the Governor-General and works directly to the Minister responsible for the Service - by convention the Prime Minister. ACTING CEO FOR ENVIRONMENT Sue Powell, has been appointed acting Chief Executive of the Ministry
for the Environment, following the departure of Barry Carbon earlier
this month. Sue Powell was General Manager, Working with Local Government,
for the Ministry. 25 March Garry Mallett has been elected party president at the recent ACT conference. He replaces Catherine Judd who resigned in January. 22 March Former Attorney-General David Parker has now resigned from all his portfolios. Temporarily taking new responsibilities are Trevor Mallard who will take over as energy minister, and Pete Hodgson who will hold climate change and transport. 20 March Prime Minister Helen Clark said there was no evidence that anyone had been harmed by the mistakes concerned, but nonetheless she agreed with Mr Parker that they justified her accepting his resignation as Attorney-General. Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen will take over the portfolio temporarily. 7 March Prime Minister Helen Clark said the difficulty of recruiting a new chief executive was a key factor in a decision to incorporate Child, Youth and Family Services into the Social Development Ministry. Canadian Paula Tyler quit her role as chief executive late last year, less than halfway through her contract. She was appointed to replace Jackie Pivac, who resigned after a damning review of the department in 2003. Miss Clark said it had taken a long time to recruit Ms Tyler and there was "a sense of disappointment" that she did not see out her term. "Given that, the prospects of trying to appoint again to what has been quite a difficult job to fill adequately wasn't appealing." Bringing CYF within the ministry would improve its performance by "surrounding the operations of CYF with an adequate policy framework" said Miss Clark. The planned merger will happen in July. Ministry chief executive Peter Hughes will head the new entity. 2 March Health Minister Pete Hodgson announced today that Mental Health Commissioner Bob Henare is stepping down from the role. Mr Henare had made an important contribution to improve the quality of mental health services in New Zealand and he has provided great leadership for those working in the health field, said Mr Hodgson. A process to find Mr Henare's replacement is underway.
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April | ||||||||||||||||||||||
27 April Former Attorney-General David Parker will return to the Cabinet next week after the Companies Office inquiry cleared him of filing false company returns. Former Dunedin business partner Russell Hyslop had accused Mr Parker of not having Mr Hislop's consent to waive an annual audit of a company in which they had been joint shareholders. The law requires that an annual audit be completed for a company unless all shareholders agree. A Companies Office inquiry discovered, however, a uncovered a letter to Mr Parker from the Official Assignee granting a waiver of the requirement. The Official Assignee took control of Mr Hyslop's affairs when he was declared bankrupt in 1997. The Prime Minister Helen Clark has said she will recommend to the Labour
Party Caucus that Mr Parker be re-elected to the Cabinet. 4 April Prime Minister Helen Clark and Police Minister Annette King today announced the appointments of Howard Broad as Commissioner of Police and Rob Pope as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations). Lyn Provost has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Resource Management). All appointments are for terms of five years. Howard Broad has been a member of the NZ Police for more than 30 years, serving mainly in uniform and CIB appointments, and then in policy, planning and strategy roles at National Headquarters. He has also been District Commander for Auckland City Police District, and later seconded to the Police Standards Unit in the UK Home Office. In 2004 he was appointed to his present position of Assistant Commissioner. Rob Pope has been a member of the NZ Police for more than 30 years, serving in uniform duties for five years before moving to CIB and a succession of operational appointments, culminating in promotion to National Crime Manager in the Office of the Commissioner of Police in 2002. In 2004 he took up his present position of District Commander, Wellington. Ms King paid tribute to the role Steve Long has played since December
as Acting Commissioner of Police, on Mr Rob Robinsons retirement. "He
has managed the transition period professionally and with great assurance,
as indeed he has managed his whole police career." 3 April The Queen has appointed Judge Anand Satyanand to succeed Dame Silvia Cartwright as Governor-General. "Judge Satyanand will bring many personal strengths to the role of Governor-General, including a broad knowledge of the workings of government and law, as well as a deep appreciation of the different groups and communities which make up contemporary New Zealand," said the Prime Minister. Judge Satyanand recently retired as Ombudsman. Prior to that he was a senior judge. Judge Satyanand, replaces Dame Sylvia on 4 August. He is of Indo-Fijian
heritage and will be the first New Zealand asian to hold the role. CEO for TVNZ TVNZ's Chairman Designate, Sir John Anderson, today announced the appointment of Mr Rick Ellis as Chief Executive, commencing in mid-May. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, Sir John said Mr Ellis had been selected from a wide range of very talented candidates. The Board had been pleased to see such a high level of interest from candidates with a depth of skills and experience. "Rick Ellis was the standout candidate," Sir John said. "He is a very experienced Chief Executive, and in his four year term with TVNZ to 2002 he led the company with vision and purpose. Since that time he has remained actively involved in the industry - in particular through his current appointments as Chairman of the Television Local Content Group and as a member of the Board of Governors of Radio New Zealand," Sir John said. "He is very familiar with the current issues facing TVNZ and the industry, which means that once he takes up his appointment he is ideally placed to lead the organisation and TVNZ can take firm steps into the future". | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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May | ||||||||||||||||||||||
30 May
"One organisation could assure us of a consistent approach to the standards and levels of services provided," Mr Barker said. 2 May Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, today announced the appointment of Hugh Logan as Chief Executive and Secretary for the Environment, Ministry for the Environment. He takes over from Sue Powell, who has been the Acting Chief Executive at the Ministry since March. Mr Logan who is currently the Chief Executive and Director General of the Department of Conservation has had nine years' experience as a chief executive and 26 years' experience in the Public Service. His earlier career included roles at the Ministry of Civil Defence, the DSIR and the Prime Minister's Department. Mark Prebble says Hugh Logan has an excellent track record as an experienced chief executive and Public Service leader. "He has the ability to make the transition from conservation management to wider environmental policy leadership both in New Zealand and internationally, as shown by his past career changes." Hugh Logan will take up his appointment on 29 May 2006.
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that David Parker is returning to Cabinet following his election by the Labour Caucus this morning. David Parker will resume his former responsibilities as Minister of Energy and Minister Responsible for Climate Change issues. In addition, he takes on the portfolio of Minister for Land Information. Annette King is to be appointed to a new position as Minister of Transport. 1 May Air Marshall Bruce Ferguson has stepped down from his position as Chief of Defence. He has been in the position since 2002. His replacement is army chief Jerry Mateparae, who has been promoted to Major General.
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June | ||||||||||||||||||||||
15 June
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July | ||||||||||||||||||||||
10 July
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August | ||||||||||||||||||||||
7 August
New Zealand's 18th Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright PCNZM, DBE, QSO, completed her term on 4 August 2006. Judge Anand Satyanand, her successor, will be sworn in on 23 August 2006. During the interregnum, the Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias will act as the Administrator of Government.
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September | ||||||||||||||||||||||
26 September National Party Leader Don Brash says the National Party Caucus today decided to suspend MP Brian Connell. The National Party Board resolved last Thursday that Mr Connell had again failed to show the restraint and discipline expected of a Caucus member, and it had no confidence in him. “The suspension from Caucus today comes as a result of Mr Connell’s behaviour stretching back over the past few years,” says Dr Brash. “The final straw was Mr Connell’s public comments after the last Caucus about the discussions that took place at that meeting. “The suspension remains in force until further notice. Mr Connell’s future with the National Party is now in his own hands.”
The government is being strongly criticised for removing the chair of the Electricity Commission, Roy Hemmingway. Dr Hemmingway's contract expires today. Its terms allowed him to stay on and he wanted to do so but has been told to go. Dr Hemmingway has been told to leave the job by the end of November, but prior engagements mean he will effectively be out of the office from this week. In his place, on an interim basis, will be a government adviser, Peter Harris. The Chair, Deputy Chair and Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are all to leave the organization.
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October | ||||||||||||||||||||||
25 October National Party President Judy Kirk has today named Chris Simpson as the Party’s new General Manager. Well known in Party circles, Mr Simpson, 37, worked at the Party’s Headquarters in 1991 before joining National’s Research Unit. He was the Unit’s Director from 1995 to 1997. Since then he has worked as National Director of the NZ Property Council and as a communications consultant. He starts on 20 November.
The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble today announced the appointment of John McKinnon as the Chief Executive and Secretary of Defence, Ministry of Defence. Mr McKinnon is presently Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr McKinnon is an experienced senior leader with 32 years in the Public Service. Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1975 he has held a number of important senior roles, including Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1992 to1995, Director of the External Assessments Bureau in the Department of Prime Minister of Cabinet during 1995 and 2000 and Ambassador in Beijing from 2001 to 2004. Mr McKinnon has extensive experience in foreign policy and security matters including managing the Ministry of Foreign Affair's political and security programme, advising Ministers, and developing policy advice on New Zealand's international relations and foreign policy issues. Mr McKinnon will take up his new role in December 2006. VICE CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE APPOINTMENT EXTENDED "Air Vice-Marshal Bamfield was appointed to the role of VCDF in 2004 and has served New Zealand well in what has proved to be a very demanding period of transition for the New Zealand Defence Force", said Phil Goff.
The Christian Heritage Party has decided to disband. The party was founded 17 years ago and has contested elections since 1996, but in last year’s election it only gained 0.12 per cent of the party vote. Party leader Ewen McQueen said a major reason was the conviction of former leader Mr Graham Capill for the sexual violation of three young girls. Mr McQueen said there had been a postal ballot of party members and 97 per cent agreed to end the party.
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November | ||||||||||||||||||||||
30 November 28 November National Party Leader John Key is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Taylor as Chief Press Secretary. Mr Taylor, a former New Zealand Herald political and business reporter, has been Senior Press Secretary in the Leader's Office since January. His appointment is effective immediately.
23 November Don Brash announced this afternoon that he has decided to step down as leader of the National Party and will do so formally at a special meeting of National MPs on Monday. 22 November The NZ On Air Board today announced the appointment of Jane Wrightson as the new chief executive of NZ On Air. Ms Wrightson is currently the Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Standards Authority. She was previously Chief Executive of the Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA); chief Film Censor; involved in various management roles at Television New Zealand; and Television Manager and deputy Chief Executive for NZ On Air. Ms Wrightson will take up her new role in early February 2007. Acting Chief Executive, Bernard Duncan, will continue in his present role until then.
Mr Reid has a science background in Operations Research, applying his technical skills to a range of commercial settings. He has previous experience operating in international markets and running a world-wide sales team, and was General Manager Cargo at Air New Zealand. Mr Reid will take up his appointment in mid February 2007.
The State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble, announced today that Alastair Morrison has been appointed as Chief Executive and Director-General, Department of Conservation. Mr Morrison’s various roles within the department include General Manager, External Relations from 2002; in 2005 he took on the role of General Manager, Strategy and Policy until was appointed Acting Chief Executive. Prior to joining the department he had a long career in journalism, in reporting, commentary and several management roles. From 1997 to 2002 Mr Morrison was Political Editor, Radio New Zealand and managed press gallery staff. His appointment is effective immediately.
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December | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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21 December 19 December Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today, that Former Trade Negotiations Minister Philip Burdon has been appointed Chair of the Asia:NZ Foundation. Mr Burdon replaces Sir Dryden Spring, who stands down after five years as Chair. Mr Peters paid tribute to the long service of Sir Dryden, who first joined the Asia:NZ Board in 1996, and thanked outgoing members of the current Board. New appointments to the Asia:NZ Board are:
Four Board members, whose current terms have expired, have been reappointedare:
Ken Douglas, Lex Henry, Vino Ramayah, and MP Pansy Wong. 14 December Ms Beyer, who is believed to be the world's first transsexual MP, told NZPA she will step down shortly after the House sits again in the second week of February. Ms Beyer has twice previously announced her retirement, but then changed her mind. In her first term as MP she said she would not stand again, but changed he mind and won the Wairapapa seat again in 2002. During her second term she again announced her retirement, and then decided she would not stand for the Wairarapa seat but would go on Labour's list. It is expected that Ms Beyer’s resignation will be the first of several Labour MPs - Prime Minister Helen Clark has publicly stated she wants some old hands to "exit with dignity" so Labour can bring in some new faces before the next election. The next candidate on Labour's list is union organiser Lesley Soper, who will replace Georgina Beyer when she steps down. 6 December The four existing immigration appeal bodies will be replaced by a single tribunal under changes to immigration law the Government confirmed this week. Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said new legislation would be introduced in April 2007. The Minister announced a package of proposals for a new Immigration Act – including a single independent appeals tribunal – following recent public consultation. 5 December 1 December National Party Leader John Key has announced a reshuffled portfolio line-up that will form the foundation of National’s team heading into the next election. A highlight of the reshuffle is the replacement of the front bench group with a Shadow Cabinet that comprises the first 16 portfolio holders. Bill English has been elevated to the Deputy Leadership and the Finance portfolio. Katherine Rich will take over Education portfolio and move up one spot to No 8. Gerry Brownlee will have a number of responsibilities including being Shadow Leader of the House and chairing National’s Strategy Committee. He also gets responsibility for Energy, State Owned Enterprises and State Services. Simon Power is promoted from No 7 to No 4 and gets Justice and Commerce. He retains Corrections. Judith Collins and Tony Ryall retain their existing portfolios, and Mrs Collins moves up one spot. Georgina te Heuheu and Tau Henare take joint responsibility for the Maori Affairs portfolio. Mrs te Heuheu will become Maori Affairs (Culture & Development) spokeswoman while Mr Henare becomes the Maori Affairs (Education & TPK) spokesman. Other features of the reshuffle include the elevation of Maurice Williamson from No 13 to No 9 while retaining his current portfolios. Wayne Mapp gets the Defence and Auckland Issues portfolios, Chris Finlayson retains Attorney-General and has a change of title to the Treaty Negotiations spokesman. He also gets Arts, Culture and Heritage. Tim Groser takes the Trade and Associate Finance portfolios, and Anne Tolley becomes Chief Whip with Nathan Guy taking the Junior Whip role. As well as Mr Guy, other MPs from the large 2005 intake are given more responsibilities. Chester Borrows, a former police officer, takes over as Police spokesman, while Jackie Blue takes the reinstated Women’s Affairs portfolio. Jonathan Coleman gets the Broadcasting portfolio, Kate Wilkinson becomes Labour & Industrial Relations spokeswoman. Pansy Wong takes the ACC portfolio, and also becomes Ethnic Affairs spokeswoman. Paul Hutchison gets the Tertiary Education portfolio. “I believe this is a strong line-up that reflects the depth and diversity of talent in our Caucus,” says Mr Key.
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