Mr Robin Dare

Monday 1 March 2004
Media release from the State Services Commissioner

Mr Robin Dare

"It was with great sadness that I learnt last night of the death of Robin Dare, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service and Comptroller of Customs," said Michael Wintringham, State Services Commissioner.

Mr Dare had been appointed as Chief Executive in August 2000, following a long career in the New Zealand Customs Service.

Mr Wintringham said Mr Dare was regarded as a leader among Public Service chief executives.

"He provided strong leadership for New Zealand Customs during a time of international instability and increased concern for the security of our borders. He was highly respected internationally by customs colleagues.

"He had a major role in reinforcing high standards of ethics and integrity, not just in Customs, but across the Public Service.

"He also chaired the Board of the Leadership Development Centre which advanced the training and development of senior Public Service managers.

"Mr Dare had played a major role among chief executives in assisting the Public Service to strengthen its performance following the recommendations of the Review of the Centre in 2001.

"He will be deeply missed by the staff in the New Zealand Customs Service, by his colleagues across the Public Service, and by all the others with whom he had worked in his role as Comptroller of Customs.

"Our sympathies are with Mr Dare's family and friends at this terribly sad time."

Mr Wintringham said he had appointed John Secker, currently National Manager Air and Marine in the Customs Department, as Acting Chief Executive of New Zealand Customs Service and Comptroller of Customs.

ENDS

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