General Manager for Employment Relations Service

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

10 April 2001

New General Manager for Employment Relations Service

John Chetwin, Chief Executive of the Department of Labour, today announced the appointment of Andrew Annakin as General Manager of the Employment Relations Service (ERS). Mr Annakin, 42, replaces Ralph Stockdill who has been General Manager of the Service since 1988. Mr Stockdill retired last month after 40 years with the Department of Labour.

Mr Annakin has a background in employment relations, human resources and management. His most recent position was with the Wellington Regional Council, where he established the Landcare Division. Before that, he held senior HR management and employment relations positions in both the Ministry of Transport and State Services Commission. In those roles he worked on policy development, operational and change management, and employment advocacy. Mr Annakin will start at ERS next month.

Mr Chetwin says the prime role of the new ERS General Manager will be consolidating the successful introduction of the Employment Relations Act, particularly the new structures for resolving employment problems.

“The new legislation and employment relations framework are in place and working”, said Mr Chetwin.

“The challenge now is to ensure that the services the Department provides continue to meet the needs of our customers and fully support the legislative intent. Mr Annakin brings a broad range of skills that will help us meet these challenges. I look forward to working with him.”

Mr Annakin says he followed the introduction of the Employment Relations Act closely, and he welcomes the challenges ahead.

“I’ll be continuing to build on the excellent platform already laid, particularly the new bargaining and institutional frameworks. Co-ordinating policy across several key areas will also be a prime focus.” While he enjoyed working in local government, Mr Annakin is enthusiastic about returning to the core public service.

Mr Annakin has a Master of Arts degree from Canterbury University, plus papers in Legal Systems and Employment Law. He is currently studying towards a Master of Public Management at Victoria University. Mr Annakin lives in Wellington with his wife, Kerry De La Haye. They have one adult daughter.

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Further information or photo: Philippa Doyle,(04) 915 4336 or Jacqueline Owen (04) 915 4338

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