Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

The NZ Public Service – a Century of Resilience


The Centenary of the NZ Public Service – a Century of Resilience

Marking 100-years since the enactment of the Public Service Act in 1912 which formally launched the public service in New Zealand, State Services Commissioner and Head of State Services Iain Rennie today paid tribute to the public service saying its heritage of resilience has helped the country weather tough times.

In the context of current issues confronting the public sector, the Commissioner said that while New Zealand does have some challenges which are very important such as the Pike River tragedy, he believes the country is still better off compared to the seriousness of the issues other countries are facing.

“In much of the world today, governments are struggling and economies are failing, but New Zealand has remained resilient amidst challenges and for me, this can be attributed to a great extent to the quality and stability of our public service system,” Mr. Rennie said.

Mr. Rennie related that through the past 100 years, which saw, among others, two world wars, an economic depression, and more recently a global financial crisis, the public service has adapted to the times and transformed, but it has remained true to the enduring principles of a unified, professional, and politically-neutral public service -- the cornerstones of New Zealand’s public service enshrined in the 1912 Act.

Honouring public servants of the past, Mr Rennie said: “A hundred years of public service, as we have had it, was not mere chance. It was established, moulded, enhanced, and built to what it is today. We are grateful for the pioneers who trail blazed the public service, for all those who have gone before us, for their contribution.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Turning to the current ranks of the public service, the Commissioner issued a challenge: “As we stand at this crucial juncture in our nation's life, the challenge for us contemporary public servants is to live up to our role - to be a strong link between those who have gone before and those who will follow us.”

As part of the celebration, SSC asked historian Redmer Yska to write a brief history of the New Zealand public service. The first two chapters will be available on the SSC website today. Subsequent chapters will be published in the coming months leading to April 1, 2013 which marks the 100th year since the establishment of the Public Service Commission, the precursor of the SSC.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.