Retirement: Ministry Of Social Policy Chief Exec.

Retirement: Chief Executive Of The Ministry Of Social Policy

Media Statement From The State Services Commissioner
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The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, announced today that Dame Margaret Bazley will retire as chief executive of the Ministry of Social Policy on 30 June 2001. She will also retire from the Public Service.

Dame Margaret has headed the Ministry, and before that, the Department of Social Welfare, since July 1993. She has been a public servant for more than 40 years. During that time, she has held senior roles in health services, she headed the Ministry of Transport (1988-1993), and she was a member of the State Services Commission (1984-1988). In 1999 she was made a Dame Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her services to public administration.

"Dame Margaret is among the most outstanding public servants of her generation. Through her service over more than 40 years, she has also made a major contribution to the welfare of New Zealanders," Mr Wintringham said.

Mr Wintringham said he would begin the process to appoint a new chief executive for the Ministry of Social Policy, including advertising, early in the New Year.

ENDS

Further information: Owen Gill, State Services Commission, ph 04 495 6609.

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