4 May 2007 Media statement

Minister thanks John Glaister for his service

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton paid tribute to Ministry of Fisheries
Chief Executive, Dr John Glaister, whose resignation was announced today.

"John has done an extraordinary job as Chief Executive and his leadership will be missed," said Jim Anderton.

"John took on the role at a difficult time following the scampi inquiry and since then has built the capability and professionalism of the Ministry. He has done an excellent job taking the Ministry of Fisheries from being simply a regulator of the fishing industry, to an agency focused on wider environmental and ecosystem management."

"While it is with regret that I must bid farewell to Dr Glaister, I wholly support him in his decision to place his family needs first," said Jim Anderton.

State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble announced today that Dr John Glaister has resigned to return to Australia to support his family.

"Dr Glaister's mother was admitted to protective care in January last year. He has tried but found it impossible to manage this situation from New Zealand. This has increased the need for him to return to Australia where he can provide more support for his family. I sympathize with that responsibility.

Dr Glaister has been Chief Executive of the Ministry of Fisheries since December 2004. Prior to this role, he had strong management experience in the Australian state government, research and academic environments.

Dr Glaister will leave the Ministry of Fisheries on 30 June 2007.

ends

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