Strategic Leaders Recruited

July 2004

Statistics New Zealand announces the appointment of two new Deputy Government Statisticians, as the agency gears up for additional responsibilities as leader of the new ‘whole of government’ Official Statistics System.

Budget 2004 funding of $70 million over four years allows Statistics New Zealand to enhance official statistics and restructure to meet a growing demand for high quality, relevant statistics. Geoff Bascand, formerly General Manager of the Labour Market Policy Group in the Department of Labour, joins Statistics New Zealand in the new role of Deputy Government Statistician – Industry and Labour Statistics, on Monday 5 July.

Geoff has an Honours degree in geography from Otago University and a Master of Economics degree from the Australian National University. Geoff started his career at Treasury, working in economic and social policy branches, and then as Director of Macro-economic and Tax Forecasting. After two years with the IMF in Washington, Geoff joined the Department of Labour as General Manager of the Labour Market Policy Group.

Cathryn Ashley-Jones, of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, joins Statistics New Zealand in September as Deputy Government Statistician – Social and Population Statistics. Cathryn has an Honours degree in Economics from Victoria University. Since early 2000, Cathryn has been at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, advising on the health sector and accident insurance issues, and is currently Director of the Foreshore and Seabed Group. In 1994, Cathryn was Director of Policy, Sector Policy Branch, at the Ministry of Health. Prior to this she worked at Treasury, BERL and NZIER. Ian Ewing continues as the third Deputy Government Statistician, overseeing Macroeconomic and Environment Statistics.

Government Statistician Brian Pink has welcomed the appointments, “Geoff and Cathryn’s appointments will strengthen our leadership of official statistics at a critical time. Both bring considerable reputations and skills in strategic leadership, policy advice, and relationship management.” Ian Ewing Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

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