MEDIACOM-RELEASE-STATE-SERVICES
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE STATE SERVICES COMMISSIONER
Chief executive, Ministry of Economic Development
The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, announced today that the chief executive of the Ministry of
Economic Development, Paul Carpinter, will stand down from the post in February. Mr Carpinter has been chief executive
of the Ministry of Economic Development - which was formerly the Ministry of Commerce - for four years.
Mr Wintringham said Mr Carpinter had indicated to him, about 18 months ago, that he would like to seek new, professional
challenges. In preparation for that change, Mr Carpinter moved his family to Christchurch.
"However, regardless of the professional and personal considerations that he faced, Mr Carpinter chose to stay at the
Ministry to manage the department through some critical pieces of work, and the transition to a new role as the Ministry
of Economic Development.
"I am keen to ensure that Mr Carpinter's talents are not lost to the public sector, and I am confident that a role for
him will emerge in the next few months," Mr Wintringham said.
In a 28-year Public Service career, Mr Carpinter - who has degrees in mathematics and economics from the University of
Canterbury - has worked in the three central agencies of the Public Service: the Treasury, the Department of the Prime
Minister and Cabinet, and the State Services Commission. He was appointed chief executive of the Ministry of Commerce in
1996.
Mr Wintringham said: "As head of the Ministry, Mr Carpinter has built a personal reputation as an outstanding thinker on
public policy.
"He has the respect of Ministers, and of people in business and the community who work alongside the Ministry.
"In the last two or three years, Mr Carpinter has addressed some of the most difficult and complex policy problems, and
he has done so with consummate skill and poise. He is one of the most dedicated and committed public officials in New
Zealand.
"At the same time, he has carefully managed a department that is subject to immense and constant pressure in the range
and number of areas where it is providing policy advice and services.
"This year Mr Carpinter has managed the transition of the department, from the Ministry of Commerce to the Ministry of
Economic Development, and successfully laid the groundwork for the focus of the Ministry under the new Government."
Mr Wintringham said advertising for a replacement for Mr Carpinter would begin in October. The chief executive of the
Ministry of Economic Development is an appointment by the State Services Commissioner under section 35 of the State
Sector Act 1988.
Ends
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