MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
10 April 2001
New General Manager for Employment Relations Service
John Chetwin, Chief Executive of the Department of Labour, today announced the appointment of Andrew Annakin as General
Manager of the Employment Relations Service (ERS). Mr Annakin, 42, replaces Ralph Stockdill who has been General Manager
of the Service since 1988. Mr Stockdill retired last month after 40 years with the Department of Labour.
Mr Annakin has a background in employment relations, human resources and management. His most recent position was with
the Wellington Regional Council, where he established the Landcare Division. Before that, he held senior HR management
and employment relations positions in both the Ministry of Transport and State Services Commission. In those roles he
worked on policy development, operational and change management, and employment advocacy. Mr Annakin will start at ERS
next month.
Mr Chetwin says the prime role of the new ERS General Manager will be consolidating the successful introduction of the
Employment Relations Act, particularly the new structures for resolving employment problems.
“The new legislation and employment relations framework are in place and working”, said Mr Chetwin.
“The challenge now is to ensure that the services the Department provides continue to meet the needs of our customers
and fully support the legislative intent. Mr Annakin brings a broad range of skills that will help us meet these
challenges. I look forward to working with him.”
Mr Annakin says he followed the introduction of the Employment Relations Act closely, and he welcomes the challenges
ahead.
“I’ll be continuing to build on the excellent platform already laid, particularly the new bargaining and institutional
frameworks. Co-ordinating policy across several key areas will also be a prime focus.” While he enjoyed working in local
government, Mr Annakin is enthusiastic about returning to the core public service.
Mr Annakin has a Master of Arts degree from Canterbury University, plus papers in Legal Systems and Employment Law. He
is currently studying towards a Master of Public Management at Victoria University. Mr Annakin lives in Wellington with
his wife, Kerry De La Haye. They have one adult daughter.
Photo available
Further information or photo: Philippa Doyle,(04) 915 4336 or Jacqueline Owen (04) 915 4338