Appointment of Chief Executive of Land Information New Zealand and Chief Executive of the Department of Labour
The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, announced today the appointment of Brendan Boyle as Chief
Executive of Land Information New Zealand, and James Buwalda as Chief Executive of the Department of Labour and
Secretary of Labour.
Land Information New Zealand
Mr Boyle is currently the Director of the E-Government Unit at the State Services Commission, a position he has held
since September 2000. Prior to that Mr Boyle was the Registrar General of Land at Land Information New Zealand (1996 -
1999).
Between 1983 and 1996 Mr Boyle held various positions at the Land Titles Office of the Department of Justice, including
District Land Registrar for Otago. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Otago University and a Master of Business
Administration from Sloan Business School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"Mr Boyle has an excellent understanding of the issues facing the department and the ability to develop effective
professional relationships with the wide range of stakeholder groups interested in land matters," Mr Wintringham said.
"He has strong leadership skills and proven project management experience, demonstrated in taking New Zealand's
e-government programme from its small beginnings in 2000 to the point where it is integral to supporting efficient
transactions between the government, individuals, communities and business. This has included implementing major,
cross-government information technology projects.
"Mr Boyle will start his new role in early August. Until then Sharon Cottrell, Acting General Manager Operations, will
be Acting Chief Executive at Land Information New Zealand," Mr Wintringham said.
Department of Labour
Dr Buwalda is currently the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, a position he has held
for seven years.
He began his Public Service career as a scientist with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1979 and then held
management positions at HortResearch between 1992-1995. In 1995 he was appointed Chief Policy Advisor at the Ministry of
Research, Science and Technology and then become Chief Executive in 1996.
Dr Buwalda has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree from Lincoln College and a PhD from the University of London.
"Dr Buwalda has been a successful and respected chief executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. He
has established the credibility of the Ministry. He has made a major contribution to shifting public debate on science
from the direct financial contribution of the Government to the role of science in innovation and economic growth; and
in its linkages between government, business and education institutions.
"I am confident that his experience will readily translate to another government department with an important role in
supporting New Zealand's economic performance, the skills of its workforce and the quality of its working environment,"
Mr Wintringham said.
"Dr Buwalda will start as Chief Executive from 25 July, following Mr John Chetwin's retirement", Mr Wintringham said.
Mr Wintringham said he will shortly start the process for the appointment of a new chief executive for the Ministry of
Research, Science and Technology, and will announce an acting chief executive until a substantive appointment is made.
Further information: Ian Lineham, State Services Commission ph. 04 495 6693
Background
Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is responsible for the policy, regulatory and government service delivery functions
relating to New Zealand's land and seabed information. LINZ has approximately 600 staff located in Wellington and five
regional offices. www.linz.govt.nz
The Department of Labour provides labour market analysis and research, employment relations, immigration, workplace
health and safety services and helps build capacity within disadvantaged communities. The department has approximately
1340 staff based throughout New Zealand and in international offices. www.dol.govt.nz