Speech to farewell Dr James Buwalda, Chief Executive, Department of Labour
A tribute to James Buwalda, outgoing Chief Executive of the Department of Labour
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21 May 2007, Grand Hall, Parliament
Welcome everyone, at the risk of sounding like "James Buwalda, this is your life", I'd like to pay tribute to you James by going over some of your background and achievements.
You began your Public Service career as a scientist with what was then called the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1979 and held management positions at HortResearch between 1992-1995. In 1995 you were appointed Chief Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and became Chief Executive in 1996. You became Chief Executive of the Department of Labour in 2003.
You have been a Public Service Chief Executive for the last 11 years and during this time you have worked with 13 Ministers and many more stakeholder groups.
You have made a significant contribution to the Public Service and I would like to reflect now on what you have achieved during your time as Chief Executive of the Department of Labour:
· You have driven major change within the Department throughout your four years as Chief Executive
· You have been involved in the challenging task of determining the purpose and scope of the organisation in order to respond to an ever-changing labour market and operating environment
· This meant undertaking a huge reorganisation, shifting from five separate services in the Department to an integrated focus on workforce and workplace performance
· You have also ensured that the Department has responded to increases in demand for services, such as the doubling of work permits for migrants and introducing new functions such as pay and employment equity
This work has put the Department in a very strong and healthy position to achieve its future goals.
The direction you have set for the Department is aligned with today's labour market, focusing on quality jobs, lifting skills, raising the value of work, and being well connected and internationally competitive.
The innovative programmes the Department has put in place reflect those goals.
Major programmes such as workplace productivity, attracting expats back to our country, quality/flexible work, workplace health and safety, and the introduction of online tools such as the Holidays Act calculator are also examples of the Department's shift from a rules and standards-based approach, to tailoring policies and services to the differing needs of people.
Relationship Building
You have also developed incredibly strong relationships across the Department and the many sectors the Department works with. In particular, you have developed the social partnership with NZCTU and Business NZ, having solid working relationships with Ross and Phil and their teams.
Last year that relationship was further strengthened by the four of us participating in a study tour to Ireland, Finland and the UK.
Travelling with you James was just as enjoyable as working with you.
You have also worked closely with a range of business, union, sector, regional and iwi groups. Your approach has been about using the Department's knowledge, services and influence to create value for those groups.
You have of course also worked with my colleague David Cunliffe, Minister of Immigration.
David couldn't be here tonight but he wanted me to let you know he is grateful for the assistance and support he received from you and your team over a busy eighteen months including a record number of Parliamentary questions and, more importantly, answers.
David says part of the pleasure of working with you has been your professional "Yes Minister" humour.
He says he appreciated your equitable good nature, helpful approach and availability in regard to the development of the New Business Model and the rest of the Immigration Change Programme. This Programme is an enormous project for the Department but one which has the potential to deliver positive new outcomes.
Both David and I will miss your humour, your good nature and your sage advice.
You have made the Department a high performing organisation through your strong leadership. In particular I have appreciated your openness, innovative ideas and approaches, sharing both the responsibilities and the rewards, and your commitment to building networks and relationships.
This is why your colleagues and many Ministers past and present hold you in such high esteem.
Having made career changes from scientist to public servant I know that a key goal for you now is to take some of your own Department's advice and search for "quality flexible work with good work-life balance", as you head into a new and different stage of your career - and don't forget the productivity!
I have no doubt, James, you will be a success at whatever you do in the future and I know you will continue to use your skills to contribute to the betterment of New Zealand.
I, and everyone here, wish you all the very best for the future.
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21 May 2007, Grand Hall, Parliament
Welcome everyone, at the risk of sounding like "James Buwalda, this is your life", I'd like to pay tribute to you James by going over some of your background and achievements.
You began your Public Service career as a scientist with what was then called the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1979 and held management positions at HortResearch between 1992-1995. In 1995 you were appointed Chief Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and became Chief Executive in 1996. You became Chief Executive of the Department of Labour in 2003.
You have been a Public Service Chief Executive for the last 11 years and during this time you have worked with 13 Ministers and many more stakeholder groups.
You have made a significant contribution to the Public Service and I would like to reflect now on what you have achieved during your time as Chief Executive of the Department of Labour:
· You have driven major change within the Department throughout your four years as Chief Executive
· You have been involved in the challenging task of determining the purpose and scope of the organisation in order to respond to an ever-changing labour market and operating environment
· This meant undertaking a huge reorganisation, shifting from five separate services in the Department to an integrated focus on workforce and workplace performance
· You have also ensured that the Department has responded to increases in demand for services, such as the doubling of work permits for migrants and introducing new functions such as pay and employment equity
This work has put the Department in a very strong and healthy position to achieve its future goals.
The direction you have set for the Department is aligned with today's labour market, focusing on quality jobs, lifting skills, raising the value of work, and being well connected and internationally competitive.
The innovative programmes the Department has put in place reflect those goals.
Major programmes such as workplace productivity, attracting expats back to our country, quality/flexible work, workplace health and safety, and the introduction of online tools such as the Holidays Act calculator are also examples of the Department's shift from a rules and standards-based approach, to tailoring policies and services to the differing needs of people.
Relationship Building
You have also developed incredibly strong relationships across the Department and the many sectors the Department works with. In particular, you have developed the social partnership with NZCTU and Business NZ, having solid working relationships with Ross and Phil and their teams.
Last year that relationship was further strengthened by the four of us participating in a study tour to Ireland, Finland and the UK.
Travelling with you James was just as enjoyable as working with you.
You have also worked closely with a range of business, union, sector, regional and iwi groups. Your approach has been about using the Department's knowledge, services and influence to create value for those groups.
You have of course also worked with my colleague David Cunliffe, Minister of Immigration.
David couldn't be here tonight but he wanted me to let you know he is grateful for the assistance and support he received from you and your team over a busy eighteen months including a record number of Parliamentary questions and, more importantly, answers.
David says part of the pleasure of working with you has been your professional "Yes Minister" humour.
He says he appreciated your equitable good nature, helpful approach and availability in regard to the development of the New Business Model and the rest of the Immigration Change Programme. This Programme is an enormous project for the Department but one which has the potential to deliver positive new outcomes.
Both David and I will miss your humour, your good nature and your sage advice.
You have made the Department a high performing organisation through your strong leadership. In particular I have appreciated your openness, innovative ideas and approaches, sharing both the responsibilities and the rewards, and your commitment to building networks and relationships.
This is why your colleagues and many Ministers past and present hold you in such high esteem.
Having made career changes from scientist to public servant I know that a key goal for you now is to take some of your own Department's advice and search for "quality flexible work with good work-life balance", as you head into a new and different stage of your career - and don't forget the productivity!
I have no doubt, James, you will be a success at whatever you do in the future and I know you will continue to use your skills to contribute to the betterment of New Zealand.
I, and everyone here, wish you all the very best for the future.