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John Allen Likely To Be Named MFAT Head
The Trans-Tasman Political Letter
For Immediate
Release
April 30, 2009.
John Allen Likely To Be Named MFAT Head.
The Trans Tasman Political Letter reports the Govt is determined to impose a "change of culture" on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After interviews a fortnight ago for the post of Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, made vacant by the retirement of Simon Murdoch, the State Services Commission is negotiating the terms of appointment for a top-flight executive from outside the diplomatic service.
John Allen, currently chief executive of NZ Post, is the favoured candidate. Among his referees for the post were former PM Jim Bolger who is chairman of NZ Post. Senior figures in the National Govt including Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Trade Minister Tim Groser (a former member of the diplomatic service) are reported to have indicated the need for a "change of culture" at the ministry.
The interviewing panel for the post, besides State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie and his deputy John Ombler, included Auckland lawyer Peter Kiely and PricewaterhouseCoopers' partner Brian Roche. Allen is said to be a charismatic figure in business circles and his credentials include being co-chairman of the Australian-NZ Leadership Forum.
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