IPANZ New Professionals presents the next Meet the Chief breakfast. This is the second in the 2009 Meet the Chief Breakfast Series. These breakfasts provide new professionals in the public sector the opportunity to hear firsthand from chief executives of various government departments about their career paths, as well as some of the highlights and the challenges they face as chief executives.

Discussion between the chief executives and new professionals will provide a chance for questions and answers, in a unique up-close and personal setting.

At this Meet the Chief Breakfast we've invited Maarten Wevers, Chief Executive, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Bob Russell, Chief Executive and Commissioner, Inland Revenue.

This breakfast is an opportunity for you to meet two of New Zealand's leading public servants - Maarten and Bob will speak about their time in the public sector, where they began, their rise through the ranks and where they see the public service heading in the future. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and engage in group discussion after the Chief Executives make their presentations.

The details:
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Time: 7am for 7.30am start (please arrive at 7am for a light breakfast which will be provided)
Venue: Russell McVeagh, Level 24, Vodafone on the Quay, 157 Lambton Quay, Wellington

There is no charge for attendance however booking is essential. Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first in, first served basis.

RSVP by Friday 21 August 2009 online at www.ipanz.org.nz.

Speaker biographies:

Maarten Wevers is currently the Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet following time as Regional Director of the New Zealand Post International Limited and General Manager, Government Business, for New Zealand Post Limited. Mr Wevers began his public service career after graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a BSc and BA (Hons) in economics. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Division, in 1977 and in 1982 was Second Secretary at the New Zealand Embassy in Japan. From 1985 to 1987 he was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rt Hon David Lange, before being seconded to the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington to undertake research on relations between Japan and New Zealand. Between 1989 and 1992 Maarten served as Counsellor in the New Zealand Embassy, Brussels before becoming High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (1993-1994) and Ambassador to Japan (1994-1997). In 1999 Maarten was Chair of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting, during New Zealand’s APEC year. In 2000 he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). Mr Wevers was born in The Netherlands and emigrated to New Zealand when he was one year old.

Bob Russell took up his position of Commissioner and Chief Executive of Inland Revenue on 21 May 2007. Bob had previously undertaken the role of Deputy Commissioner, Service Delivery since commencing with Inland Revenue in October 2006. Prior to coming to New Zealand, Bob had over 30 years in public service in Canada, including various positions with the Canada Revenue Agency, Industry Canada and Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. Bob holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University. Away from the workplace, Bob has extensive volunteer experience, primarily in amateur sport, and is an avid runner and cyclist. He is married and has four sons.

The breakfast series is generously sponsored by: Russell McVeagh