Mervyn Probine
Mervyn Charles Probine CB FRSNZ (30 April 1924 – 17 April 2010) was a New Zealand physicist and public servant. He served as chairman of the State Services Commission between 1981 and 1986.
Mervyn Probine CB FRSNZ | |
---|---|
Chairman of the State Services Commission | |
In office 1981–1986 | |
Prime Minister | Robert Muldoon David Lange |
Preceded by | Robin M. Williams |
Succeeded by | Roderick Deane |
Personal details | |
Born | Auckland, New Zealand | 30 April 1924
Died | 17 April 2010 85) Auckland, New Zealand | (aged
Alma mater | University of Leeds |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Biophysics |
Thesis | Molecular structure and mechanical properties of plant cell walls in relation to growth (1959) |
Early life and family
Born in Auckland on 30 April 1924, Probine was the son of Frederick Charles Probine and Annie Kathleen Probine (née Polson).[1] He married Marjorie Walker in 1949, and the couple went on to have two children.[2]
Career
Probine joined the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) as a draughtsman in 1942.[2] He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Auckland University College in 1947 and a Master of Science from 1951 from Victoria University College,[3] and obtained a PhD in physics from the University of Leeds.[2] In 1967, he was appointed director of the Physics and Engineering Laboratory (PEL), and then ten years later, was promoted to assistant director-general of the DSIR.[2]
Probine joined the State Services Commission in 1979,[4] and was appointed chair of that body in 1981.[2] During his tenure, the Official Information Act 1982 was passed and the Equal Employment Opportunities Unit (EEOU) was established.[2] The EEOU was charged with promoting and monitoring access to employment opportunities in the New Zealand public service for ethnic minorities, women, and the disabled.[2]
Honours and awards
In 1964, Probine was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.[5] In the 1986 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath, in recognition of his service as chairman of the State Services Commission.[6]
Death
Probine died in Auckland on 17 April 2010.[2]
References
- "Births". New Zealand Herald. 3 May 1924. p. 1. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- "Former State Services Commission boss dies". Stuff.co.nz. NZPA. 19 April 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
- "NZ university graduates 1870–1961: P". Shadows of Time. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- Henderson, Alan. The Quest for Efficiency:The Origins of the State Services Commission. ISBN 0-477-05538-9.
- "List of all Fellows with surnames P–R". Royal Society Te Apārangi. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- "No. 50362". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 31 December 1985. p. 29.
- Notable New Zealanders (1979, Paul Hamblyn, Auckland)