Council named to map future of N.Z. society

Press, 17 March 1977, Page 1

Council named to map future of N.Z. society

PA x. Wellington The Government yesterday named a Planning Council of 14 members to chart the future economic and social development of New Zealand society. Its chairman is the Wellington economist, Sir Frank Holmes.

The creation of the council results from a National Party election romise on planning and the report of a task force set up after the General Election to isolate areas where planning is required.

The Minister of National Development (Mr Gair) said that the Government had made the establishment of an effective planning system a top priority. “We have sought a cross-section of the most competent people in the country who can bring to the work of the council broad experience in most aspects of national life,” he said. Members of the council had been appointed in their own right rather than as representatives of any specific organisations. “They will face the challenge of working up a plan for future economic and social development from the viewpoint of society as a whole,” he said.

With Sir Frank’s taskforce report as a guide, the council would be able to go much further than the old National Development Conference, especially in the social and regional fields.

To complete the planning process, a specialised group, the Commission for the Future, would consider major scientific and technological issues that could affect New Zealand’s longterm development. The commission would not plot immediate policy options—that was the task of the Planning Council—but would examine alternative “futures” for New Zealand.

“The problems and constraints which New Zealand has to grapple with are more obvious than they were 10 years ago,” Mr Gair said.

“The Planning Council will provide an avenue for the Kiwi tradition of innovation. It will also be able to draw on the 'valuable pool of experience and ideas at present untapped by official discussions in Wellington.”

Mr Gair said that he looked forward to the council providing "bold initiatives and sound advice.”

“I can promise that the Government, for its part, will be fully responsive,” he said. Mr Gair is one of three ex-officio members of the council with Sir Frank and Mr Noel Lough, the Secretary to the Treasury. The other members are: Dr Donald Brash, an economist with particular interest in environmental and social issues. He is general manager of the Broadbank Corporation and a member of the Monetary and Economic Council. Miss Anne Delamere, a senior community officer in the Department of Maori Affairs and a member of the executive of the Maori Women’s Welfare League. Miss Clare Drake, nersonnel manager for NCR with wide interests in education. She is a former member of the Consumer Council and the Education Development Conference. Dr Robin Irvine, ViceChancellor of Otago University and formerly dean

of the university’s Medical School. He has served on the Social Development Council and is a member of the Commission for the Future.

Mr Rangi Metekingi, a farmer in the Wanganui area. He is involved with Maori land incorporations and regional and local issues.

Mr Brian Picot, an Auckland businessman and a director of N.Z. Forest Products. He has a strong interest in the improvement of industrial relations and is active in Foodbank and the Save the Children Fund.

Dr Mervyn Probine, Assistant Director General of the D.S.I.R. and formerly in charge of the physics and engineering laboratory. He has a broad concern with research and administrative techniques. Mr Bill Steele, executive director of Cable Price Downer, Ltd. He is an accountant with interests in tourist development and theatrical management. Mr Ted Thompson, a member of the executive of the Federation of Labour and general secretary of the Watersiders’ Federation.

Mrs Kerrin Vautier, a consulting research economist based in Auckland. She is president of the New Zealand Association of Economists and is also interested in cultural development. Mr Peter Wilding, a Southland farmer active in agricultural support business. He is a local-body chairman and is interested in environmental issues.