Timing Is Everything

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Timing Is Everything TIMING IS EVERYTHING The Politics and Processes of New Zealand Defence Acquisition Decision Making TIMING IS EVERYTHING The Politics and Processes of New Zealand Defence Acquisition Decision Making PETER GREENER Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at: http://epress.anu.edu.au/timing_citation.html National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Author: Greener, Peter. Title: Timing is everything : the politics and processes of New Zealand defence acquisition decision making / Peter Greener. ISBN: 9781921536649 (pbk.) 9781921536656 (pdf.) Notes: Includes index. Bibliography. Subjects: New Zealand. Ministry of Defence--Procurement. New Zealand. Defence Force--Procurement. Defense contracts--New Zealand. Military supplies. Government purchasing--New Zealand. New Zealand--Armed Forces--Procurement. Dewey Number: 355.62120993 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence series is a collection of publications arising principally from research undertaken at the SDSC. Canberra Papers have been peer reviewed since 2006. All Canberra Papers are available for sale: visit the SDSC website at <http://rspas. anu.edu.au/sdsc/canberra_papers.php> for abstracts and prices. Electronic copies (in pdf format) of most SDSC Working Papers published since 2002 may be downloaded for free from the SDSC website at <http://rspas.anu.edu.au/sdsc/working_papers.php>. The entire Working Papers series is also available on a ‘print on demand’ basis. Strategic and Defence Studies Centre Publications Program Advisory Review Panel: Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb; Professor Desmond Ball; Professor David Horner; Professor Hugh White; Professor William Tow; Professor Anthony Milner; Professor Virginia Hooker; Dr Coral Bell; Dr Pauline Kerr Strategic and Defence Studies Centre Publications Program Editorial Board: Professor Hugh White; Dr Brendan Taylor; Dr Christian Enemark; Miss Meredith Thatcher (series editor) Cover design by ANU E Press Printed by University Printing Services, ANU This edition © 2009 ANU E Press Contents Abstract vii About the Author ix Acknowledgements xi Acronyms and Abbreviations xiii List of Figures and Tables xvii Foreword by Gerald Hensley xix 1. Introduction—The Policy Background and the Policy Framework 1 2. The ANZACS, Part 1—The Frigate that wasn’t a Frigate 23 3. Oranges and Lemons—HMNZS Charles Upham 53 4. ‘No, Minister….’—The ANZAC Frigates, Part II 77 5. ‘The Deal of the Century’—The F-16s 89 6. ‘I see no submarines’—Upgrading the Orions 109 7. Plotting and Sedition, or Necessary Acquisition? The LAV IIIs 127 8. Politics and Processes: Reflections on the Characteristics of the 151 Decision-Making Process Appendix 1: Sole, Prime and Shared Responsibilities 157 Appendix 2: ANZAC Ship Baseline Characteristics 159 Appendix 3: User Requirement 161 Appendix 4: Recommendations of the Final Report of the Air Combat 163 Capability Study—October 1998 Bibliography 165 Index 185 v Abstract The spectre of block obsolescence of major weapons platforms loomed throughout the 1980s, facing successive governments with significant challenges as they worked to make sustainable decisions on replacement or upgraded equipment for the New Zealand Defence Force. This book identifies the critical factors that shaped and influenced defence acquisition decision-making processes from the election of the Fourth Labour Government in 1984 and the subsequent ANZUS crisis, through to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the following `war on terror'. It explores and analyses decision-making processes in relation to six acquisition decisions which have been made over a 20-year period. These are the decisions on the ANZAC frigates; the military sealift ship HMNZS Charles Upham; the second and third decisions on the ANZACs; the lease of the F-16 strike aircraft; the upgrading of the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft; and the purchase of light armoured vehicles for the ArmyÐthe LAV IIIs. Whilst many factors are brought to bear, this book outlines how it is that New Zealand's own view of the world, external relationships, politics and political influence, and the timing of decisions are amongst the most significant elements that impact on the decision-making process, whilst individual actors play a significant part in shaping the process. Although there has been a great deal of publicity in recent years about rivalry between the Services and the place of bureaucratic politics, this book argues that nonetheless officials continued to work with rigour over time to provide the best judgement and advice possible to Ministers. Three out of six of the case studies which have been analysedÐthe ANZAC frigates, the upgrade of the P-3 Orions and the LAV IIIÐhave been implemented or are in the process of successful implementation. In each case, officials worked to ensure that they provided the Government of the day with the most appropriate advice upon which to base decisions, although that advice has not always been popular. Each case study demonstrates key aspects of the decision-making process, providing specific insights into the way defence decisions are made. vii About the Author Peter Greener is Senior Fellow at the Command and Staff College, New Zealand Defence Force, Trentham, Wellington. Professionally qualified as a psychotherapist, he has a Master of Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington, and a PhD in Politics from the University of Auckland. Dr Greener joined the New Zealand Defence Force in 2008, having previously been Head of School, School of Public Health & Psychosocial Studies at the Auckland University of Technology where he had been a senior staff member since 1997. Prior to joining AUT he had been Director of the Auckland Family Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre for some 12 years. Dr Greener has been a Visiting Fellow at the University of Bradford, and Fellow of the Asia Pacific College of Security Studies, Honolulu. From 1995±99 he was Chair of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. Dr Greener's research interests include the aetiology, management and resolution of conflict; post conflict development; and the politics of defence decision-making. He brings to these interests the perspective of his many years experience as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Dr Greener has edited and contributed to a number of books including Turning the tideÐA New Approach to Conflict Resolution (2001); Push for Peace (2005); Legacy of ArmisticeÐwhy Afghanistan? (2006); The Balkan QuestionÐis there an answer in sight? (2007); and ªvery, very, very good friendsº? New Zealand United States Relationships (2008). He was also a contributing author to The No-Nonsense Guide to Conflict and Peace (2005 and 2006). ix Acknowledgements My grateful thanks go to my PhD supervisor, Associate Professor Steve Hoadley, for his unwavering patience, unstinting support and insightful challenge over the time it took to complete the thesis on which this book is based. During the course of my research I interviewed a large number of officials and Service personnel both active and retired, academics and non-governmental organisation representatives. Their reflections, recollections and considered comment have been of immense value, contributing significantly to my understanding of the politics and processes involved in defence decision making. I would like to thank particularly Gerald Hensley, former Secretary of Defence, who not only gave of his time and expertise in answering my questions, but also kindly agreed to write the Foreword to this publication; and Graham Fortune, Andrew Wierzbicki, Hamish Bunn and Esther Mendoza at the Ministry of Defence, who together ensured that I was furnished with all of the official information that I requested, and spent a considerable amount of time answering my queries. The staff of the Defence Library was also unfailingly helpful, as was Andrew South, librarian at AUT University's North Shore campus, who provided significant support and advice as I searched for research material. I want to thank Captain Helen Marks of the Royal Australian Navy, who put me in touch with Admiral Michael Hudson and Rear Admiral David Campbell, each of whom had a great deal of involvement with the ANZAC frigate project. Kate Dewes at the Christchurch office of the Foundation for Peace Studies Aotearoa-New Zealand provided access to extensive archive material regarding the ANZAC frigate debate. I also want to thank the Gleisner family who always welcomed me and provided hospitality on my many trips to Wellington to undertake research. Finally my love and thanks to my wife and family, whose tolerance and patience has known no bounds over the years. xi Acronyms and Abbreviations ABCA America, Britain, Canada, Australia ADF Australian Defence Force ANZAM Anglo-New Zealand-Australia-Malaya ANZUK Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom ANZUS Australia, New Zealand and United States Treaty APC Armoured Personnel Carrier APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ASLAV Australian Light Armoured Vehicle ASW Anti-Submarine Warfare CA Chief of Army CAB Cabinet CAF Chief of Air Force CDF Chief of Defence Force CDR Closer Defence Relations CGS
Recommended publications
  • Cootamundra War Memorial
    COOTAMUNDRA WAR MEMORIAL ALBERT PARK – HOVELL STREET COOTAMUNDRA WORLD WAR 1 HONOUR ROLL Compilation by Kevin Casey, Breakfast Point 2012 COOTAMUNDRA WAR MEMORIAL – WORLD WAR 1 A marble obelisk and other memorials have been erected in Albert Park in memory of those citizens of Cootamundra and District who served and died in the defence of Australia during times of conflict. The names of many of those who served in World Wars 1 and 2 are engraved and highlighted in gold on the obelisk. This account has been prepared to provide a background to the men associated with the Cootamundra district who served and died in World War 1. While it is acknowledged that an exhaustive list of local men who served in the war has not been compiled, this account briefly highlights the family and military backgrounds of those who did and who are recorded on the obelisk. Other men not listed on the obelisk but who were associated with the district and who also served and died in the war have been identified in the course of the research. They are also included in this account. No doubt further research will identify more men. Hopefully this account will jog a few memories and inspire further research into the topic. An invitation is extended to interested people to add to the knowledge of those who served Those who served came from a wide range of backgrounds. A number of the men had long family associations with the district and many have family members who are still residents of the district.
    [Show full text]
  • The Comparative Politics of E-Cigarette Regulation in Australia, Canada and New Zealand by Alex C
    Formulating a Regulatory Stance: The Comparative Politics of E-Cigarette Regulation in Australia, Canada and New Zealand by Alex C. Liber A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Health Services Organizations and Policy) in The University of Michigan 2020 Doctoral Committee: Professor Scott Greer, Co-Chair Assistant Professor Holly Jarman, Co-Chair Professor Daniel Béland, McGill University Professor Paula Lantz Alex C. Liber [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7863-3906 © Alex C. Liber 2020 Dedication For Lindsey and Sophia. I love you both to the ends of the earth and am eternally grateful for your tolerance of this project. ii Acknowledgments To my family – Lindsey, you made the greatest sacrifices that allowed this project to come to fruition. You moved away from your family to Michigan. You allowed me to conduct two months of fieldwork when you were pregnant with our daughter. You helped drafts come together and were a constant sounding board and confidant throughout the long process of writing. This would not have been possible without you. Sophia, Poe, and Jo served as motivation for this project and a distraction from it when each was necessary. Mom, Dad, Chad, Max, Julian, and Olivia, as well as Papa Ernie and Grandma Audrey all, helped build the road that I was able to safely walk down in the pursuit of this doctorate. You served as role models, supports, and friends that I could lean on as I grew into my career and adulthood. Lisa, Tony, and Jessica Suarez stepped up to aid Lindsey and me with childcare amid a move, a career transition, and a pandemic.
    [Show full text]
  • Politician Overboard: Jumping the Party Ship
    INFORMATION, ANALYSIS AND ADVICE FOR THE PARLIAMENT INFORMATION AND RESEARCH SERVICES Research Paper No. 4 2002–03 Politician Overboard: Jumping the Party Ship DEPARTMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY ISSN 1328-7478 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2003 Except to the extent of the uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means including information storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written consent of the Department of the Parliamentary Library, other than by Senators and Members of the Australian Parliament in the course of their official duties. This paper has been prepared for general distribution to Senators and Members of the Australian Parliament. While great care is taken to ensure that the paper is accurate and balanced, the paper is written using information publicly available at the time of production. The views expressed are those of the author and should not be attributed to the Information and Research Services (IRS). Advice on legislation or legal policy issues contained in this paper is provided for use in parliamentary debate and for related parliamentary purposes. This paper is not professional legal opinion. Readers are reminded that the paper is not an official parliamentary or Australian government document. IRS staff are available to discuss the paper's contents with Senators and Members and their staff but not with members of the public. Published by the Department of the Parliamentary Library, 2003 I NFORMATION AND R ESEARCH S ERVICES Research Paper No. 4 2002–03 Politician Overboard: Jumping the Party Ship Sarah Miskin Politics and Public Administration Group 24 March 2003 Acknowledgments I would like to thank Martin Lumb and Janet Wilson for their help with the research into party defections in Australia and Cathy Madden, Scott Bennett, David Farrell and Ben Miskin for reading and commenting on early drafts.
    [Show full text]
  • 'About Turn': an Analysis of the Causes of the New Zealand Labour Party's
    Newcastle University e-prints Date deposited: 2nd May 2013 Version of file: Author final Peer Review Status: Peer reviewed Citation for item: Reardon J, Gray TS. About Turn: An Analysis of the Causes of the New Zealand Labour Party's Adoption of Neo-Liberal Policies 1984-1990. Political Quarterly 2007, 78(3), 447-455. Further information on publisher website: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com Publisher’s copyright statement: The definitive version is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-923X.2007.00872.x Always use the definitive version when citing. Use Policy: The full-text may be used and/or reproduced and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not for profit purposes provided that: A full bibliographic reference is made to the original source A link is made to the metadata record in Newcastle E-prints The full text is not changed in any way. The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Robinson Library, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE1 7RU. Tel. 0191 222 6000 ‘About turn’: an analysis of the causes of the New Zealand Labour Party’s adoption of neo- liberal economic policies 1984-1990 John Reardon and Tim Gray School of Geography, Politics and Sociology Newcastle University Abstract This is the inside story of one of the most extraordinary about-turns in policy-making undertaken by a democratically elected political party.
    [Show full text]
  • Peter Tapsell (New Zealand Politician)
    Not logged in Talk Contributions Create account Log in Article Talk Read Edit View history Search Wikipedia Peter Tapsell (New Zealand politician) Main page From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Contents Sir Peter Wilfred Tapsell Featured content The Honourable Current events KNZM MBE FRCS FRCSEd (21 Sir Peter Tapsell Random article January 1930 – 5 April 2012) KNZM MBE FRCS FRCSEd Donate to Wikipedia was Speaker of the New Wikipedia store Zealand House of Interaction Representatives from 1993 to 1996. He was notable for being Help [2] About Wikipedia the first Māori Speaker, and Community portal for being the first Speaker since Recent changes Bill Barnard in 1943 to hold Contact page office while not a member of the governing party. Tools What links here He was an orthopaedic surgeon Related changes before entering politics.[3][4] Upload file Special pages Contents [hide] Permanent link 1 Early life Page information 2 Member of Parliament Wikidata item 2.1 Speaker of the House Cite this page of Representatives 24th Speaker of the House of 3 Retirement Representatives Print/export 4 References In office Create a book 1993–1996 Download as PDF Prime Minister Jim Bolger Printable version Early life [ edit ] Preceded by Robin Gray In other projects Tapsell was born and raised in Succeeded by Doug Kidd Wikimedia Commons Rotorua, and went to Rotorua 30th Minister of Defence Boys' High School. With the In office Languages help of a scholarship, he 9 February 1990 – 2 November 1990 Français Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer Edit links studied medicine at the University of Otago,[5] Preceded by Bob Tizard graduating in 1952.
    [Show full text]
  • A Diachronic Study of Unparliamentary Language in the New Zealand Parliament, 1890-1950
    WITHDRAW AND APOLOGISE: A DIACHRONIC STUDY OF UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE IN THE NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT, 1890-1950 BY RUTH GRAHAM A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics Victoria University of Wellington 2016 ii “Parliament, after all, is not a Sunday school; it is a talking-shop; a place of debate”. (Barnard, 1943) iii Abstract This study presents a diachronic analysis of the language ruled to be unparliamentary in the New Zealand Parliament from 1890 to 1950. While unparliamentary language is sometimes referred to as ‘parliamentary insults’ (Ilie, 2001), this study has a wider definition: the language used in a legislative chamber is unparliamentary when it is ruled or signalled by the Speaker as out of order or likely to cause disorder. The user is required to articulate a statement of withdrawal and apology or risk further censure. The analysis uses the Communities of Practice theoretical framework, developed by Wenger (1998) and enhanced with linguistic impoliteness, as defined by Mills (2005) in order to contextualise the use of unparliamentary language within a highly regulated institutional setting. The study identifies and categorises the lexis of unparliamentary language, including a focus on examples that use New Zealand English or te reo Māori. Approximately 2600 examples of unparliamentary language, along with bibliographic, lexical, descriptive and contextual information, were entered into a custom designed relational database. The examples were categorised into three: ‘core concepts’, ‘personal reflections’ and the ‘political environment’, with a number of sub-categories. This revealed a previously unknown category of ‘situation dependent’ unparliamentary language and a creative use of ‘animal reflections’.
    [Show full text]
  • What Makes a Good Prime Minister of New Zealand? | 1 Mcguinness Institute Nation Voices Essay Competition
    NATION VOICES ESSAY COMPETITION What makes a good About the author Brad is studying towards a BCom/ Prime Minister of BA majoring in Economics, Public Policy, International New Zealand? Relations and Political Science. He is a 2016 Brad Olsen Queen’s Young Leader for New Zealand after his work with territorial authorities, central government organizations and NGOs. He’s passionate about youth voice and youth participation in wider society. Leadership is a complex concept, necessitating vast amounts of patience, determination, and passion to work with others towards a position of improvement in the chosen field of expertise or service. Leaders not only bear the burden of setting the direction of actions or inactions for their team, but are also often accountable to stakeholders, with varying degrees of accountability and size of the cohort to which a leader is accountable. However, there is no more complex job in existence than the leadership of a country like New Zealand — this burden falls squarely on the Prime Minister, in charge of policy both foreign and domestic, all the while totally accountable to each and every citizen in his or her realm. Unsurprisingly, some make a better fist of it than others, with the essence of this good leadership a highly sought commodity. Three areas are critical to ensuring a Prime Minister can effectively lead — a measurement of how ‘good’ they are at their job — these fall under the umbrellas of political, social, and economic leadership ability. Politically, Prime Ministers must have foreign credibility, alongside the ability to form a cohesive support team. Socially a Prime Minster must not only recognize and promote popular ideas, but must also be relatable in part to the people.
    [Show full text]
  • Debate Recovery? Ch
    JANUARY 16, 1976 25 CENTS VOLUME 40/NUMBER 2 A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY/PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WORKING PEOPLE actions nee - DEBATE U.S. LEFT GROUPS DISCUSS VITAL ISSUES IN REVOLUTION. PAGE 8. RECOVERY? MARXIST TELLS WHY ECONOMIC UPTURN HAS NOT BROUGHT JOBS. PAGE 24. RUSSELL MEANS CONVICTED IN S.D. FRAME-UP. PAGE 13. Original murder charges against Hurricane Carter stand exposed and discredited. Now New Jersey officials seek to keep him' behind bars on new frame-up as 'accomplice/ See page 7. PITTSBURGH STRIKERS FIGHT TO SAVE SCHOOLS. PAGE 14. CH ACTION TO HALT COP TERROR a Ira me- IN NATIONAL CITY. PAGE 17. In Brief NO MORE SHACKLES FOR SAN QUENTIN SIX: The lation that would deprive undocumented workers of their San Quentin Six have scored a victory with their civil suit rights. charging "cruel and unusual punishment" in their treat­ The group's "Action Letter" notes, "[These] bills are ment by prison authorities. In December a federal judge nothing but the focusing on our people and upon all Brown THIS ordered an end to the use of tear gas, neck chains, or any and Asian people's ability to obtain and keep a job, get a mechanical restraints except handcuffs "unless there is an promotion, and to be able to fight off discrimination. But imminent threat of bodily harm" for the six Black and now it will not only be the government agencies that will be WEEK'S Latino prisoners. The judge also expanded the outdoor qualifying Brown people as to whether we have the 'right' to periods allowed all prisoners in the "maximum security" be here, but every employer will be challenging us at every MILITANT Adjustment Center at San Quentin.
    [Show full text]
  • (No. 23)Craccum-1976-050-023.Pdf
    A u rb la n d University Student Paper to make these points at all. He was In April and May of 197 2 the obviously sensitive about the fact short-lived Sunday Herald ran a that his articles conflicted with the series of four articles dealing with official fiction that ours is a classless the men who dominate New Zealand society, and was trying to salvage as commerce. The first article was much of the myth as possible. headed Elite Group has Reins on The formation of oligarchies Key Directorships, and it justified is a strong New Zealand characterist­ this title with the contention that ic - it doesn’t only happen in the “a large proportion of private assets business world. The situation could in New Zealand are under the almost be described as ‘Government control of a group which probably m M m by In-group’. This characteristic is numbers less than 300 people. more costy than sinister - not that Control of commerce in New it makes any difference. The effect Zealand seems to be exercised is more important than the motive, through large companies which have and the effect in this case is that the interlocking directorates. It is country is suffocating under the possible to construct a circular uninspired direction of a number of chain which leads from point A little in-groups. Practically every right through the economy back to institution and organisation in New point A.” W EALTH Zealand - whether it be a university The anonymous author selected administration or a students’ a company at random - New association, Federated Farmers or Zealand Breweries - and listed the the Federation of Labour - is run by connections that its directors had POWER with other companies.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Zealand Army Officer Corps, 1909-1945
    1 A New Zealand Style of Military Leadership? Battalion and Regimental Combat Officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces of the First and Second World Wars A thesis provided in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand Wayne Stack 2014 2 Abstract This thesis examines the origins, selection process, training, promotion and general performance, at battalion and regimental level, of combat officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces of the First and Second World Wars. These were easily the greatest armed conflicts in the country’s history. Through a prosopographical analysis of data obtained from personnel records and established databases, along with evidence from diaries, letters, biographies and interviews, comparisons are made not only between the experiences of those New Zealand officers who served in the Great War and those who served in the Second World War, but also with the officers of other British Empire forces. During both wars New Zealand soldiers were generally led by competent and capable combat officers at all levels of command, from leading a platoon or troop through to command of a whole battalion or regiment. What makes this so remarkable was that the majority of these officers were citizen-soldiers who had mostly volunteered or had been conscripted to serve overseas. With only limited training before embarking for war, most of them became efficient and effective combat leaders through experiencing battle. Not all reached the required standard and those who did not were replaced to ensure a high level of performance was maintained within the combat units.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mixed Member Proportional Representation System and Minority Representation
    The Mixed Member Proportional Representation System and Minority Representation: A Case Study of Women and Māori in New Zealand (1996-2011) by Tracy-Ann Johnson-Myers MSc. Government (University of the West Indies) 2008 B.A. History and Political Science (University of the West Indies) 2006 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies In the Graduate Academic Unit of the School of Graduate Studies Supervisor: Joanna Everitt, PhD, Dept. of History and Politics Examining Board: Emery Hyslop-Margison, PhD, Faculty of Education, Chair Paul Howe, PhD, Dept. of Political Science Lee Chalmers, PhD, Dept. of Sociology External Examiner: Karen Bird, PhD, Dept. of Political Science McMaster University This dissertation is accepted by the Dean of Graduate Studies THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK April, 2013 © Tracy-Ann Johnson-Myers, 2013 ABSTRACT This dissertation examines the relationship between women and Māori descriptive and substantive representation in New Zealand’s House of Representatives as a result of the Mixed Member Proportional electoral system. The Mixed Member Proportional electoral system was adopted in New Zealand in 1996 to change the homogenous nature of the New Zealand legislative assembly. As a proportional representation system, MMP ensures that voters’ preferences are proportionally reflected in the party composition of Parliament. Since 1996, women and Māori (and other minority and underrepresented groups) have been experiencing significant increases in their numbers in parliament. Despite these increases, there remains the question of whether or not representatives who ‘stand for’ these two groups due to shared characteristics will subsequently ‘act for’ them through their political behaviour and attitudes.
    [Show full text]
  • NEWSLETTER Operational Research Society of New Zealand (Inc.) Registered at C.P.O., Wellington, a S a Magazine
    NEWSLETTER Operational Research Society of New Zealand (inc.) Registered at C.P.O., Wellington, a_s a magazine Jonathan Lermit £* Electricorp, Box 930, Wellington Editor v (04) 723-550 Septemb^m Conference Issue Our 25th Annual Conference was a great success, gei'ierafittj! at nostalgia, as wrell as looking forward to the next 25 years. We have held this issue to allow for conference reports (wThich is wrhy its late!). The after dinner entertainment, recorded here for posterity, brought out considerable hitherto hidden talent among out members. That this talent has been channelled into OR, when it could have so easily have been absorbed into the music and drama departments of our universities, is indeed a credit to our academic members! New Members A warm welcome to new members since the last newsletter. Graeme Britton Lecturer Christchurch Mark Bryne Student Christchurch Owen Christian Christchurch Andrew Clark Student Auckland Delwryn Clark Junior Lecturer Ham ilton Wayne Epson Student Christchurch Hamish Fraser Student Christchurch Patrick Harnett Student Christchurch Kieron Horide Production O.R. Hastings Malo Ioane Chemical Analyst Christchurch Michael Keehan Student Massey Naiomi Larsen Student Auckland Mark Loone Financial Advisor W ellington Ian MacDonald Student Auckland Bradley McMaster Sydney John Moodie Student Auckland Scott Murray Newr Zealand Railways W ellington Steven Pedder Student Auckland Mark Rogers Information Systems Manager Wellington Yang Miao Student Christchurch Wellington Branch Meeting Professor Fred Hillier, Stanford University. The Application of Queueing Theory to the Design of Production Line Systems A traditional aim has been to balance work across a production line as evenly as possible. This is optimal if process time at each workstation is constant.
    [Show full text]