Senior Managers Farewelled

Landscan Issue 48: General Manager Policy Kevin Kelly and Chief Information Officer Tony Lester recently left LINZ for new roles.

Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly has joined Police National Headquarters in Wellington as National Manager Legal Services. The position reports directly to the Police Commissioner, and involves oversight of Police legal services – a role that allows him to work to his legal strengths and background.

Kevin joined LINZ in 2001 as Manager of Legal Services, and was appointed GM Policy in 2003. Last year he was Acting Chief Executive for five months until Colin MacDonald’s appointment. Managing the complexities of high country policy development, the establishment of the New Zealand Geospatial Strategy and Office, and strategy development for the Ocean Survey 20/20 programme are among some of the significant projects he’s led over the past five years.

“I’ve enjoyed the wide and varied nature of the work, the intellectual challenge and the opportunities to develop my career. I’ve also valued highly the opportunities to work with a wide range of people inside and outside the department.”

A big plus has been the focus and dedication of staff to the disciplines they apply at LINZ. “They are real experts – from geodesy to property managers.”

Kevin believes the strategy and course for LINZ currently being shaped by Colin MacDonald places the department in good stead and will enable it able to continue making a meaningful contribution to the country.

“LINZ quietly gets on and gets things done, and is always looking to how it can add value to New Zealand years out. We’re looking ahead, which is good.”

Richard O’Reilly, Manager of LINZ’s Land Policy team, has stepped in as acting GM Policy until an appointment is made.

Tony Lester

Tony Lester, LINZ’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the past four years, left in January to work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

His involvement with the IMF started in 2006 when he began taking time out from his role at LINZ to implement modern public service practices and approaches in developing countries such as Uganda and Sierra Leone. The next 12–18 months will see him visit Moldova, Albania and Hungary.

“I’ve always had a strong desire to help other countries,” says Tony.“After 39 years in the public service, I’ve had a wonderful career and have been lucky enough to be exposed to many opportunities. I have a genuine desire to give something back, and help other countries, and now I’m acting on that.”

Tony started at LINZ in 2004 in the newly created CIO position responsible for the department’s new Information Technology division.

“LINZ is a fantastic organisation. It’s big enough to do things, and small enough to do things well. There’s so much opportunity here for knowledge and advancement, and I feel there are still many great thing to come.”

Tony believes a multitude of possibilities exist in the area of geospatial work.

“How does LINZ help New Zealand citizens and businesses tap into all the rich information out there and best make use of it is the big question from my perspective. We already do a great job, but I think there’s a lot more to come and we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to things like geospatial information. The possibilities are huge.”

Debbie Ward, Manager Business Engagement, will hold the CIO reins until a replacement for Tony is appointed.