Sunday, 13 March 2020
The Prime Minister
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON
Dear John,
I am writing to you to add my support to the nomination of Roger Kerr for the recognition of his outstanding work in the area of promoting a wider understanding of sound economic principles in business and the need to respect economic fundamentals across the wider economy including the public sector.
I first became closely associated with Roger when I was the then Minister of National Develoment and the Minister of Energy in the early 1980s. Roger was a senior Treasury official and we worked closely together on a series of papers that were embodied into a National Development Strategy for the then Government.
Even then Roger was a tireless and dedicated Treasury official bringing his recognised academic skills into the public arena. He was chosen shortly after by many of New Zealand’s leading businessmen such as Sir Ronald Trotter to head up as CEO, the Business Roundtable. This organisation was formed to promote public discussion amongst the business community, political leaders and the community generally in areas of public policy and Roger was a brilliant choice and very well equipped to undertake the task.
His skills over the years have been widely acclaimed in the business community and recognised in the wider international arena by him being the recipient of Qantas — NZIER prize in Economics.
Roger’s analytical skills and knowledge of what constitutes and drives sound public policy knows no bounds. His involvement in the development of public policy documents across the spectrum of Economic policy, Health, Social Welfare, Labour Markets, Investment, Fiscal policy and the Role of Government generally both at the local and international level has been prodigious. For twenty five years political, business and community leader have grown to respect his views and his consistent advocacy of sound public policy. Whether these leaders agreed or disagreed it is clear to me that there was always a deep respect for Roger’s knowledge and motives. Simply put, he is dedicated to a better New Zealand and to our country succeeding in the international arena.
Such dedication and his extensive work over a long period deserves recognition. He has been fearless in his advocacy, selfless in his dedication to New Zealand and his contribution although not openly applauded as much as it deserves has been the foundation for much of the Economic and Social reforms that New Zealand is now recognised for amongst the leading International Institutions.
I strongly support his contribution being recognised at this late stage of his career and trust you will agree that the recognition is extremely well deserved.
Kind regards,
Right Honourable Sir William Birch GNZM
Related posts:
Sir William Gallagher’s nomination of Roger Kerr for a royal honor
Mr Paul Baines – letter of support
Sir Paul Callaghan – letter of support
Mr Nicholas Calavrias – letter of support
Sir Roderick Deane – letter of support
Hon Rodney Hide – letter of support
Dr Murray Horn – letter of support
Mr Stephen Jennings – letter of support
Sir Ralph Norris – letter of support
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