Mervyn Probine
New Zealand physicist and public servant (1924–2010)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dr 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.
David Lange
Dr Mervyn Probine | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chairman of the State Services Commission | |
| In office 1981–1986 | |
| Prime Minister | Robert Muldoon David Lange |
| Preceded by | Robin Williams |
| Succeeded by | Roderick Deane |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 April 1924 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Died | 17 April 2010 (aged 85) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Spouse |
Marjorie Walker (m. 1949) |
| Children | 2 |
| Scientific career | |
| Alma mater | University of Leeds |
| Fields | Biophysics |
| Thesis | Molecular structure and mechanical properties of plant cell walls in relation to growth (1959) |
Early life and family
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]
Dr 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, Dr 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]