NZ Govt CIO resigns

Computerworld reports that Laurence Millar, the NZ Government Chief Information Officer, following the Walter Report into contracting between the SSC and Voco for the Government Shared Network.

The report found there was no deliberate wrongdoing or improper behaviour, but that procedures were not followed adequately and it shouldnot have been a closed tender.

I have a lot of respect for Laurence Millar, and his departure is a loss. Plus it is to his credit that he has resigned to accept responsibility for the problems. This is something that has been all too rare. Laurence has said:

The material details a number of areas where the project was not managed to the standard that New Zealanders’ would expect for a project of this size. As sponsor of the GSN I accept full accountability, and advised the Commissioner of that when I offered my resignation, which he has accepted.

“Mr Walter’s report confirms that there are no instances of any lapse of personal integrity, which is of fundamental importance to me personally and for the State Services Commission. The reports also comment on the challenges faced by the project and the commitment from individuals working on the project in responding to these challenges.

“I joined SSC from the private sector in March 2004, and have been involved in a wide range of successful initiatives, and been privileged to have worked with outstanding individuals and teams across New Zealand’s State Services.

“Along the way, I have taken some risks and made some mistakes. I have learned from these experiences and have used them to improve the way that we use ICT. I think the State Services is in better shape as a result of my contribution over the last five years.

I beleive it is. There have been many good initiatives in that time. But kudos to both Laurence, and his boss Ian Rennie, for this display of accountability for when things go wrong.