Mervyn Probine
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) |
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.
Early life and family
[edit | edit source]Born in Auckland on 30 April 1924, Probine was the son of Frederick Charles Probine and Annie Kathleen Probine (née Polson).[1] He married Marjorie Walker in 1949, and the couple went on to have two children.[2]
Career
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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]
Death
[edit | edit source]Dr Probine died in Auckland on 17 April 2010.[2] His wife, Marjorie, died in 2023.[7]
References
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- Notable New Zealanders (1979, Paul Hamblyn, Auckland)
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- 1924 births
- 2010 deaths
- New Zealand public servants
- New Zealand Companions of the Order of the Bath
- Scientists from Auckland
- Alumni of the University of Leeds
- New Zealand physicists
- People associated with Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (New Zealand)
- Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand