Army's staff retention officer quits

The officer leading a team trying to stem the flow of personnel leaving the New Zealand Army has himself quit.

Colonel Dean Baigent was appointed last year by army chief General Jerry Mateparae to lead a team identifying major areas of dissatisfaction among army personnel, and possible solutions to stop people leaving.

But Colonel Baigent retired from the army in mid-April to pursue another career. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.

"The irony isn't lost on anyone," said Colonel Al McCone, who has taken over Colonel Baigent's role.

"In this case it is an unforeseen opportunity (for Colonel Baigent). Dean gave many years of good service. The work he started will continue."

General Mateparae decided last year that the army's "main effort" in 2005 would be trying to retain its people in the face of a 17 per cent annual attrition rate.

Military lobby group, the Defence Association of New Zealand said Colonel Baigent's departure "speaks for itself".

- nzpa