Births on April 13

Len Cook, New Zealand-English mathematician and statistician

Leonard Warren Cook CBE, born on April 13, 1949, is a distinguished professional statistician whose extensive career has encompassed pivotal leadership roles within the national statistical agencies of both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, before transitioning into a significant public service role focused on social welfare in New Zealand. His contributions to the field of official statistics and public policy have been widely recognised, culminating in the prestigious honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

A Career in Official Statistics

Leading Statistics New Zealand (1992-2000)

Mr. Cook's prominent journey in public service commenced in New Zealand, where he held the critical position of Government Statistician from 1992 to 2000. In this capacity, he was at the helm of Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ), the country's national statistical office. His role involved overseeing the meticulous collection, rigorous analysis, and transparent dissemination of a vast array of national data, encompassing everything from economic indicators to social demographics. His leadership during this period was instrumental in ensuring that New Zealand's public policy decisions, economic planning, and the public's understanding of their society and economy were founded upon robust, independent, and accurate statistical evidence.

National Statistician and Registrar General in the UK (2000-2005)

Following his impactful tenure in New Zealand, Mr. Cook embarked on a significant transatlantic move, taking on a dual leadership role in the United Kingdom. From 2000 to 2005, he served as both the National Statistician and Director of the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics (ONS), and concurrently as the Registrar General for England and Wales. This placed him at the very forefront of the UK's official statistical system. As National Statistician, he was responsible for the production of vital economic and social statistics, including the monumental task of the decennial census. As Registrar General, he oversaw the civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths, maintaining the integrity of these fundamental public records. His leadership during this period was crucial for upholding the independence, quality, and public trust in UK official statistics, providing a trusted evidence base for government, businesses, and the public alike.

Return to New Zealand: The Families Commissioner (2015-2018)

Later in his distinguished career, Mr. Cook returned to New Zealand, transitioning from the technical realm of pure statistics to a more direct role in social policy advocacy. He served as the Families Commissioner from 2015 to 2018. In this capacity, he applied his sharp analytical acumen to champion the cause of families and children, providing independent and evidence-based advice to the New Zealand government on policies, services, and legislation affecting family well-being across the nation. This role showcased his enduring commitment to public service and his ability to leverage data-driven insights for tangible social good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the role of a Government Statistician?

The Government Statistician typically serves as the chief executive of a national statistical office, responsible for leading the production and dissemination of official statistics. This role is crucial for providing independent, accurate, and timely data on a nation's economy, population, society, and environment, which are essential for informed public policy, research, and public understanding.

What is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the UK?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and is the recognised national statistical institution of the UK. It produces a wide range of economic, social, and population statistics, including census data, to provide a comprehensive picture of the UK's economy and society. The ONS is critical for informing public debate, decision-making, and research.

What does a Registrar General for England and Wales do?

The Registrar General for England and Wales is responsible for the civil registration system, overseeing the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships. This role ensures the legal recording of vital events, maintaining a comprehensive national archive of these records, and producing statistics based on this data, which are fundamental for legal identity and demographic analysis.

What is a Families Commissioner in New Zealand?

The Families Commissioner in New Zealand is an independent advocate for families and children, offering advice to the government and public on policies and services that impact family well-being. This role involves researching issues, engaging with communities, and promoting the needs and interests of families to ensure their voices are heard in policy development.

What does the abbreviation "CBE" signify?

CBE stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire. It is a prestigious honour awarded by the British monarch to individuals for a distinguished role in any area, usually at a national or regional level, or for a prominent, leading role in a local capacity. It acknowledges significant contributions to public service, arts, sciences, charitable work, or other fields.