Our People

Our Minister

Hon Hekia Parata

Hon Hekia Parata became the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs in 2011. She is also the Minister of Education.

The key priorities for the Pacific Islands Affairs' portfolio are outlined in our Statement of Intent.

  Read more or contact the Minister

Our Chief Executive

Dr Colin Tukuitonga

Colin Tukuitonga is a medical graduate and public health specialist with clinical, research and public policy experience in New Zealand and internationally.

Prior to his current appointment as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs in 2007, he was Associate Professor of Pacific and International Health in the University of Auckland.  Prior to that appointment, he was the Coordinator of the Surveillance and Prevention of Chronic Diseases at the World Health Organisation in Switzerland.  He was a previous Director of Public Health and Medical Officer of Health for New Zealand.

Dr Tukuitonga’s main brief as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is to promote the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Pacific peoples and support their overall contribution to the New Zealand economy.

Our staff

Our staff are committed to the achievement of our vision. Approximately two-thirds of staff are Pacific people, who have strong links with their communities. Many are bilingual. This provides us with an ability to act rapidly in both gaining and disseminating information.

Our staff have specialised knowledge of key areas of importance to Pacific communities. Their range of backgrounds (academic, business, policy, communications and community) means we have the technical and professional skills to develop the Ministry to deliver its vision.

  Meet our northern region staff
  Meet our southern region staff
  Meet our central region staff
  Meet our national office staff

Recruitment and vacancies

Go to our Careers page for information on working with us and current vacancies.