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 priorities for the Pacific Islands Affairs' portfolio are outlined in our Statement of Intent.
Read more or contact the Minister
Our Chief Executive
Pauline Winter, QSO
Prior to commencing as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Pauline held a number of roles including that of Director of Pasifika Advancement at AUT University, and director of her consultancy INTERPACIFIC Ltd. She is a former Chief Executive of Workbridge Inc. and was recognised as Pacific Business Person of the Year in 1997.
Pauline has held a number of governance roles on private, not-for-profit and public sector boards. She chaired the National Advisory Council on Employment Issues for Women, was Deputy Chief Commissioner for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, and a Commissioner for the Tertiary Education Sector. She has held directorships on several Auckland boards including Auckland Council Investments Ltd, Committee for Auckland, COMET and was the Chairperson of OMEGA Talent as well as Director of the Quit Group. She has been a long-term member of the Pasifika Advisory group to the Auckland City Police.
Pauline Winter was awarded a Queen’s Service Order (QSO) in 2008 acknowledging her work to business and Pacific communities.
Pauline is a member of the Māori Womens’ Welfare League and PASIFIKA Inc . Born and raised in Auckland, her tribal affiliations are Te Atiawa/Taranaki and her Samoan family is from Savai’i in Samoa.
Watch an interview with our Chief Executive Pauline Winter by Tagata Pasifika
Our staff
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 of Sucessful Pacific peoples.
Recruitment and vacancies
Go to our Careers page for information on working with us and current vacancies.
Central region office
The Central region team is based in the Wellington office and covers the following areas: Wellington and the greater Wellington region, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui, South Waikato and Poverty Bay. Read more about Central region office
Northern region office
The Northern region team in based in Auckland. The office is located in East Tamaki and the staff work with Pacific communities to ensure they are aware of current government policies and programmes. The northern region extends from Bay of Plenty to Northland. Read more about Northern region office
Southern region office
Our Southern team is based in Christchurch and covers the whole of the South Island. Read more about Southern region office
National office staff
Our National office staff are based in Wellington and Auckland. Read more about National office staff
