Keeping on top of risk is an important part of how we work at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. We aim to build good risk management into how we plan, make decisions, and run our day-to-day operations.
The Ministry’s Executive Leadership Team sets our overall direction and keeps an eye on the big organisational risks. To support this, an independent Assurance, Risk and Advisory Committee meets regularly to give advice to the Secretary for Pacific Peoples. This advice helps us strengthen how we manage risks, improve our systems and processes, and make sure we’re delivering in a way that’s transparent and accountable.
The Assurance, Risk and Advisory Committee supports the Secretary by providing independent advice and assurance in four key areas:
The Committee works closely with the Ministry’s leadership and relevant staff to support good governance and strong performance.
Sue is an independent consultant based in Ahuriri/Napier. She specialises in audit, risk and assurance, and also brings experience in governance, leadership, business transformation, mentoring and capability building.
Rachel is the Deputy Secretary for Regulatory and Identity Services at Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs. She is responsible for a range of regulatory functions including charities, digital safety and identity services. She has previously been the Deputy Chief Executive at Oranga Tamariki and the National Commissioner at Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections.
Tiumalu Tofilau Victor Vae’au is an experienced technology leader who has worked in government, defence, and the private sector. He has also advised the World Bank on digital transformation and e-government.
Pauline is a lawyer, Notary Public, and Director at Aoraki Legal in South Canterbury. She has strong experience in legal and board roles, with a focus on governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. She serves on the South Canterbury Rugby Union board and co-chairs the NZ Rugby Pasifika Advisory Group. In 2025, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her service to rugby and Pacific communities.
Utufa’asisili Rosemary is a long-time educator and senior leader. She is currently Deputy Chief Executive Pasifika at NZQA. With a background in teaching and education policy, she is passionate about helping Pacific learners succeed. In 2020, she was named a Wāhine Whetū by the Government Women’s Network for her leadership in the public sector.
Nadine is Acting Deputy Secretary – Organisational Performance and Services at the Ministry for Women. She leads the Ministry’s corporate and people functions and has held senior roles in human resources across the public and private sectors.