Kate was appointed as Te Tumu Whakarae / Chief Executive in August 2022. She was recently Board Chair for Water Safety New Zealand and has extensive experience at an executive level in both the not for profit and public sectors. Prior to joining Te Tūao Tāwāhi she was with Te Tari Taiwhenua / Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as Deputy Chief Executive, Organisational Capability & Services.
Kate has held roles as Chief Operating Officer at the Human Rights Commission and Director Corporate & Engagement at the Social Wellbeing Agency. Kate has been in senior roles in service delivery and corporate areas at Plunket, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. Earlier in her career, Kate worked internationally whilst based in North America.
In her role, Kate is focussed on leading a strong, connected team towards a vision of achieving a world with thriving communities through volunteer work in the wider Pacific region. This vision builds on VSA’s rich history and strong reputation developed through successful delivery over 60 years and enduring partnerships. She is committed to VSA growing and diversifying the approach to volunteering to meet local needs. An enduring commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and focus on internal capability to work even better with Pacific Peoples communities is key to her approach as is maintaining trusted partnerships and ensuring VSA has a clear strategic direction and sustainable future.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington is home for Kate, and this is where she grew up and completed her studies at Victoria University of Wellington. She now lives on the South Coast of Wellington with her partner and teenage daughter and enjoys being near the ocean as she is a keen swimmer both in the pool and sea.
