MATALENA LEAUPEPE
Wellington,WGN
Summary
An experienced leader with close to 20 years in the public and NGO sectors. Strategic thinker with a can-do attitude. My key strengths include systems thinking and connecting strategies with plans that are evidence-based, practical and upholds the mana and strengths of communities. I bring strong relationships from across the public, private and community sector which I can leverage to achieve positive outcomes for people I serve.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Government Center for Resolution
Ministry Of Business Innovation And Employment
10.2018 - Current
- The GCDR is the lead advisor to the government on dispute resolution. It provides leadership and stewardship to support a systems-based, best practice approach to dispute resolution in New Zealand
- Initiated the development of system standards for the dispute resolution system to drive a consistent approach in the delivery of dispute resolution services to all New Zealanders
- Led the development of the dispute resolution capability and maturity framework to deliver best practice dispute resolution services
Chief Advisor, Pacific
Crown Response To Abuse In Care Inquiry
05.2022 - 11.2023
- The Crown Response Unit was established to coordinate the Government's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
- The focus was on developing an integrated, independent holistic redress system that acknowledges the harm and trauma people have experienced in care and supports them to improve their wellbeing
- Provided strategic advice and planning to position Pacific work in policy discussions to ensure that Pacific survivors' voices and insights were communicated effectively within policy and operational forums to ensure that Pacific survivors are included and represented in the design and services developed by the Crown Response Unit
- Led the development of the internal well-being policy and the engagement framework for the Crown Response Unit to safely engage all survivors of abuse in care and ensuring that the target groups, Māori, Pacific and Deaf and Disabled were given adequate consideration in the design and development of engagement materials
Policy Manager, Pasifika
MBIE
04.2013 - 10.2018
- Successfully developed and launched the Pacific Economic Strategy that would underpin Pacific work for MBIE across NZ
- The strategy was supported by research on Pacific economic outcomes developed for MBIE by the NZ Institute of Economic Research, informed by the community Talanoa series
- Created and implemented the Tupu Tai Policy Internship Programme which won a Gold Award (highest award) in MBIE in 2017 and the Overall Supreme Award in the Diversity Awards NZ as an example of best practice in creating a system-wide programme
- Set up the Pacific Housing Network which led to the first Pacific NGO becoming a Registered Community Housing Provider in NZ
- Set a platform for creating awareness and opportunities for Pacific people to engage in the ICT sector through the Digital Moana social media campaign, the Digital Moana Symposium and creating a pipeline of Pacific people into the IT sector through the Tupu Tek IT Internship Programme and Pacific IT hackathons
- Enhanced policy development by conducting thorough research and analysis on relevant issues.
Private Secretary / Minister Tariana Turia
MBIE
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Key liaison person between the Minister and the MBIE
- Trusted advisor to the Minister on employment matters, representing the Ministry in Ministerial meetings and engagements with stakeholders
- Created opportunities for more Pacific people to be promoted through the NZ Royal Honors system through the Minister's role in the Cabinet Appointments and Honors Committee.
Senior Advisor
Department of Labour
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Part of the working group that developed the Pacific Strategy within the Department of Labour
- Led the development of the Pacific Implementation Plan and monitoring framework to accompany the Pacific Strategy for the Department
- Initiated the first in the world Pacific Health and Safety Research “In Harm's Way” which has since provided the evidence to improve health and safety services to Pacific people in New Zealand
Strategic Development and Planning Advisor / Careers
New Zealand
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Project team to establish the Pacific Careers Network as part of the Fifth International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy hosted by the NZ government
- Project managing the development of the 2007/2008 Annual Report
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Politics And Pacific Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZActivities And Honours
- Recipient of one of the five inaugural Public Sector medals – for systems leadership and bringing the Pacific community closer to the public service policy (2018)
- Recognised by the NZ Government Women's Network as one of 9 Wahine Whetu: rising women stars in the public sector – (2019)
- Alumni of Leadership NZ (2019)
- Board Member: Caritas NZ (Catholic Bishops Agency for Justice, Peace and Development) (2018-2022)
- Board Member: Diana Unwin Chair on Restorative Justice, School of Government (2022)
- Part of the SSC led mentoring initiative to increase the number of senior leaders in the public service and in senior leadership across the Pacific (2020) Champion for MBIE Women in Leadership initiatives and government agency initiatives to support diversity and inclusion in the public sector
- Supporter of the Teresia Teaiwa Scholarship and the Challenge 2000 Youth and Social Work Agency
References
Jo Hughes - Deputy Chief Executive, Ministry for Housing and Urban Development
Mel Porter - Deputy Chief Executive, Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Carolyn Tremain - Chief Executive, MBIE
Timeline
Chief Advisor, Pacific
Crown Response To Abuse In Care Inquiry
05.2022 - 11.2023
Director, Government Center for Resolution
Ministry Of Business Innovation And Employment
10.2018 - Current
Policy Manager, Pasifika
MBIE
04.2013 - 10.2018
Private Secretary / Minister Tariana Turia
MBIE
01.2012 - 05.2013
Senior Advisor
Department of Labour
01.2010 - 01.2012
Strategic Development and Planning Advisor / Careers
New Zealand
01.2008 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Politics And Pacific Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
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