Erica Seville is a Commissioner and the Chair of the People, Culture and Governance Committee at the Natural Hazards Commission where she fosters a culture of wellbeing, continuous improvement, and accountability.
How does your work make a difference to New Zealanders?
For me, governance is about helping organisations make good decisions – the kind that deliver strong results now while setting them up for the future.
It’s about keeping the organisation’s purpose front and centre, balancing what’s urgent today with what will matter most in the long run, and ensuring it has the people, resources, and strategies to thrive.
Ultimately, it’s about giving the organisation the best chance to serve its communities – in good times and in crisis.
What achievements are you most proud of in your governance roles?
I’m especially proud of the progress the Natural Hazards Commission has made over the past seven years. When I joined the board, the organisation was still dealing with the operational, financial, and trust challenges that followed the Canterbury earthquakes – and working to restore confidence among those most affected. Turning that around required clear priorities and a long-term commitment.
Over time, we’ve developed a clear strategic direction, invested in staff engagement and a high-performance culture, and built strong partnerships with private insurers – all aimed at delivering better service for our customers. It’s been a shift from stabilising and rebuilding to aiming for excellence – putting us in a much stronger position to deliver for New Zealanders when they need us most.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your governance roles so far?
Some of the hardest moments are when there’s no perfect answer – when every option involves trade-offs and tough calls. In those times, I’ve learned how important it is to stay anchored in the organisation’s purpose, listen to a range of perspectives, and apply the discipline needed to make a decision – even when the road ahead is uncertain.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned so far?
Real influence in governance often comes from patience and persistence, not just quick wins. There are moments when decisive action is needed, but most lasting change comes from steady, consistent effort and bringing people with you on the journey – because in the end, governance is about collective wisdom, shared responsibility, and creating the conditions for sound decisions to endure.
Real influence in governance often comes from patience and persistence, not just quick wins.
What advice would you give to aspiring directors?
Get to know the organisation you’re governing – its environment, key drivers of success, and the communities it serves. Stay curious, listen well, and bring humility to the table. And remember, governance is a team sport – your role is to add value, ask thoughtful questions, and help chart a course that sets the organisation up to perform well both now and in the future.
Three words to describe your governance roles?
Worthwhile – Collaborative – Rewarding.
About Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards
Erica Seville is a finalist of Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award at Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards 2025. The award celebrates outstanding public sector governance professionals. Winners will be announced on Thursday 4 September.
The awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington School of Government, Westpac New Zealand, and Deloitte.
