Amanda Malu has been appointed Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki.
Oranga Tamariki is the Government’s lead agency for the care and protection of children and young people. The Secretary for Children provides strategic leadership, drives organisational culture change, and ensures statutory services are delivered effectively and in line with legislative and fiscal obligations.
Deputy Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott said Ms Malu is a proven leader with broad experience in guiding complex organisations through change, leading large service delivery functions, and improving outcomes for communities.
“Ms Malu brings the leadership and expertise required to deliver on the Government’s priorities for Oranga Tamariki – ensuring children and young people are safe, supported, and have the best chance to thrive,” said Ms Baggott.
Ms Malu is currently Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, a role she has held since September 2024. She was previously Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery at Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and Chief Executive of Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
Ms Baggott said Ms Malu understands how to build a high performing culture and the importance of the needs of the regions.
“She is committed to driving and delivering results, working in partnership with iwi and communities, to demonstrably improve outcomes for children and young people in New Zealand.”
Ms Malu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Canterbury. She is of Ngai Tahu descent. She has been appointed for five years from 23 February 2026.
Biography
Ms Malu is currently Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, a role she has held since September 2024.
Prior to this she was Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery at Accident Compensation Corporation (2022 to 2024).
From 2016 to 2022 Ms Malu was Chief Executive of Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
Earlier roles include Chief Marketing Officer at the Royal NZ Plunket Society, General Manager External Relations and Marketing at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), and senior leadership positions at the Tertiary Education Commission and Open Polytechnic.
She has governance experience as a Director of Hilton Haulage Ltd (representing Ngāi Tahu Holdings), Director of Te Tauraki – Ngāi Tahu Iwi Māori Health Partnership Board, and Associate Director of Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation Ltd.
Ms Malu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Canterbury. She has completed leadership programmes including the NZ Company Directors’ Course, the Harvard Executive Leadership Programme, and the Mt Eliza Strategic Leadership Programme.
