We are seeking an experienced and courageous leader to serve as Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki – The Ministry for Children. This is a critical Chief Executive role responsible for guiding the organisation through a period of transformation, strengthening its core statutory functions, and restoring public trust in the care and protection system.
The core statutory functions of Oranga Tamariki are the care and protection of children and young people, youth justice, adoption services, early intervention and prevention services, and transition support to young people leaving care. The Chief Executive will lead a workforce of approximately 4,500 staff, overseeing a forecasted operating expenditure of $1.544 billion (as of 2024/25).
The role demands strategic and operational leadership to deliver child-centred services that improve outcomes for children and young people in New Zealand, while meeting legislative requirements. An ability to drive performance improvement while navigating change will be vital to build and maintain high levels of public trust and confidence.
The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience running complex operational functions with a nationally dispersed workforce, building and maintaining operational stability and fostering strong relationships with iwi, communities, and other government agencies.
This role requires a leader who can navigate complex legislative and policy reforms, champion a fit-for-purpose culture, and ensure the organisation is focused on its core purpose: the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The Secretary for Children will also play a key role in delivering Government Target 3 – Reduced child and youth offending – and in leading the Oranga Tamariki System Action Plan. More information on the key leadership dimensions of this role can be found in the position description.
If you think you are the right person, an application pack can be downloaded below.
For further information or a confidential discussion about this position, please contact:
Nick Ritchie
Strategic Advisor
021 314 896
nick.ritchie@publicservice.govt.nz
Completed applications must be submitted to CErecruitment@publicservice.govt.nz by Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at 11:59pm.
