Kate was appointed as Te Tumu Whakarae / Chief Executive in August 2022. She is also currently Board Chair for Water Safety New Zealand and joins Volunteer Service Abroad / Te Tūao Tāwāhi most recently from Te Tari Taiwhenua / Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) where she was Deputy Chief Executive, Organisational Capability & Services. Kate has extensive experience at an executive level in both the not for profit and public sectors.
Before DIA, Kate 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 the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. Earlier in her career, Kate worked at Deloitte, Plunket, ANZ and Department of Corrections in a range of people & capability roles. She also lived in Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland and North America whilst working for Deloitte.
In her role, Kate is focussed on leading a strong, connected team towards a vision of contributing to 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 as the region recovers from the impacts of COVID-19. 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.
