DIA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Allira joined the Translation Service in early 2021. She holds a PhD in Italian Studies (Translation) from La Trobe University, Melbourne. Allira holds a Master of Translation Studies (Italian) and a BA (Linguistics & Italian) from The University of Western Australia. Her working languages are Italian and English.
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- Chief Archivist of Archives New Zealand
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- Chief Advisor, Regulatory Assurance and Stewardship
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- Director Ministerial, Monitoring and Capability
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- Deputy Chief Executive Te Kōtui Whitiwhiti - Digital Public Service
Ann-Marie is Deputy Government Chief Digital Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Digital Public Service - Te Kōtui Whitiwhiti.
Her most recent role was leading the development of the New Zealand Digital Government Strategy as Director, Digital Government Strategy.
Previous roles have included Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer at the Ministry of Health. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2016 she was Head Digital Strategy at Novartis Pharma AG for the Medical Affairs function based in Switzerland.
She has held a number of positions in ranging from small start-up agencies, to leading global teams in implementing digital innovation. Originally from the UK and a Clinical Pharmacologist by training, Ann-Marie is based in Wellington New Zealand.
As Deputy Chief Executive Digital Public Service - Te Kōtui Whitiwhiti, Ann-Marie has the following people reporting to her:
Asma immigrated to New Zealand in 1994 from Iraq, where she graduated with a BA in Translation and Interpreting from Mustansyria University in Baghdad. She also tutors language and cultural training at Victoria University of Wellington. Her working languages are Arabic and English.
Bill first joined the Translation Service in 1978. After leaving to take up a three-year contract as a technical Japanese translator with Fujitsu Australia, he resumed work with the Translation Service in 1988. He holds a BSc and MA (Japanese) as well as NAATI III accreditation for Japanese and Spanish. His working languages are English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese and Scandinavian languages.
Job Titles:
- General Manager Ministerial Services
Te Haumi - Enterprise Partnerships branch also provides secretariat and administrative services to the Local Government Commission, the Gambling Commission and the Film and Literature Board of Review. These Commissions and Board are independent and do not report to, or receive direction from, the Department.
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- Manager Governance Risk and Assurance
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- General Manager Charities Services
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- Director Planning, Performance and Support
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- General Manager Community Operations
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- General Manager System Strategy and Initiatives
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- Deputy Chief Executive He Pou Aronui - Organisational Capability and Services Branch
Darrin Sykes MNZM JP CMInstD has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive He Pou Aronui - Organisational Capability and Services Branch since February 2023. This role spans strategy, implementation and performance for the branch, organisational capability and culture development, organisational infrastructure and system investment, and smart delivery of core organisational services. Core organisational services are delivered by the following teams: Workplace Services Group - He Ringa Manaaki; Human Resources - Pūmanawa Tangata; Finance - Kōkiri Tāuru; Communications - Te Manu Karere ; Technology Services and Solutions - Te Ara Matihiko; and Branch Development & Support - Te Waka Aukaha.
Darrin is Ngāti Rangitihi/Ngāti Awa and brings a strong set of public service skills and experiences to Te Tari Taiwhenua. Darrin joined Te Tari from the Office of Māori Crown Relations - Te Arawhiti where he was the Deputy Chief Executive, Organisational Services. Darrin has worked in the Māori-Crown Relations space for over 20 years including his role as Acting Deputy Chief Executive People, Culture and Enabling Services, Oranga Tamariki; Chief Executive CFRT; Acting Deputy Secretary Support Services Te Puni Kōkiri and as the Director Waitangi Tribunal. Darrin is a current Public Service Commission Corporate Development Board Member appointed back in 2020.
Darrin also has held several directorships on governing boards; Capital & Coast District Coast Board Government appointee from 2010-2019, where he was Deputy Chair and then Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee; and Sport New Zealand Board Member Government appointee from 2013-2020. Darrin was an external reviewer for the 2019 Performance Improvement Framework self-review of the Health Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC) and is again a reviewer assisting the Commission in 2023. Darrin has been a member of the Institute of Directors of NZ since 2003 and has been a Chartered Member (CMInstD) of the Institute since 2014.
Darrin also comes from a strong sports and recreation background including being director and Chair for a Touch Rugby NZ for 23 years. Darrin's service and contribution to the sport of Touch Rugby in New Zealand was recognised in 2013 when he was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). Darrin was also a Board Member of Sport Wellington/Nuku Ora from 2011 to 2019.
Darrin is the Touch NZ National Director of Referees and is also a member of the Federation of International Touch Rugby Referee Commission where he has served continuously since 1999. Darrin was awarded Life Membership of the Federation of International Touch in January 2022.
As Deputy Chief Executive Organisational Capability and Services - He Pou Aronui, Darrin has the following people reporting to him:
Job Titles:
- General Manager Te Ara Tahi
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- Director, Te Tiriti and Partnerships
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- Acting Manager Branch Development and Support
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Fahim has been a Translation Project Manager at the Translation Service since February 2022. His expertise in Translation Studies lies in interpreting, localisation, and literary translation. His working languages are Persian and English. Fahim holds a PhD in Literary Translation Studies from Victoria University of Wellington. and English.
Job Titles:
- Programme Director, Te Ara Manaaki
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Haley Te Rire (Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau) joined the Translation Service as a Translation Project Manager in 2021, and has extensive experience as a translator, language teacher and project manager. She holds a degree in Spanish and Criminology as well as a Masters in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation. Her working languages are Spanish and English.
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- Executive Director Water Policy
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- Executive Director National Transition Unit
Jing immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 from China, where she graduated with a BA from Shanghai Normal University. She also completed a PGDipEd from Victoria University of Wellington. She has been working at the Translation Service since 2005. Her working languages are Chinese and English.
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- Director, Strategy and Performance
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- General Manager Services and Access
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- General Manager Te Pou Manawa - Partners and Products
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- Director, Office of the Chief Executive
- Is Director
Karen Hope-Cross is Director, Office of the Chief Executive. She supports the Chief Executive to lead the Department and undertake his leadership responsibilities across the public sector. This includes supporting the performance of the Department as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and facilitating effective relationships with other stakeholders and agencies. The Director also provides strategic advice to the Chief Executive, may lead special projects, and acts as the Chief Executive's delegate when required.
Karen joined the Department in 2008 and has previously held roles in the Digital Public Service, Toi Hiranga, Local Government, and Service Delivery and Operations branches. Prior to her time with Te Tari Taiwhenua, Karen worked at TelstraClear. Karen holds a Bachelor of Business (Management).
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chief Executive of the Department 's Māori
- Deputy Chief Executive Te Urungi - Māori, Strategy and Performance
Karen Vercoe is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department's Māori, Strategy and Performance Branch - Te Urungi.
Karen has extensive governance and management expertise across multiple sectors in treaty settlements, government, for profit and not for profit entities.
Before joining DIA, she was the Chief Executive Officer for Te Arawa Lakes Trust, a Treaty settlement entity for Te Arawa responsible for the fourteen Lakes in the Rotorua catchment. Karen has previously run her own consulting business KTV Consulting Ltd providing bespoke Management consulting services to NZ government, local government, Māori and Pacific organisations.
Karen has held several Governance roles. She is a Director on Sport NZ, Chair of the Taumata Māori (Sport NZ Māori Governance Board), Chair of Te Pūmautanga O Te Arawa from September 2015 to February 2022 and Chairperson of the Data Iwi Leaders from December 2017 to February 2022. Karen is currently a Trustee on two separate whenua Māori trusts in Rotorua.
In 2021 Karen was the distinguished recipient of a Queens honor, becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Karen received the prestigious Dame Mira Szaszy Māori Alumni Award as a graduate of University of Auckland who has achieved significant success in their career. Karen is a former Black Fern NZ Women's Rugby representative and NZ Touch Representative.
Karen holds a Master of Management Degree from the University of Auckland.
As Deputy Chief Executive Māori, Strategy and Performance - Te Urungi, Karen has the following people reporting to her:
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- General Manager Workplace Services
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- Executive Director Iwi / Māori
Kirill joined the Translation Service in January 2023. He began his journey in 2011 after leaving Russia to pursue his dream of studying at a high school in England. He arrived New Zealand in 2016. Kirill holds a diploma in Screen Production and Design at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation in Auckland. He also possesses a bachelor's degree in Applied Management from Otago Polytechnic.
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Koleta has extensive experience in multilingual desktop publishing and project management as well as a working grasp of the Samoan language. She is of Samoan (Siumu, Vaiusu) and Niuean (Hakupu) descent. Koleta holds a BA in Psychology from Massey University. She joined the Translation Service in 2019.
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Lisa came to New Zealand in 2008 from Northern Ireland, where she graduated with a BA in Business Studies from the University of Ulster. She has been working at the Translation Service since 2010, building skills and experience across several roles, and developing a strong interest in serving New Zealand's diverse communities through translation.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chief Executive Kāwai Ki Te Iwi - Service Delivery and Operations
- Role of Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery
Maria Robertson has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery and Operations - Kāwai ki te Iwi, since February 2013.
She leads a team of 900 staff in the passports, citizenship, births, deaths and marriages, community operations, charities and igovt areas.
Before this, Maria was the DCE for Service Delivery at Building and Housing where she was the deputy Chief Executive Organisational Development and Strategy.
Prior to that, Maria was the General Manager Advanced Dynamics (NZ) Ltd and Manager Performance Improvement Woodproducts at Carter Holt Harvey. She has also held senior roles in Telecom Comalco and Rio Tinto.
As Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery and Operations - Kāwai ki te Iwi, Maria has the following people reporting to her:
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- Deputy Chief Executive Toi Hiranga - Regulation and Policy
Marilyn joined the Department in 2006. She was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Policy, Regulation and Communities in October 2017. Marilyn has held a number of roles in the Department, including Chief Archivist/General Manager of Archives NZ for three and a half years. She was previously General Manager of the Policy Group, and Director Local Government and Community Policy. Prior to her work with Internal Affairs, Marilyn held senior roles in the Office of the Auditor-General and the Department of Labour.
Marilyn has completed the Leadership Development Centre's Advanced Leadership Programme, and holds a Master of Public Policy and a BA Honours in History.
As Deputy Chief Executive Regulation and Policy - Toi Hiranga, Marilyn has the following people reporting to her:
Job Titles:
- Manager Branch Strategy and Performance
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- General Manager Communications
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- Deputy Chief Executive Ue Te Hīnātore - Local Government
Michael is Deputy Chief Executive for the Local Government branch - Ue te Hīnātore.
Michael has worked in a variety of senior management roles in operational and policy agencies across the New Zealand public sector including the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry for the Environment and Department of Corrections. He started his career as a forensic psychologist and holds a Bachelor of Science and an Executive Master of Public Administration.
As Deputy Chief Executive Local Government - Ue te Hīnātore, Michael has the following people reporting to him:
Job Titles:
- General Manager Agency Partnerships and Capability
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- Director Te Tari O Te Hautū Office of the Deputy Chief Executive
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- General Manager Technology Services and Solutions, Chief Information Officer
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- Translation Project Manager
Nick studied Chinese at the University of Auckland where he also obtained a BSc degree majoring in Computer Science. He spent 3 years in Taiwan, immersing himself in Chinese language studies and working as a technical writer and translator. He holds full membership with NZSTI for Chinese to English translation. Nick joined the Translation Service in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Nuno was educated in Portugal and New Zealand. Graduated with a BA in Political Science and Italian from Victoria University, where he also completed papers in Spanish and French. He worked as a translator and editor of Romance languages in Portugal, UK and New Zealand and has more recently worked as a project manager in the translation industry for a number of companies in New Zealand and overseas. Nuno joined the Translation Service in 2022.
Quintin joined the Translation Service in 2005. He holds an Executive MBA, a Master's degree in Translation Studies and is a certified NAATI translator. He is a former president of NZSTI and has worked on policy around translation and interpreting. He has a strong interest in language, culture and language technologies.
Job Titles:
- National Librarian Te Pouhuaki, General Manager of National Library of New Zealand
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- General Manager All - of - Government Services Delivery
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- General Manager Policy and Operations
Hoani Lambert (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) is Hautū - Deputy Chief Executive for Enterprise Partnerships - Te Haumi. In this role, Hoani oversees a number of important functions and entities, including the National Library, Archives New Zealand and Ministerial and Secretariat Services. He also is responsible for delivering major transformation projects and programmes including Tāhuhu - the programme that includes the upgrade and construction of new purpose-built archives facilities.
Prior to joining DIA, Hoani was Tamariki Advocate, Deputy Chief Executive Voices of Children at Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, a role in which he was responsible for advocating for children and young people's interests across the government system, ensuring their voices are at the centre of government policy, service design and delivery. He was also responsible for overseeing the Ministry's implementation of new legislative duties in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Although a specialist in communications, public relations and social marketing, Hoani has had a diverse range of professional roles. He has worked in parliament, directed biosecurity border operations and worked as a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Roland has been working with The Translation Service since January 2017. He has 40 years of bilingual translation experience in the banking and information technology industries as well as in the physical sciences. His work has included German to English and English to German translations of legal, commercial, technical, scientific and general texts and documents.
Job Titles:
- General Manager Operations, and Registrar General for Births, Deaths and Marriages
Job Titles:
- Translation Project Manager
Shieva joined the Translation Service in 2009 after working as a writer for a German television show in Berlin and a lifestyle magazine in Bangkok, and also as a freelance translator. She has a Diploma in Fine Arts and takes care of the Translation Service's graphic design work. Her working languages are English and German, and she is currently studying Persian.
Job Titles:
- General Manager Human Resources
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- Chairman of the Taumata Māori
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- Executive Services Officer to the Chief Executive
Suming joined the Translation Service in 2016. She holds a BA (Hons) in Educational Studies from the University of Waikato and DipBA from WelTec. During her tenure with the team, she has developed skills, knowledge and gained experience in administration, project management and leadership. She has a profound passion for embracing cultural diversity, languages and connecting with people in Aotearoa and around the world.
Job Titles:
- Programme Director, Te Urungi Change Programme
Job Titles:
- General Manager Planning, Design and Assurance
Tineke joined the Translation Service in November 2021. She holds a BA and LLB from the University of Otago and a Masters in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation from Victoria University of Wellington. She is currently working at the Translation Service part-time while she completes her Doctoral Studies in Court Interpreting. Her working languages are English, French and Chinese.
Job Titles:
- Manager Branch Strategy and Performance