Chief Executive And Secretary of Education Announced

Chief Executive And Secretary of Education Announced

Deputy State Services Commissioner Sandi Beatie today announced the appointment of Peter Hughes as Secretary for Education and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Education.

Mr Hughes has been acting in the role since February this year, following the resignation of former Chief Executive Lesley Longstone.

Peter Hughes is a highly experienced and well respected Public Service Chief Executive. He has spent his entire career in the New Zealand State Sector, starting as a clerk in the Department of Social Welfare. In 2012 he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to the State.

Mr Hughes has previously served as Chief Executive of the Health Funding Authority, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Social Development. Prior to his current appointment he was Head of School and Professor of Public Management at the Victoria University School of Government.

“I am very pleased we have been able to appoint someone of Peter’s calibre to this important role,” Ms Beatie said.

“I am confident Peter Hughes will provide strong and effective leadership to the Ministry of Education to lift its performance, modernise how it operates, and rebuild relationships across the education sector,” said Ms Beatie.

“It has been a difficult period for the Ministry and the education sector. I hope that this appointment, and the changes Mr Hughes has already started making, will help the sector move forward.”

Mr Hughes’ appointment is for a period of five years and is effective immediately.

Ms Beatie said she is grateful to Victoria University of Wellington for supporting the secondment of Mr Hughes as the Acting Chief Executive and Secretary for Education.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for providing policy advice to the Government on the education system, leadership to the education sector, and the delivery of significant operational functions including special education services, school property management and school payroll. The Ministry has around 2,300 staff in 43 offices around New Zealand.
ENDS

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