Secretary for Internal Affairs
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Paul James
Paul James
Paul has extensive experience in strategic policy development, leading change, and working collaboratively and effectively across government and communities. He was appointed Secretary for Internal Affairs and Chief Executive for Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs in 2018. Paul also holds the roles of Secretary for Local Government and Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO). The GCDO is responsible for digital leadership across government agencies.
Paul was previously the Chief Executive for Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Prior to joining Manatū Taonga in 2015, Paul was the Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Regulatory and Ethnic Affairs at Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs from 2011. As the Director of Office of Treaty Settlements (from 2006 to 2011), Paul oversaw a significant increase in the rate of settlements achieved.