Join the IPANZ New Professionals Leadership Team for a light breakfast and the opportunity to meet Paula Tesoriero MNZM, Chief Executive of Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People.
Come at 7.15am for breakfast, the speaker will start at 7.45am, it's an early start but well worth the effort to hear Paula discuss first-hand her career path, highlights and challenges. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and engage with Paula as well.
About the speaker:
Paula is well-known and a respected leader in the disability community. She is disabled and has a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for the disability community.
Paula was previously the Disability Rights Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission, a position she held since 2017. She also acted in the role of Chief Human Rights Commissioner from May 2018 – January 2019.
Paula is an experienced Public Service leader. From 2010 – 2016, she was the General Manager, Higher Courts at the Ministry of Justice. In 2016, she was seconded to Statistics New Zealand where she was the General Manager, System and Partnership.
Paula has served in various governance roles including as Deputy Chair of Peke Waihanga — Artificial Limb Service and Deputy Chair of Nuku Ora (previously Sport Wellington) and she served on the Board of Paralympics NZ. She is a life trustee of the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and is an honorary advisor to the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Paula is a Paralympian, winning a gold medal and two bronze medals at the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing.