Our People Fact Sheet
Leith Comer, Chief Executive
Leith Comer took up the position of Chief Executive of Te Puni Kōkiri in February 2001. Prior to this he was Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development. He has extensive experience as a company director, including five years as the chairperson of Lakeland Health.
He served in the New Zealand Army for 21 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A graduate from the United States Army General Staff College, Leith received the Eisenhower Award for academic excellence. He is the only New Zealander to receive this award.
Leith has broad experience in policy advice, public sector management, and the role of the State in building confidence among communities.
Te Puni Kōkiri has a critical, ongoing contribution to make to Māori development in New Zealand.
Part of this is the provision of high quality policy advice to the Minister of Māori Affairs, and supporting the government of the day in realising its vision for Māori.
But Te Puni Kōkiri also does a huge amount of work around New Zealand with individuals, groups and organisations that are helping Māori to realise their potential.
We do this by utilising our connections and contacts made in the community; with other government agencies; with local territorial authorities; and in the private sector. We cover the whole of the country through a network of local offices, based in 10 regions across Aotearoa.
These same connections also provide Te Puni Kōkiri and the Government with valuable feedback that helps refine policy settings and priorities.
This is very much a Māori approach based on building and maintaining strong relationships, meeting and talking face to face, and respecting differing viewpoints while trying to build consensus.
Te Puni Kōkiri literally means a group moving forward together – and that is really what we are doing.
Last modified: 9/01/2008