The Ministry of Education is yet to find a permanent secretary. Photo / Dean Purcell
The Ministry of Education is yet to find a permanent secretary. Photo / Dean Purcell
The Ministry of Education is yet to find a permanent secretary one year on from the departure of long-term boss Iona Holsted.
Holsted held the top job for eight years before leaving in October 2024, two months before her contract was up due for family reasons, RNZ reported.
Ellen MacGregor-Reid has been acting secretary for education since Holsted‘s departure.
The Public Service Commission, which is responsible for filling the role, says the recruitment process is “well advanced.” But with a permanent solution yet to be found a year later, it has become one of the longest vacancies in the public service in recent history.
“I acknowledge Iona’s distinguished public service to New Zealand and the significant contribution she has made to our education system,” Stanford said.
“I thank her for her leadership during a period of change. She has continued to display an unwavering dedication and passion for education.”
Labour’s education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said it was important for any public service agency to have a permanent leader at the helm for stability.
“At a time, when changes are being rammed through ... by the Minister, one would expect she’d get onto things quicker.”
The Minister’s office referred the Herald’s queries to the Public Service Commission. In a statement, the commission said the process to find a permanent Secretary for Education was “well advanced”.
“The Commission expects to make an announcement once the process is completed.”
Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.
