Paul James

Secretary, Internal Affairs and Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua, New Zealand

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 Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua 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.