Who we are
Commissioners and Board
The Commission is governed by a board of commissioners. The Board is appointed by the Minister for Social Development. Each appointment is for up to three years with the potential for reappointment. The Chief Commissioner is a full-time position and the five other commissioners are part-time.
Commissioners carry out Board responsibilities in their capacity as Board members. They also:
- provide expertise, advice and input into issues and work the Commission is considering or undertaking
- provide the public face of the Commission by connecting with the community (at national, regional and local levels) on a regular basis
- undertake parts of the Commission’s annual work programme.
Current commissioners
Dr Jan Pryor (Chief Commissioner)
Dr Pryor is the Director at the Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families at Victoria University and a Family Psychology professor. Prior to that she was a specialist report writer for the Family Court in Auckland for 10 years. She has an extensive background in family research, and has had numerous papers and books published.
Ms Sharron Cole (Deputy Chief Commissioner)
Sharron has a long history of community service and participation. Her strengths include advocacy, practical bioethics and close involvement with families.
Sandra Alofivae
Sandra is a senior family law practitioner in Auckland. She has worked closely with Pacific families and has been actively involved in the community and voluntary sector. Sandra is of Samoan descent.
Lyn Campbell
Lyn has broad experience in community development with a focus on advocacy for families. She has worked extensively in senior management in education and local government.
Gregory Fortuin
Mr Fortuin has a wide breadth of community experience in the public and private sectors. Previous roles have included: Race Relations Conciliator for New Zealand, Director of New Zealand Post Ltd, Founding Director Kiwibank, and Chair of the Youth Suicide Awareness Trust.
David Smyth
David was a Deputy Commissioner in the State Services Commission. He has broad experience in governance and management in the state service and in social policy development in the health, housing and justice sectors.
Kim Workman
Mr Workman has had extensive involvement with the Prison Fellowship New Zealand, from which he retired as director in June 2008. Heís previously held positions with Kim Workman and Associates Ltd, Ministry of Health, Departments of Justice and Maori Affairs, State Services Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, and New Zealand Police.
Staff
The Chief Executive, Paul Curry, is appointed by the Board. He is responsible for the operational management of the Commission. There are 40 full-time equivalent staff members (capped at 1 July 2007).
The three operational groups of the Commission are:
Policy and Research Group
This group is responsible for our policy and research activities. Specific research is undertaken on a project basis. Many research projects involve major public consultation, and this is managed together with the Communications and Community Relations Group. The Group Manager Policy and Research is Jo Cribb.
Communications and Community Relations Group
This group is responsible for internal and external communications including:
- media liaison
- publication of reports, newsletters and corporate documents
- website management
- co-ordination of public education and information activities
- community engagement and consultation.
The Group Manager Communications and Community Relations is Charlie Moore.
Corporate Support Group
This group is responsible for the management of finances, human resources, information technology systems, operational policies and general administration. The group is led by Group Manager Diane Imus.
Offices
The Families Commission has two offices - the main one in Wellington, and the other in central Auckland.