The Public Service Commissioner is the Head of Service. They lead the Public Service and wider public sector to work together to deliver better services and outcomes.
The Public Service Commissioner is the Head of Service. They lead the Public Service and wider public sector to work together to deliver better services and outcomes.
The Commissioner’s role is to protect and enhance the legitimacy and integrity of the Public Service. They also preserve, protect and nurture the spirit of service that sits at the heart of the Public Service and everything it does.
The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the prime minister. They are supported by 2 statutory Deputy Public Service Commissioners who have the same powers, functions and duties as the Commissioner.
The Commissioner works with Public Service secretaries and chief executives to lead agencies as a single system. Their role is to deliver better services and outcomes to New Zealanders, and to maintain the public’s trust and confidence in the Public Service.
Under the Public Service Act 2020, the Commissioner’s functions include:
- leading the Public Service to deliver better services and achieve better outcomes
- promoting and reinforcing integrity, good conduct, and transparency and accountability in the Public Service
- responsibility for developing senior leadership and management capability in the Public Service
- developing workforce capability and capacity, including in the employment relations area
- appointing the leaders of the Public Service and acting as their employer. This includes appointment, reappointment, and performance review
- advising on performance, function, and structure of the Public Service system
- reviewing the performance of Public Service agencies and assisting agencies to improve. Also conducting investigations and inquiries into agencies.
Find out more about our Public Service Commissioner: Our leaders