Michelle Hippolite welcomed to Te Puni Kōkiri
10 December 2012
Michelle Hippolite welcomed to Te Puni Kōkiri
Te Puni Kōkiri staff welcomed incoming chief executive Michelle Hippolite to the ministry’s Wellington head office on Friday 30, November 2012.
Of Waikato, Rongowhaakata and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki whakapapa, she comes to Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, after more than four years as Kaihautū (Māori leader) at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
With a public service career that spans several government agencies, Mrs Hippolite first worked at Te Puni Kōkiri in the nineties where she helped among other kaupapa to develop a Māori Language Strategy.
Mrs Hippolite paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Leith Comer as well as Te Puni Kōkiri staff across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“I’m humbled to have this opportunity to lead an organisation that helped shape my outlook and passion for Māori development,” said Mrs Hippolite. “I return at a time of evolution and progression for Te Puni Kōkiri, I consider it a privilege to work with a team across Aotearoa to build on our strengths and forge a future pathway that is nimble and focused.”
The first woman to lead the Ministry of Māori Development, Mrs Hippolite took up her position on Monday 3 December 2012.
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ENDS