Deputy State Services Commissioner Helene Quilter has today announced the appointment of Mr Jeremy Lightfoot to the
position of Chief Executive, Department of Corrections.
The Department of Corrections (Corrections) is New Zealand’s largest public service department, responsible for the
management and wellbeing of over 10,000 prisoners and nearly 30,000 community-based offenders. Corrections employs
nearly 10,000 people who work in 17 prisons and over 140 Community Corrections sites.
Ms Quilter said the Chief Executive, Corrections, has a vital role in improving and maintaining the safety and wellbeing
of the community, and in changing the lives of those within its care.
“I’m very pleased to announce Mr Lightfoot’s appointment,” said Ms Quilter.
“He is an experienced senior leader with a deep understanding of the public sector and justice system. I am confident Mr
Lightfoot’s leadership and experience will ensure Corrections continues to deliver for New Zealanders.”
Mr Lightfoot is currently the Acting Chief Executive of Corrections, a role he has held since 21 December 2019. He was
also Acting Chief Executive for a period in 2018.
Ms Quilter said Mr Lightfoot had valuable experience in large, operational leadership roles. Previous leadership roles
at Corrections include General Manager Finance Technology and Commercial, National Commissioner and Deputy Chief
Executive.
Mr Lightfoot is experienced in leading change and has led a number of initiatives and projects with Māori. He played a
critical leadership role in the development and implementation of Hōkai Rangi, the new strategy for Ara Poutama
Aotearoa, the Department of Corrections. The strategy reflects a five-year change programme, Hōkai Nuku, to deliver
major improvement to the Corrections system. Hōkai Rangi was developed directly with Māori and focuses on changes in the
way Corrections’ will develop prison services and its workforce and, work with iwi and community partners. These changes
are intended to help meet the government’s priorities to reduce overrepresentation of Māori in prison, improve public
safety and reduce re-offending rates overall.
“Mr Lightfoot has a track record of delivery for government on critical strategic programmes and a commitment to shared
outcomes,” said Ms Quilter. “He understands the challenges and opportunities facing Corrections, including the need for
a partnership approach.”
Mr Lightfoot has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Business Management (Hons). He has been appointed for three
years from 24 February.