Kellie Coombes

Kellie Coombes is an experienced leader currently serving as the Secretary for Women and Chief Executive of Te Tumu Whakarae mō te wahine at Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women in New Zealand since June 2021. In this role, Kellie leads a dedicated team focused on improving the lives of wāhine women and kōtiro girls, with specific emphasis on enhancing outcomes for Wāhine Māori. Prior to this, Kellie held various key positions at Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission from March 2016 to June 2021, including Acting Deputy Commissioner for System and Agency Performance and Director of the Office of the Head of State Services. Kellie's earlier career includes serving as Private Secretary to the Minister of State Services at the Department of Internal Affairs and working in multiple policy roles at the Ministry of Social Development from 2005 to 2015. Kellie holds an Honours degree in Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington, along with completing the Global Women Breakthrough Leaders Programme.