Oranga Tamariki Executive and Leadership Team

Dean Winter, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Youth Justice Services & Residential Care at Oranga Tamariki, directs all national youth justice programs and residential care facilities. Overseeing the rehabilitation of at-risk youth, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Youth Justice Services & Residential Care ensures that every facility maintains rigorous safety standards while promoting positive behavioral outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional social workers to provide consistent support for families navigating the justice system. By implementing evidence-based intervention strategies, Dean Winter directly impacts the long-term wellbeing of children across New Zealand. Winter manages the operational complexities of residential environments, ensuring that staff training aligns with the core mission of safeguarding youth. Through constant evaluation of justice outcomes, Winter secures a stable framework for youth development and successful community reintegration.

Cassandra Anderson, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Enabling Services at Oranga Tamariki, drives the internal organizational strategy and workforce development initiatives. Overseeing human resources, internal communications, and cultural integration, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Culture & Enabling Services ensures that the entire staff remains aligned with the mission of protecting children. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the workforce while enhancing operational efficiency. By optimizing internal processes and talent management, Cassandra Anderson directly impacts the capacity of the organization to deliver high-quality care. Anderson manages the cultural transformation of the ministry, ensuring that every employee understands the importance of a nurturing environment. Through strategic workforce planning, Anderson secures the human capital necessary for sustained impact.

Elizabeth Scurr, the Chief Financial Officer at Oranga Tamariki, directs the fiscal strategy and resource allocation for all ministry operations. Overseeing budget management, financial reporting, and procurement, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports the delivery of essential services for at-risk children and families. This leadership role involves collaborating with government stakeholders to secure funding and maintain transparency in financial operations. By implementing robust financial controls, Elizabeth Scurr directly impacts the sustainability of youth justice programs and family support services. Scurr manages the complex financial landscape of the ministry, ensuring that resources reach the most critical areas of need across New Zealand. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal performance, Scurr secures the financial stability required to maintain high-quality caregiving and adoption assistance programs.

Emily Hockly, the Chief Legal Officer at Oranga Tamariki, directs the legal framework and regulatory compliance for all ministry activities. Overseeing policy development, litigation management, and legislative advocacy, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations adhere to the highest standards of child protection law. This leadership role involves providing counsel to the executive team on complex matters regarding family support and youth justice. By mitigating legal risks and ensuring regulatory alignment, Emily Hockly directly impacts the integrity of the organization. Hockly manages the legal complexities of adoption assistance and caregiving services, ensuring that every action protects the rights of children. Through proactive legal strategy, Hockly secures the operational foundation necessary for the ministry to function effectively within the New Zealand legal system.