The new chief executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs says education is the key to progress for Pacific people in New Zealand.
Pauline Winter was on Tuesday named to to head the ministry, which has 42 staff and an annual budget of $9 million.
Ms Winter is director of Pasifika advancement at Auckland University of Technology, and is on the boards of the Tertiary Education Commission and the Qualifications Authority.
Ms Winter, who is of Samoan heritage, says her career in education reflects her belief in its importance for the progress of Pacific communities.
She takes over from outgoing chief executive Colin Tukuitonga in October.
