Liz Tanielu

General Manager Pacific, Investing and Children, Ministry of Social Development

Liz is a Christian Samoan, born and bred in Wellington, having grown up in Porirua.  She has been married for 20 years, to her best friend she met at University. Together they have a beautiful 12 year old daughter.

Largely influenced by the work ethics of working class migrant parents, who brought over their siblings one by one to build a future for themselves and their extended families in Aotearoa, she knows the value of service to family and the local community.

Liz is dedicated to creating sustainable, positive change for families and communities who have experienced hardship in their life time.  Her professional career includes twenty years in various leadership and management roles in the wider state sector, with a particular focus on community development including serving on a number of community and ministerial appointed governance boards.

With a BA in political science and a Masters in Business Administration, Liz has successfully run her own business for 14 years. In addition to her role of National Director, Pacific in Community Investment in the Ministry of Social Development, she was appointed General Manager, Pacific in Investing in Children.