Annual Report 2025

• Annual Report 2025

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Chief Executive's foreword#

Kupu whakataki a te Tumu Whakarae

Kia ora koutou

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) occupies a unique space within the heart of government, supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and the Governor-General to lead and govern an effective New Zealand. The Department also plays an important role in building a stronger, more secure nation through national risk, resilience, and security policy coordination.

DPMC's people play a vital part in advancing an ambitious, resilient, and well-governed New Zealand. Today, New Zealand faces a range of complex challenges, including a more contested geopolitical environment, global economic uncertainty, rapid technological advancements, and the increasing impacts of climate change and other natural hazards. With that in mind, we are clear-sighted about the part we must play in helping improve the lives of every New Zealander.

It has been a busy year, and, like many other parts of government, DPMC has been examining how it operates to ensure it uses resources efficiently and effectively to deliver value and results for New Zealanders.

The Department embarked on a transformation programme to strengthen and streamline the organisation to ensure it continues to deliver now and into the future, and remain aligned with the priorities and strategic direction of the day. This year we completed a baseline review and consulted with staff on organisational change. Early in 2025/26 we will implement a new organisational structure to prepare us well in meeting the ever-changing demands facing DPMC and, indeed, all of New Zealand.

As Secretary and Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, I wear many hats, including National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Chair of the National Security Board, National Hazards Board, and the Officials' Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC).

DPMC led and coordinated the National Resilience System during significant crises this year, bringing agencies together at the appropriate level to ensure a collective response through ODESC systems meetings whenever the situation warranted.

DPMC has in the past often hosted or coordinated bespoke short-term units, task forces, reviews, or programmes that provide advice on specific issues. In 2024/25, DPMC's role in hosting the Chief Executive, Cyclone Recovery and the All-of-Government COVID-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry Unit concluded. DPMC also led the machinery of government changes to transfer responsibility for hosting the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) from DPMC to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Our Strategic Intentions 2023/24 to 2026/27 will be updated during the coming year to reflect this change and the Government's expectations and priorities for DPMC.

The Department also continued to support the Governor-General in her ceremonial, constitutional, and community roles. DPMC serves as the steward of Government House and its grounds in Wellington, as well as Government House in Auckland, both of which are significant Crown assets.

The Policy Advisory Group and Delivery Unit have been instrumental in coordinating and leading the Government's policy processes and delivering free and frank advice. The Cabinet Office plays a pivotal role in supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Cabinet Committees by ensuring the smooth operation of executive government processes. It provides impartial, robust advice, facilitates decision-making, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

I want to express my gratitude and thanks to our people, without whom DPMC could not continue to consistently deliver high-quality work. As we navigate the often unpredictable international and local landscape, our people do so in a way that reflects our values, who we are as public servants, and as the diverse group of individuals who strive to serve New Zealand's best interests.

Ben King
Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Chief Executive
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua