A driver of modernisation and diversity at the centre of some of New Zealand’s core Public Service organisations has been recognised as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Helene Quilter, who retired in February after a 45-year career, was named for her service to the Public Service and the arts.
Ms Quilter (pictured) said she was delighted to accept the honour on behalf of the thousands of Public Servants around the country.
Following her term as Secretary of Defence from 2012 to 2019, Ms Quilter was re-appointed Deputy Public Service Commissioner of the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, a position she held until retirement.
She had previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the State Services Commission from 2007 to 2012.
As Deputy Public Service Commissioner, she had the responsibility of appointing around 30 Public Service Chief Executives, as well as for performance reviews, training and development and succession planning within the sector.
“We’ve made the Chief Executive cohort more reflective of contemporary New Zealand,” Ms Quilter said.
“For example, women are now 50 per cent of the cohort and there is greater diversity,” she said.
“I’ve really worked hard in every role that I’ve had to expand opportunities for women; to support them, to nurture them, and to ensure women are represented at every level of the organisation.”
Ms Quilter conducted a review into Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s workplace culture and complaint-handling practices.
At the time she said Fire and Emergency fell short of its goals and stronger leadership was needed “at all levels”.
She supported the Public Service Commissioner in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and said Public Servants did incredible work during these times.
Ms Quilter is a board member of the New Zealand School of Dance and has been appointed Chair of the Advisory Panel, evaluating professional standards.
She established The Quilter Collection in the 1990s, showcasing a significant collection of New Zealand modern art.
In 2019, she was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order and was named Wellingtonian of the Year in the Public Service category.
Wellington, 8 June 2023
