Document 1
Appointment of Co-Directors of He Whenua Taurikura National Centre of
Research Excel ence
The appointment process of the Co-Directors of the He Whenua Taurikura National Centre of
Research Excellence for preventing and countering violent extremism (the Centre) was led by the
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) as the lead agency for the establishment of
the Centre. To ensure the independence of the Centre, no Government Ministers were involved in
the selection and appointment process.
Applications for the role opened on Friday 24 September 2021 and closed on Sunday 10 October
2021. A total of 28 applications were received during this initial period, including late applications.
An initial selection panel was convened by DPMC to shortlist and interview applicants:
• Andy George (Counter-Terrorism Strategic Coordinator, DPMC, Chair)
• Julia Macdonald (Principal Policy Advisor, DPMC)
• Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley (Massey University)
• Professor Joanna Kidman (Victoria University of Wellington)
Phase I
Six applicants were shortlisted based on the criteria set out in the position description and
interviewed by the panel in November 2021. Of these, one was determined by the panel as the
preferred candidate for appointment and invited for a second interview. Based on that interview,
the preferred candidate was verbally informed that they would be appointed to the role, subject to
referee checks and other due diligence. The other five candidates who were interviewed were not
considered to fully meet the required criteria and were informed that their applications would not be
taken further.
During this process, in discussion with all of the interviewed candidates and based on models
successfully used by a number of similar Centres, a model of appointing Co-Directors was agreed
by DPMC and the selection panel. This was communicated to, and agreed to, by the preferred
candidate during the second interview.
Phase II
Once initial interviews were completed, and a Co-Director model agreed, Professor Kidman
expressed interest in being considered for the position and submit ed an application for the role of
co-Director. Once her application was received, she was immediately removed from the selection
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panel and played no further part in any selection decisions. This was to ensure her application
could be fairly considered and address any conflicts of interest.
A separate selection panel was convened by DPMC to consider Professor Kidman’s application:
• Andy George (DPMC, Chair)
• Julia Macdonald (DPMC)
• Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley (Massey University)
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• Dr Lindsey MacDonald (University of Canterbury)
Professor Kidman was subject to the same rigorous appointment processes as other applicants.
She was interviewed and agreed by the selection panel as suitable for appointment for the position
of Co-Director. Professor Kidman was informed that she would be appointed, subject to referee
checks and other due diligence. These were subsequently completed.
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Phase II
During the due diligence process for the other preferred candidate for appointment, additional
information came to light relating to them and their suitability for appointment. A further (third)
interview to discuss these aspects was held with this candidate, with the fol owing panel:
• Andy George (DPMC, Chair)
• Tony Lynch (Deputy Chief Executive, DPMC)
• Julia Macdonald (DPMC)
• Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley (Massey University)
Following this interview, the selection panel determined that this candidate was not suitable for
appointment, and they were informed of this decision.
Professor Kidman was therefore the only candidate from the 29 applicants (the original 28 plus her
later application) to have met the criteria for appointment. She has been appointed for a three-year
term.
At this stage, DPMC determined that the decision on appointing a long-term Co-Director to work
alongside Professor Kidman should be determined by the Centre’s Governance Board once this is
established, rather than DPMC starting the process again.
Distinguished Professor Spoonley was verbally requested by DPMC to work as an interim Director
for up to a year, to work alongside Professor Kidman in establishing the Centre. A full-time Director
to replace Distinguished Professor Spoonley wil be appointed by the Governance Board during
this period.
under the Official Information Act 1982
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Document 2
Job advert – Director, He Whenua Taurikura: National Centre of Excellence for
Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (3 Year Fixed Term or Secondment)
• Does establishing and leading a pioneering research institute motivate you?
• Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand from terrorism and violent
extremism?
• Can you communicate complex and challenging issues to a diverse audience?
We have a unique and exciting opportunity to make a real impact on research and policy that
aims to keep all New Zealanders safe and secure.
Ko wai mātou | About us
A new government-funded research institution, He Whenua Taurikura: National Centre of
Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism is seeking a senior leader to be
its inaugural Centre Director. This exciting and challenging role wil be fundamental to the
establishment and leadership of the Centre.
The Centre wil bring together research organisations and institutes, civil society
organisations, and government to research preventing and countering violent extremism, with
a focus on understanding diversity and promoting social cohesion. This wil inform public
discussion and guide the work of policy agencies across government.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
The core functions of this role include:
• Development and implementation of the Centre’s strategic plan
• Providing intellectual leadership and ensuring quality and relevance of Centre
outputs
• Representing the Centre and building strong and effective partnerships
• Building the Centre’s culture and approach
• Overall management of operations
• Chairing the Advisory Group on Counter-Terrorism
Ko wai koe | About you
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds - creating a diverse and inclusive workforce,
that reflects the communities we serve, and wil help us to deliver ef ectively for New
Zealand.
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The ideal candidate wil have recognised mana across the field of preventing and countering
violent extremism, with strong academic credentials. They wil also have experience in
managing a research centre or institution.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:
• A PhD or equivalent knowledge relating to the Centre’s purpose
• Experience in building and managing meaningful relationships and partnerships
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• Experience in managing nationally-significant organisations or research programmes
• Experience as a spokesperson or in a senior public-facing role
• Demonstrable commitment to tangata whenua and tangata tiriti partnership
Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi
He Whenua Taurikura is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. An
understanding of te Tiriti principles and experience applying these in previous roles is
desirable.
Ta matou e tuku | What we offer
This is a full-time three year fixed-term or secondment appointment (with the possibility of
extension), though potentially part time subject to the successful applicant’s circumstances.
Salary wil be competitive, commensurate with experience.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a
working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to
develop their own talents and potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds -
creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, that reflects the communities we serve, wil help
us to deliver effectively for New Zealand. This role is flexible by default and a positive work
life balance is encouraged.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) is the lead agency working on
the establishment of He Whenua Taurikura, which wil be supported and contributed to by
government but operate independently. The Director wil be employed directly by He
Whenua Taurikura rather than DPMC, and report to the Centre’s Governance Board once
established.
Me pēhea te tono | How to apply
Applications close midday 10 October 2021. We wil be reviewing applications for this
position as they are submitted and may commence interviews with suitable candidates prior
to the application period closing.
If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact [email address].
under the Official Information Act 1982
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