Previously chief executive and secretary for justice from August 2011.
Earlier positions included deputy chief executive Ministry of Health from 2007, acting chief executive and director-general from August 2010 to January 2011, previously was secretary of the policy and legal group at the Ministry of Justice.
Began his public service career in 1991 as a senior solicitor at the Ministry of Māori Development.
Holds a Bachelor of laws from Victoria University.