Appointment Of Secretary Of The Cabinet, And Clerk Of The Executive Council

Rebecca Kitteridge has been appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet, and Clerk of the Executive Council, the Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Maarten Wevers, announced today.

She succeeds Diane Morcom, who is leaving the position in April.

Rebecca Kitteridge currently serves as Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet, with responsibility for constitutional issues.

She has held that position since November, 2003.

She has also worked in the Crown Law Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in private legal practice, as well as in the Cabinet Office at an earlier stage in her career.

“Rebecca brings valuable experience from inside and outside the Cabinet Office to her new roles as Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council”, Mr Wevers said.

“She has a deep understanding of the Cabinet system, and New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements. She is well qualified to lead the Cabinet Office team, which serves at the heart of our democratic processes”.

The Secretary of the Cabinet is primarily responsible for provision of support to Cabinet and its Committees, and leads and manages the Cabinet Office, including the Honours Secretariat.

The Clerk of the Executive Council, a separate role, is responsible for providing support to the Governor-General and the Executive Council.

In this capacity, Ms Kitteridge will work with the Official Secretary, Government House.

In announcing this appointment, Mr Wevers offered his warm appreciation to Diane Morcom for her strong contribution to the Cabinet Office and the wider Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet since she first joined in March 1991.

“Diane has played a key role, over many years, in the department, which supports and serves executive government in New Zealand” Mr Wevers said.

“She has carried out her duties with professionalism, discretion and impartiality. We wish her well as she leaves the Cabinet Office”.

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