Our leadership: Te Riu

& Acting Deputy Chief Executive:
Tamariki and whānau services

Andrew Bridgman

Andrew joined Oranga Tamariki in July 2024 to work alongside Chief Executive Chappie Te Kani until his planned medical leave. He was appointed Secretary for Children and Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki on 22 September 2024.

Before this (2019-2024), Andrew was Secretary of Defence at the Ministry of Defence, and Chief Executive and Secretary for Justice (2011-2019). He has held Deputy and Chief Executive positions at the Ministry of Health. He was also previously Secretary of the Policy and Legal group at the Ministry of Justice.

Nicolette Dickson

Nicolette is a registered social worker with more than 20 years social work practice and leadership experience. Although Nicolette comes from South Auckland, most of her practice was in Te Tai Tokerau, first as a health and mental health social worker. She joined Child Youth and Family in 2003, initially working mainly in Youth Justice before moving into a range of site, regional, and national roles.

Nicolette was appointed as the Central Auckland Regional Manager when Oranga Tamariki was established in 2017. She joined the Professional Practice Group as General Manager Practice in 2019.

Iain Chapman

Iain Chapman has over 20 years of experience in Police.

During his time in police, he worked various frontline and leadership roles, the majority of time in investigations. He was the National Manager of the Financial Crime Group, where he gained extensive expertise in complex investigation and operational management.

In January 2023, Iain joined Oranga Tamariki. He took on the role of National Director across Residences and Homes and oversaw a period of intense change.

Outside of his professional life, Iain enjoys spending time with his family. He has a passion for vintage aviation and can occasionally be found flying through the Masterton skies in a biplane.

Darrin Haimona

Darrin Haimona's (Tainui, Ngaati Hauāa) previous Oranga Tamariki roles include Chief Advisor Māori, Deputy Chief Executive Tamaki Advocate Group and Deputy Chief Executive Māori Partnerships and Communities.

He is also Chief Executive of Te Hauora O Ngati Haua Trust of Waharoa and Chair of Te Ope Koiora o Waikato Tainui, a collective of Whānau Ora providers. He led the development of E Tu Whānau, a response to combat family violence, and created Kia Rangatira Te Mahi.

He is a member of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council and was Chair of Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand. 

Jane Fletcher

Jane has been at Oranga Tamariki since 2019. Before being appointed to the role of Director / General Manager Office of the Chief Executive she held the positions of Acting Deputy Chief Executive Governance and Engagement, and Director of the Review Management Programme. She is now Acting Deputy Chief Executive of System Leadership.

In 2016, Jane became a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board. Jane’s previous roles include 8 years at the Office of Treaty Settlements (now Te Arawhiti) negotiating historical Treaty of Waitangi settlements, Senior Justice Advisor (Private Secretary) to the Minister of Justice and Principal Advisor to the Chief Executive for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Caz Anderson

Caz was appointed as DCE People, Culture & Enabling Services in November 2022.

Before joining Oranga Tamariki, she was Executive Director, People Capability for New Zealand Police. Caz’s previous role was Chief of Staff, and she served in operational, strategy and policy roles, including working as private secretary for 2 Ministers of Police. She worked for NZ Police for over a decade and has also spent time at the Ministry of Justice.

Benesia Smith MNZM

Benesia has worked in and with the public service for 30 years.

A highly experienced leader, her recent roles include Executive Director of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission and Executive Director of the Christchurch terrorist attack Royal Commission. She’s advised Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu, the Department of Internal Affairs and other government departments. She was the Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy and Policy at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and worked at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Benesia was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017 for services to the State.

Stephanie Short