Former Deputy Prime Minister, Pharmac Chair and podcaster

Overview

Paula Bennett spent 15 years in New Zealand politics, rising from electorate MP to Deputy Prime Minister under Sir Bill English. Today she is Chair of Pharmac, Director, Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Commercial, host of the NZ Herald podcast Ask Me Anything, and one of the country's most candid, warm and engaging keynote speakers.

Who is Paula Bennett? Born in Taupō and a young solo mother before entering Parliament, Paula's story is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable of any modern NZ politician. She entered Parliament in 2005 and served in Sir John Key's Cabinet, with portfolios including Social Development, Police, Climate Change, Tourism and State Services. She became Deputy Prime Minister in late 2016 and Deputy Leader of the National Party under Simon Bridges, before leaving Parliament in 2020.

Career Highlights

• Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, 2016–2017

• Deputy Leader of the National Party, 2017–2020

• Cabinet portfolios including Social Development, Police, Tourism, Climate Change, Social Housing, State Services and Local Government

• Chair of the Pharmac Board, from April 2024

• Director, Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Commercial

• Co-host of TVNZ's Give Us a Clue (2021)

• Host of the NZ Herald podcast Ask Me Anything

• 15-year career as an MP for Waitākere and Upper Harbour

Key Speaking Themes

• Leadership through political and personal change

• Public sector reform and welfare to opportunity

• Communications, media and trust

• Women in leadership and reinventing your career

• The view from the top of New Zealand politics

What Your Audience Will Gain Paula brings warmth, humour and hard-won wisdom from inside the Beehive. Audiences leave with sharper insight into NZ leadership and politics, and practical lessons on reinvention, resilience and authentic communication.

Ideal For

• CEO and leadership conferences

• AGMs, gala dinners and industry awards

• Women in leadership programmes

• Government, health and policy events

• Strategy days and executive offsites

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Paula Bennett speak about? Leadership, politics and government, public sector reform, women in leadership, reinvention and resilience.

When was Paula Bennett Deputy Prime Minister? From December 2016 until the change of government in late 2017, under Sir Bill English.

What is Paula Bennett's current role? Chair of the Pharmac Board, Director, Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Commercial, and host of the NZ Herald podcast Ask Me Anything.

What was Paula Bennett's most significant Cabinet role? As Minister for Social Development, she led significant reforms to New Zealand's welfare system.

Is Paula Bennett available as an MC? Yes. Paula is regularly booked as a conference MC, panel moderator and on-stage interviewer.

How long is a typical keynote? 45 minutes is standard with Q&A optional. Fireside chats, panel and MC engagements are also available.