Dame Helene Quilter, of Wellington, DNZM, for services to the public service and the arts
Dame Helene Quilter retired in 2023 after 45 years in the public service and was recognised as a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2019 for her services to the state.Following her term as Secretary of Defence from 2012 to 2019, Dame Helene was re-appointed Deputy Public Service Commissioner of Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission (PSC) until 2023, having previously been Deputy Commissioner, State Services Commission from 2007 to 2012. As Deputy Public Service Commissioner, she was delegated primary responsibility for the appointment of Public Service Chief Executives, performance reviews, training and development and succession planning. She has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in public sector appointments. She supported the Public Service Commissioner in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She conducted a review into Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s workplace culture and complaint handling practices. Outside of public service, she has supported and participated in New Zealand’s arts sector. She is a current Board member of the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) and has been appointed Chair of its Professional Advisory Panel. Dame Helene established The Quilter Collection in the 1990s, which was housed at Govett-Brewster Gallery/Len Lye Centre for 15 years, showcasing a significant collection of New Zealand modern art for the public.