Christine
Rankin

Christine Rankin is the former Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest government departments in New Zealand, the Department of Work and Income, more commonly known as WINZ. She is perhaps best known in recent times for the high profile Employment Court case she took against the Crown following the non-renewal of her employment contract.

Previous experience

Christine's career achievements over 20 years with the public service are remarkable. In 1978, having previously been on the Domestic Purposes Benefit, she joined the Department of Social Welfare as a temporary clerk. This was a turning point in her life: it led to an outstanding career in the public service. Excellent performance resulted in a series of promotions until in 1989 she took over as Director for the Auckland Central/Grey Lynn district. At 34, she became the youngest director in the country.

Later, under her leadership as Regional Manager for Income Support, the Northern Region rapidly moved from worst performing region to become the best performing region. She was later appointed General Manager and then Chief Executive of Work and Income New Zealand, responsible for around 5500 staff.

Current work

Christine currently has an HR Business and works as a life coach. She features on a regular Friday morning Wellington radio show's commentary panel. She was also a regular panellist on 'How's Life' on TV One.

Charity

Christine is the CEO of ˜For the Sake of our Children Trust' which was her chosen charity on ˜Dancing with the Stars'. The Trust is a broad based movement of New Zealanders to bring the spotlight back onto our most vulnerable citizens our children. They say society and government have gone too long turning a blind eye to violence, neglect and abuse towards our future people.

Columnist

Christine's column in the Weekend Herald reflects her values and beliefs. She speaks on these and other topics including leadership, passion, innovation, changing organisations, human behaviours and political/socio issues, as well as her own personal story about making it against the odds.