Richard Leverington
Head of Internal Audit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Approachable, practical, cyclist.
Son of a tax inspector and tennis coach and brother of a bomb disposal officer. I studied industrial economics at Warwick University and met my wife whilst working on an environmental programme in Tanzania. I trained as a chartered accountant with the UK National Audit Office and worked with UN agencies in Latin America, as well as several years in the manufacturing sector in Yorkshire and overseas before settling in NZ permanently in 2004. Two sporty kids keep us busy and fit. I now work at NZAID, the division of MFAT responsible for managing New Zealand's official development assistance programme.
Favourite hobby/pastime:
Cycling in Wellington’s wind and rain. Kayaking off the south coast of Wellington and a game of tennis. Exploring far flung corners of the world with the family.
Professional inspiration:
Ray Anderson, CEO of Interface, where I used to work. By designing environmentally processes and eliminating waste Interface has achieved its goal of Doing well by Doing good.
Professional challenges:
Trying to remain ahead of the game with the transformational change programmes at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whilst addressing urgent deadlines such as organising the next IIANZ branch meeting.
Fascinating fact:
Nga Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti – the paddles that bring growth from a far – is the Maori name for NZAID.