From Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service, Deputy Commissioner at Inland Revenue, and Head of Human Resources and Organisational Change at Air New Zealand, Carolyn Tremain has an established reputation for leading large, complex organisations and delivering substantial change programmes.
But she has also been an anchor of The Aotearoa Circle, serving on our board as a Guardian since 2021. Later this month she steps down from her current role as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), a role she’s held for eight years, as well as her position at The Circle.
We asked Carolyn what shaped her during her career and the direction we need to take as a country before she leaves for a well-deserved holiday abroad.
“I grew up in a small farming community in northern Waikato, near Huntly. It was a typical New Zealand farming childhood – resilience was inbred into you. That experience has stayed with me throughout my career and shaped how I see the world.
“Over the years I’ve worked across manufacturing, printing, retail, aviation, and now the public sector. That breadth of experience has given me valuable insights and prepared me for the challenges of leading MBIE, which has such a wide and complex mandate.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had mentors who pushed me to take steps I might not have taken myself. Moving from HR into wider leadership roles was a leap – at the time a risky recruitment decision – but one that gave me the skills and confidence to lead major institutions like Customs and MBIE.”
At MBIE, Carolyn’s focus has been strengthening connections with the business sector, prioritising digital initiatives that improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency, reducing compliance costs, and helping ensure that New Zealand’s economy is innovative, fair and resilient.
“I hope I leave MBIE stronger than when I joined – still a young organisation, but one with greater clarity and confidence about its role.”
Carolyn describes her role as a Guardian of The Aotearoa Circle as “a privilege”.
“From the start, Sir Rob Fenwick challenged us to bring government and business together to create a truly New Zealand Inc approach to climate and sustainability.
“That partnership is I believe very strong but what makes The Circle special is that it isn’t a lobbying group – it’s a space for collaboration, alignment and practical solutions. Sometimes government needs to step back, and sometimes business needs to step forward. The Circle allows both to work together toward common purpose.
“If I reflect on my time as a Guardian, one of the things I’m most proud of, and impressed by is the creation of the Rangatahi Advisory Panel (RAP). The passion and impatience of our younger leaders is inspiring – they demand that we act faster and better. It gives me huge confidence in New Zealand’s future.”
Looking ahead Carolyn sees enormous potential for New Zealand to harness data, innovation, and collaboration to build a stronger economy and society.
“We’re a resilient nation with incredible talent. If we can unleash more innovation, align business and government, and stay connected to the world, our future is bright.”
After stepping down, Carolyn plans to take a break from workand travel with her husband before returning to work in a new capacity. “I’ve been in intense roles for many years. Now I want to recharge, spend more time with my family – my children and grandchildren – and then re-engage in a way that’s more balanced.
“I’m looking forward to new perspectives, fresh challenges, and continuing to contribute to New Zealand’s future – just not on the weekly commute to Wellington!”
Closing Acknowledgement
The Aotearoa Circle acknowledges and thanks Carolyn Tremain for her leadership, wisdom and contribution as a Guardian. Her ability to bridge government and business, and her commitment to building a stronger and more economically prosperous New Zealand, will leave a lasting impact. We wish her well for her next chapter.
