Berlinda Chin

Deputy Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Wellington, New Zealand

About

A servant leader whose values are aligned to NZ public service - no matter what role I take up, it's the people of New Zealand who I serve with everything I've got. I am most humbled and honoured to have met many young leaders on their way up who have allowed me to play a little part in their growth. I am also thankful to my past and present employers, mentors and coaches who have found my attitude, skills and competencies worthwhile investing their time on. Arohanui koutou! I play, explore and thrive in the world of managing complexities, discovering paradoxes, identifying polarities and developing solutions with others. My enthusiasm for the future of our young people has led me to delve deeper into global leadership development, strategic and conscious vision development. While managing complex stakeholder relationships and formulating communication channels to suit the needs of different audience come natural to me, I still find the development of high performing teams who deliver quality results most thrilling! In the past, as a trained teacher of Chemistry and Maths, I have also taken up roles management roles for international training establishment and facilitator/ trainer roles on conscious deliberations and unconscious bias: intercultural understanding and action as global citizens. "Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai" - Many hands make light work. Unity is strength."

Experience

  • Ministry for Ethnic Communities (On-site)
    • Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic Engagements and Stakeholder Insights
      Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    • Chief Advisor to Chief Executive
      Aug 2021 - Jan 2026 · 4 yrs 6 mos

  • Head of Community Engagement at The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and Faith based Institutions
    Apr 2019 - Aug 2021 · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • Strategic Specialist, Ethnic Communities at State Services Commission
    Mar 2017 - Apr 2019 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Finalist for Women of Influence 2017 awards, Diversity Category. Currently on a 2-year secondment to the State Services Commission contributing to a system-wide Diversity and Inclusion work programme: Established a CE champions group to address ethnic pay gaps and ethnicity matters; Delivered a Glossary of Terms on ethnicity for system-wide utility; Coordinated a cross-agency Rainbow network that share learning and opportunities about all things related to LGBTIQ+; Delivered establishment papers for relevant Chief Executive working groups; Developed and piloted a series of diversity workshops in collaboration with Leadership Development Centre; Participated as a panelist alongside Peter Chrisp and Teresa Tepania at a Leadership NZ session entitled "Awakened Leadership and Governance Role in the Future of Work and Diversity"; A mentor member of the mentoring programme for Women in National Security workforce for NZ Public Sector.

  • Private Secretary, Ethnic Communities at Office of Hon Judith Collins
    Dec 2016 - Mar 2017 · 4 mos

    Delivered the largest Chinese New Year in Parliament event with attendees from 18 ethnicities and 13 cities. Provided high quality advice and support to the Minister's office regarding invitations from stakeholders and current issues facing ethnic communities. Provided high quality administrative assistance on time and according to relevant Parliamentary protocols. Ensured Ethnic Communities officials receive timely requests from the Ministers' office through an efficient commissioning request protocol.

  • Director at Office of Ethnic Communities, Department of Internal Affairs
    Feb 2014 - Mar 2017 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Drive a vision for New Zealand to leverage on the benefits that ethnic diversity brings. Create a culture of innovation and agility to hallmark the Office as a Centre of Excellence in matters relating to ethnic diversity and intercultural intelligence Provide strategic advice about ethnic diversity issues and opportunities in New Zealand to Minister, CE and DCE of Dept of Internal Affairs Develop relevant partnerships for the office to deliver its work programmes through Oversee the day to day running of the Office Deliver on budget management and reporting requirements Provide policy advice to external stakeholders