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Tēnā koe! I’m Emma Lester, an experienced and multi-dimensional project manager who has spent over a decade delivering complex initiatives across central government, operational, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally. I bring strong leadership, people management, and process improvement capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable benefits while staying within budgets.…Tēnā koe! I’m Emma Lester, an experienced and multi-dimensional project manager who has spent over a decade delivering complex initiatives across central government, operational, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally. I bring strong leadership, people management, and process improvement capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable benefits while staying within budgets.

Emma Lester

Event Visualizer, Vocalist, Flutist, +4

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Tēnā koe! I’m Emma Lester, an experienced and multi-dimensional project manager who has spent over a decade delivering complex initiatives across central government, operational, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally. I bring strong leadership, people management, and process improvement capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable benefits while staying within budgets.…Tēnā koe! I’m Emma Lester, an experienced and multi-dimensional project manager who has spent over a decade delivering complex initiatives across central government, operational, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally. I bring strong leadership, people management, and process improvement capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable benefits while staying within budgets.

Available to hire

New Zealand

Tēnā koe!

I’m Emma Lester, an experienced and multi-dimensional project manager who has spent over a decade delivering complex initiatives across central government, operational, voluntary, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally and internationally.

I bring strong leadership, people management, and process improvement capabilities, with a focus on delivering measurable benefits while staying within budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Freelance Gig

Audio

Experience Level

Leadership

Expert

Freelance Gig

Expert

Audio

Intermediate

Language

Māori

Intermediate

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Independent wedding and civil union Celebrant at Marry Us Emma

November 1, 2024 - Present

Marriage and Civil Union celebrant www.marryusemma.nz

Senior Project Manager at New Zealand Police

May 1, 2022 - Present

Lead and coordinate multiple national projects across the National Road Policing Centre (NRPC), applying organisational PM policies, identifying and managing risks, dependencies and benefits, overseeing governance reporting, and engaging with stakeholders across districts and partner agencies. Achievements include delivering initiatives improving frontline officer safety and operational efficiency, delivering national stakeholder engagement workshops, and strengthening governance and delivery practices.

Senior Project Coordinator at Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

June 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022

Provided coordination and support to multiple projects within the Programmes and Change Group for Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) Covid-19 response. Responsibilities included planning, tracking, and reporting deliverables; facilitating IT training for stakeholders; managing project tools and artefacts; supporting procurement, delivery, and IT asset allocation. Achievements include training security officers on MBIE systems and mentoring a junior staff member who achieved internal promotion.

Project Coordinator at Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)

January 1, 2021 - June 1, 2021

Coordinated project activities within the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) programme, supporting the transition of Transitional Industry Training Organisations (TITOs) to Te Pūkenga. Responsibilities included governance reporting, recruitment coordination, project documentation, and stakeholder engagement with Chief Executives and project partners. Achievements include building effective relationships with TITO leadership and delivering deliverables within tight timelines.

Executive Assistant to Chief Executive at Mary Potter Hospice

April 1, 2018 - November 1, 2020

Provided high-level executive support to the Chief Executive, including diary management, correspondence handling, meeting coordination, and governance material preparation. Supported cross-government coordination and helped streamline administrative processes.

Project Coordinator / Executive Assistant at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (The Correspondence School)

March 1, 2014 - June 1, 2017

Coordinated project activities, governance reporting, recruitment coordination, and stakeholder communications with Chief Executives and partners. Also performed executive support duties as needed, contributing to transitioning and reform efforts.

Transport Production Assistant at London 2012 Ceremonies, United Kingdom

May 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012

Supported transport production operations for London 2012 ceremonies, contributing to logistics and on-site coordination during the Olympic event period.

Project Coordinator - City Housing at Wellington City Council

November 1, 2011 - May 1, 2012

Coordinated City Housing project activities, governance reporting, risk registers, recruitment coordination, and stakeholder engagement to support housing initiatives.