Paula Bennett
Former Deputy Prime Minister, business leader and resilience speaker helping leaders navigate change and opportunity
Overview
Paula Bennett is a former Deputy Prime Minister, senior government minister and business leader whose remarkable journey from teenage solo mother to one of New Zealand's most influential political figures has inspired audiences across the country. Known for her resilience, authenticity and practical leadership style, Paula shares powerful lessons on overcoming adversity, leading through change and creating opportunities for success. Today, she combines her extensive public sector experience with her work in business, offering audiences valuable insights into leadership, policy, resilience and personal growth.
Who is Paula Bennett?
Paula Bennett's story is one of determination, resilience and ambition. Raised in West Auckland, she became a solo mother as a teenager and faced many of the challenges experienced by families striving to build a better future. Through hard work, education and perseverance, she forged a path into politics and ultimately reached the highest levels of government.
Elected to Parliament in 2005, Paula quickly established herself as an effective and influential leader. After just one term, she was appointed to Cabinet, taking responsibility for key portfolios including Social Development and Employment, Disability Issues and Youth Affairs. During the Global Financial Crisis, she led major welfare reforms and worked on policies designed to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Throughout her 15-year parliamentary career, Paula held numerous senior ministerial portfolios, including Police, Local Government, Tourism, State Services, Social Housing and Associate Finance. As Minister for Climate Change Issues, she represented New Zealand internationally and played a key role in signing the Paris Climate Agreement.
In 2016, Paula was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of the National Party, serving in some of the country's most senior leadership roles. Following her retirement from politics in 2020, she transitioned into the corporate sector, where she continues to advise organisations and leaders on strategy, growth and leadership.
Career Highlights
• Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand (2016–2017)
• Deputy Leader of the National Party (2016–2020)
• Member of Parliament for 15 years
• Cabinet Minister across multiple senior portfolios
• Led major welfare reform programmes during the Global Financial Crisis
• Former Minister for Social Development and Employment
• Former Minister for Climate Change Issues
• Signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement on behalf of New Zealand
• Director of Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Real Estate
• Respected business advisor, commentator and keynote speaker
Key Speaking Themes
• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Leadership through change and uncertainty
• Women in leadership
• Government, policy and decision-making
• Climate change and future challenges
• Building opportunity and achieving goals
• Diversity, inclusion and social impact
• Personal growth and authentic leadership
What Your Audience Will Gain
Paula delivers practical and inspiring lessons drawn from leadership at the highest levels of government and business. Audiences gain insights into resilience, decision-making, navigating uncertainty and building successful careers despite setbacks. Her honest and relatable style leaves audiences motivated to embrace challenges, lead with confidence and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Ideal For
• Leadership and executive conferences
• Women in business and leadership events
• Government and policy forums
• Corporate conferences and strategy sessions
• Diversity and inclusion programmes
• Personal development and resilience events
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Paula Bennett speak about?
Paula speaks about resilience, leadership, overcoming adversity, women in leadership, government, policy and achieving success through determination.
Who is Paula Bennett?
Paula Bennett is a former Deputy Prime Minister, senior government minister, business leader and keynote speaker.
What is Paula Bennett best known for?
She is best known for serving as Deputy Prime Minister and for her journey from teenage solo mother to one of New Zealand's most senior political leaders.
What government roles did Paula Bennett hold?
Paula held numerous senior portfolios, including Social Development, Employment, Police, Local Government, Tourism, Social Housing, Climate Change and Associate Finance.
What leadership lessons does Paula Bennett share?
She focuses on resilience, adaptability, authentic leadership, goal setting and navigating complex challenges.
Why is Paula Bennett a sought-after keynote speaker?
Her unique combination of lived experience, senior leadership expertise and engaging storytelling provides audiences with practical and inspiring insights.
Who benefits most from Paula Bennett's presentations?
Leaders, executives, business professionals, women in leadership and organisations navigating change gain significant value from her experience.
Is Paula Bennett available for keynote presentations and leadership events?
Yes. Paula Bennett is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership conferences, corporate events and panel discussions.