KPMG New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Kaapua Smith as Head of KPMG IMPACT, KPMG New Zealand’s team dedicated to partnering with organisations to drive the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and creating positive social and environmental outcomes for Aotearoa and New Zealanders.
Kaapua (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Apa, Ngāi Tahu) has been a partner at KPMG since October 2021. She brings to the Head of KPMG IMPACT role a deep commitment to sustainability and social impact, having co-led KPMG’s Economic and Social Impact workstream and played a pivotal role in the development of the firm’s Tōmua methodologies, which place people, community and whānau at the heart of design and delivery.
Kaapua is a passionate advocate for the development of Kaupapa Māori, believing that Māori knowledge, systems and tikanga are essential to the sustainability of our country’s natural resources and the advancement of communities most in need of support.
Prior to joining KPMG, Kaapua spent eight years as Head of Sustainability at Contact Energy, where she led climate strategy, ESG reporting, and community engagement. Her career spans more than 17 years across government and corporate sectors, including roles as Political Advisor and Press Secretary for the Minister of Māori Affairs and the Minister for Whānau Ora.
“KPMG IMPACT is built on collaboration, drawing on diverse expertise across the firm and welcoming fresh perspectives that deepen our capabilities,” said Jason Doherty, Chief Executive of KPMG New Zealand. “Kaapua’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to driving meaningful impact in ESG and sustainability - both within our firm and in partnership with clients.”
Kaapua succeeds Simon Wilkins in the Head of KPMG IMPACT role. Simon has led the team since its inception in 2020, embedding the firm’s ESG and sustainability practices across all divisions and engagements to deliver enduring value. Simon continues in his role as Consulting partner.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Fiona Woolley
Head of Brand
KPMG New Zealand
+64 21 455 331
fwoolley@kpmg.co.nz
