Leith Comer
Board member since 2010
Leith has led Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) since 2001. Prior to his appointment, Leith was the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development. He joined Motu's board in mid-2010.
Leith, with over 10 years standing as a senior public servant, has broad and comprehensive knowledge of the machinery of government, wide leadership experience in the military, the private and the community sectors. He also brings extensive leadership experience in local, national, and international environments.
Prior to his state sector appointments, Leith participated in numerous Māori economic and social initiatives. Leith’s Directorships included Chairperson for Lakeland Health Ltd, Te Ama Ltd Forestry Consortium, and Restaurant Brands Ltd.
Leith’s various community and voluntary governance positions included being a founding member of the Te Arawa Standing Committee on the Rotorua District Council and Chairperson of Te Runanga o Ngati Rangitihi and Ruawahia 2B Trust.
Leith is also a graduate from the US Army General Staff College where he received the Eisenhower Award for academic excellence as top foreign Student, culminating in his retirement as the Commanding Officer of the Second First Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR).
Leith’s iwi affiliations are Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Te Arawa, Ngati Rangitihi, and Ngati Pahauwera.