After several senior roles in the New Zealand public service, Paul has extensive experience in strategic policy development, leading change, and working collaboratively and effectively across government and communities. In 2018, he was appointed Secretary for Internal Affairs, Secretary for Local Government and Chief Executive for Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua. Paul also holds the role of Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) with responsibility for digital leadership across government agencies.

The GCDO leads work to uplift the public service’s digital skills, and as the lead for the public service’s use of AI, he has issued guidance to support agencies to make more informed decisions about its benefits and risks. The GCDO supports agencies and Ministers to align with an All-of-Government investment direction and manages a portfolio of digital products and commercial services that is currently used by more than 330 public sector agencies and organisations. The GCDO is currently leading work to establish an innovative and secure digital identity ecosystem and supporting an increase in the use of data and modern digital platforms to make real-time, evidence-based decisions.