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 Lester Oakes
is Chief Executive of Career Services rapuara, the crown agent that
provides independent careers information, advice and guidance to New
Zealanders.
Lester has worked in the careers and training industry for over twenty years.
After initially training and practicing as a careers counsellor he moved into a
series of regional and national management roles within the industry during
times of major public sector reform in the late 80s through to the mid 90s,
shifting from Nelson to Wellington in 1995 to work at Career Services’ national
office.
Lester is driven by the belief that the careers industry is a credible
contributor to economic and social development. He has been Chief Executive
since July 1998 and has overseen major expansion of the service in the last
seven years.
Lester holds a Bachelors degree in science, a Masters degree with distinction in
Education and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management. He is
currently serving in his second term as a member of the Board of the
International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) and
was recently elected as one the association’s three Vice Presidents.
Lester believes that leadership is at the core of organisational success and
that truly effective leaders integrate leadership into every facet of their
working lives. This year, he received the Walk The Talk Award, one of five work
in life awards administered by the EEO Trust. Treating people with dignity,
respect and honesty are at the heart of his leadership style.
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