Andrew Coster is the Chief Executive, Social Investment Agency, and Secretary for Social Investment.
Formerly the Commissioner of Police, Andy has considerable frontline experience working in the social sector. Prior to this he held roles as Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Strategy and Partnerships, and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Resource Management. Other previous roles include Deputy Chief Executive, Ministry for Justice.
Known for his community-centered and modern approach to policing, Andy joined the New Zealand Police in 1997 and worked in both frontline and investigative roles. As his career progressed, he was appointed to a number of senior roles, including Auckland City Area Commander, Southern District Commander where he saw first-hand the complex and intersecting nature of the social sector. His approach emphasised a focus on preventive, relationship-based policing, which seeks to address the root causes of crime through community engagement and partnerships.
A strong advocate for data-based decision making, Andy is passionate about making a difference for New Zealanders through public service.
Andy holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Auckland and a Master of Public Management from Victoria University of Wellington.
Alistair was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in October 2023. He had previously been Director, Office of the Chief Executive, since February 2020. He has worked with the Agency since its establishment as the Social Investment Unit in 2015.
Alistair is leading work on the implementation of social investment and the Social Investment Fund.
Alistair's previously led the Strategy and Performance group which oversees strategy and planning, organisational performance, corporate services, Māori advisory, Ministerial engagement, and communications.
Alistair spent close to ten years working as Ministerial Advisor for a variety of Ministers, primarily covering social portfolios. This experience has supported Alistair’s passion for improved social sector decision-making and practice.
Alistair has an extensive background in public relations, having worked for some of the world’s leading public relations firms in London, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Wellington.
Aphra leads the Policy, Data and Insights Group at the Social Investment Agency.
The Group brings a collaborative, creative and multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis and use of data and evidence to advise the Government on what will materially improve the lives of New Zealanders.
Aphra is passionate about evidence-based decision-making, and brings a wealth of experience from the social and justice sectors, particularly from her former senior leadership roles in Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Justice. She has a Master of Laws and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
