Mr. Martin Mahe, Chairman of the Vanuatu Public Service Commission (PSC), was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Pacific Public Service Regional Governance Board (RGB) on November 18, 2024. This marks the first time Vanuatu has held this significant position, succeeding New Zealand.
The RGB serves as the governing body for public service in the Pacific region. It focuses on critical areas such as government succession planning, providing technical advice on skills development, and improving governance across the region’s public services. Members include representatives from Pacific Island nations, New Zealand, and Australia.
The election took place during the Pacific Public Service Leaders’ Conference (FONO 2024) in Apia, Samoa, from November 18 to 21, 2024. Over 70 public service leaders and senior officials from 16 member countries attended the conference, which centered on the theme: “A resilient workforce achieving public service excellence the Pacific Way.”
Mr. Mahe highlighted the importance of decentralization in ensuring that government services reach the majority of Vanuatu’s population, particularly those in rural areas: “Decentralization is a priority for the Public Service. More than 70% of our population resides under the six provincial structures. The public service must find ways to bring services closer to the people and ensure inclusivity at all levels of governance.”
He also expressed confidence in the Public Service’s ability to fulfill its mandate of delivering quality services to citizens and improving rural infrastructure. Mahe appealed for collective efforts from public service leaders to drive meaningful reforms: “Our citizens, work hard to meet daily expenses and dream of better opportunities for their children. It is our responsibility as public servants to create an environment where those dreams can be realized.”
Mr. Mahe’s tenure as PSC Chairman over the past seven years has seen significant reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery and enhancing operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the RGB is expected to prioritize three core areas as part of its 2025 strategy:
1. Digital Connectivity:
- Developing digital platforms to foster collaboration, share resources, and improve access to public services.
- Enhancing digital capabilities within public service commissions and implementing online learning initiatives.
2. Leadership Development:
- Introducing leadership programs, mentoring, talent development, and workforce planning.
- Strengthening management tools and HR policies to build a more resilient workforce.
3. Strengthened Governance:
- Enhancing public trust and accountability through system reforms, data management, and ethical standards.
- Promoting transparency and addressing conflicts of interest in public service operations.
Vanuatu is further represented on the RGB by Mr. Jonathan Iavere, Acting Secretary of the PSC, who was also elected as a member representing the Melanesian Sub-regional Public Service Caucus alongside Fiji’s representative.
The New Zealand Public Service and the Fale Secretariat have committed to supporting RGB’s initiatives while adhering to core Pacific values such as respect, reciprocity, and integrity.
Mr. Mahe’s election as Chairman is a recognition of Vanuatu’s leadership capabilities and its growing influence in advancing public service excellence in the Pacific.
