Wellington, New Zealand, November 2025 – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has announced the appointment of Jo Perez as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing to the role a distinguished career spanning more than two decades across the public and private sectors.
Jo is a seasoned finance leader known for her ability to balance commercial, financial, political, and social outcomes while navigating complex systems and managing risk. In her new capacity, she will lead Waka Kotahi’s financial strategy, planning, and performance functions, supporting the agency’s mission to create a safe, connected, and sustainable transport system for all New Zealanders.
Her extensive experience across large-scale organizations of national importance will be instrumental in strengthening Waka Kotahi’s financial governance and long-term sustainability.
Before joining Waka Kotahi, Jo Perez served as Chief Financial Officer and GM Corporate Services at REANNZ Ltd, where she led corporate operations and fiscal planning for the organization’s digital infrastructure initiatives.
Earlier, she was Deputy Chief Executive, Finance, Planning & Assurance at the Department of Corrections, following her tenure as Chief Financial Officer. During this period, she oversaw nationwide financial operations, strategic investments, and assurance functions across one of New Zealand’s most complex government agencies.
Jo also served as GM Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer at New Zealand Rugby, where she played a pivotal role in modernizing financial systems, enhancing governance frameworks, and ensuring fiscal sustainability across the organization’s national and international operations.
Her earlier career includes leadership roles in finance and corporate management at Trade Me, OSPRI, and Merck, as well as earlier tenures at AXA and Telecom New Zealand, where she gained deep experience in investor relations, business transformation, and commercial management.
She began her professional journey at KPMG in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, where she built a strong foundation in external audit, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
About NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Waka Kotahi is New Zealand’s central authority for land transport, responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining the nation’s transport infrastructure. The agency connects people, products, and places across the country while ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency on state highways and local roads.
Beyond infrastructure, Waka Kotahi also regulates driver and vehicle licensing, promotes road safety education, and supports the Government’s strategic vision for a low-emission, future-ready transport network that enhances connectivity and community wellbeing across Aotearoa.
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