Ruth Isaac is Deputy Director-General Strategy and Policy at the Department of Conservation. She leads the group that develops the frameworks and outcomes for the conservation system, oversees DOC’s international engagement, leads policy and legal advice on conservation matters, manages Treaty settlement negotiations for DOC, and supports the organisation to be strategy-led and focused on key priorities. As part of this, Ruth leads the Department’s work on conservation law reform

Ruth is an experienced public servant. She has a broad background leading groups and reform programmes in economic, social and fiscal policy areas, including previous senior roles at MBIE, Ministry of Education and The Treasury. She loves leading people and growing high performing and highly engaged groups. Her professional purpose is to make a difference for Aotearoa New Zealand through excellent public policy advice, sound public administration, and cost-effective public services.