Gael brings over 30 years experience in community led change making and social innovation to her role as Director of Community and Social Innovation, Auckland Council where she is responsible for the Southern Initiative, the Western Initiative and Auckland Co-design Lab.

She began her career, with a law degree, working in community development and community law centres, before taking her skills into community media production in New Zealand and the UK. She has led award winning social marketing campaigns and social innovations as well as held leadership roles within central government and Auckland Council. Gael is recognised as one of New Zealand’s foremost public sector innovators.