Paula Hawkings brings over 30 years’ experience in the New Zealand early childhood education industry. She brings deep operational, regulatory, and strategic expertise across large‑scale childcare groups, multi‑site operations, and sector advisory roles. Paula was formerly General Manager of Lollipops Educare, where she led nationwide childcare operations for more than 15 years. Under her leadership, Lollipops grew into one of New Zealand’s leading childcare platforms and was subsequently sold to Evolve Education Group in 2014, forming the cornerstone for Evolve’s future acquisition strategy. Following the transaction, Paula held senior management roles within Evolve Education Group for over three years, providing strategic, operational, change management, and compliance leadership across a large multi‑centre portfolio. Paula is currently the Owner and Director of ECE Consultancy Services, where she supports 80+ early childhood services across New Zealand to operate to a high standard, with a focus on licensing, quality assurance, staff capability, and regulatory compliance.

✓ Multi-site childcare operations
✓ Regulatory compliance and licensing
✓ Quality assurance and staff development
✓ Sector-level strategic planning
✓ Change and transformation management
Paula provides the Fund with industry leadership, operational insight, and strong regulatory credibility,
supporting informed investment decision-making across the childcare sector.