Mr Goulter has an career in the union trade movement. He is currently the CEO of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation|Toputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa, New Zealand's health union. Prior to this, Paul was the National Secretary of NZEI Te Riu Roa, the principal, teacher and school support staff union. Paul spent 20 years in the finance sector union, Finsec (now First Union), including nine years as General Secretary, followed by three years as Secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU). He has also worked in Australia as the Director of the Australian Council of Trade Unions' Education and Campaign Centre. Paul served on the Board of the Cooperative Bank for 12 years. During his time on the Board he held a variety of roles, including Deputy Chair for six years and Chair of the Board's People and Culture Board for eight years. He is member of People and Diversity Committee and Health, Safety & Security Committee.