Pacific leader Lisa Tai appointed CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ

Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand (RMHC NZ) has appointed Lisa Tai as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Tai has extensive senior leadership experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, with a focus on equity, impact, and community development.

She was the second Pacific woman to be appointed Partner at Deloitte New Zealand, where she established the company's Pasifika Services team, supporting communities and creating inclusive career and employment pathways.

She has also served on boards and advisory groups focused on family wellbeing and child health, demonstrating her commitment to improving outcomes for families across Aotearoa.

Of Rotuman, Fijian, and Chinese heritage, Tai brings a culturally grounded leadership approach that reflects the communities RMHC NZ exists to support, the organisation said.

Tai says she takes the role at a time when demand for the organisation’s services is rising, with families facing increasingly complex health journeys.

RMHC NZ provides families with a child in hospital practical and emotional support, including accommodation, meals, and a caring environment while their children receive treatment. Photo/rmhc.org.nz

“RMHC NZ plays a critical role in supporting families when they need it the most. I’m deeply motivated by the organisation’s purpose and by the opportunity to work alongside staff, volunteers, partners, and communities to ensure families continue to feel supported, connected and cared for,” she said in a statement.

Ben Rose, RMHC NZ Chair, welcomed Tai's appointment, saying it marked a positive next chapter for the organisation.

“Lisa is a values-led leader with deep experience across governance, health, risk and community systems," he says. "She has a proven ability to lead in complex environments, bring people together and keep a clear focus on long-term impact.

Families such as the Masons from Porirua (Te Whanganui-a-Tara) have relied on Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ for support when their child faced serious health challenges. Photo/RMHC N

"Combined with her strong understanding of the communities RMHC NZ exists to serve, the Board is confident she is exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation forward,” Rose says.

RMHC NZ supports families with a child in hospital, providing accommodation, meals, and practical and emotional support while children receive care.

As demand for these services grows, Lisa’s leadership aims to ensure RMHC NZ continues to remain responsive, connected, and relevant to the families it serves.

“I’m honoured to be joining the organisation and consider it a privilege to serve families during some of the most challenging times of their lives,” Tai says.

She steps into the role following the departure of long-serving CEO Wayne Howett, who stepped down in September after more than 15 years of leadership both in New Zealand and overseas.

Under his tenure, RMHC NZ grew into a strong national organisation with enduring partnerships and a deep culture of care.

“Lisa is stepping into an organisation with a strong foundation and a clear purpose,” Rose says.

“She will build on Wayne’s legacy while bringing her own insight, energy and culturally grounded approach to leadership, to guide RMHC New Zealand into its next phase.”