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

Of Rotuman and Fijian heritage, Lisa brings a culturally grounded leadership approach that reflects the communities RMHC New Zealand exists to serve and the growing strength of Pacific leadership in Aotearoa. She brings extensive senior leadership experience across health, community services, risk management and impact-driven organisations, and joins RMHC NZ at a time of growing demand and increasing complexity for the families it supports.

RMHC NZ Chair Ben Rose says Lisa’s appointment signals a positive next chapter for the organisation, which supports families with a child in hospital.

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

Lisa has built her career in senior roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong focus on equity, system impact and capability-building. She was the second Pacific woman to be appointed Partner at Deloitte New Zealand, where she established Deloitte’s Pasifika Services team focused on empowering communities and creating inclusive career and employment pathways. She has also served on a range of boards and advisory groups focused on family wellbeing and child health.

As demand for RMHC services continues to grow and as families navigate increasingly complex health journeys, Lisa’s leadership will help ensure RMHC NZ remains responsive, relevant and connected as it supports families across Aotearoa.

Lisa says she is honoured to be joining the organisation and considers it a privilege to serve families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. “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.”

Lisa’s appointment follows the departure of long-serving CEO Wayne Howett, who stepped down in September after more than 15 years of leadership both in the New Zealand chapter and overseas. Under Wayne’s 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,” says RMHC NZ Chair Ben Rose. “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.”

About: Lisa Tai, Chief Executive Officer RMHC NZ

Lisa Tai is the Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, leading the organisation’s mission to support families to stay close to their child during times of serious illness or injury.

Lisa has built her career in senior leadership roles across the health, community services and impact-driven sectors. She brings deep experience working at the intersection of strategy, service delivery and system-level change, and is widely recognised for her values-led, inclusive approach to leadership.

Prior to joining RMHC New Zealand, Lisa rose to Partnership at Deloitte New Zealand, where she was the second woman of Pacific heritage to do so. During her tenure, she established and grew Deloitte’s Pasifika Advisory practice to a team of more than 70 staff, delivering culturally grounded advice across health, social and public sector organisations. Her work focused on strengthening outcomes for families and communities, and on building capability across complex systems.

Lisa has also served on a range of boards and advisory groups with a focus on family wellbeing and child health, bringing governance experience and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by families navigating health services.

Of Fijian and Rotuman heritage, Lisa’s appointment adds to the growing leadership representation of Pacific leadership in Aotearoa. She is motivated by equity, cultural understanding and lifting capability across systems, and is proud to lead RMHC New Zealand at a time of growing and changing need. Lisa is committed to building on RMHC NZ’s strong foundations, people and partnerships to ensure the organisation continues to deliver meaningful impact for families across Aotearoa.

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