CEO Announcement

Kia ora koutou,

Following the departure of CEO Phil Gibbons in early July, the Nuku Ora Board are excited to announce Andrew
Leslie as Nuku Ora’s newly appointed CEO.

Andrew is the current CEO of Recreation Aotearoa, a role he has held for 11 years. During his time as Recreation
Aotearoa CEO, Andrew led the organisation through a sustained period of significant growth.

Key highlights during Andrew’s time as Recreation Aotearoa CEO include:

• The development and implementation of the 2020- 2025 bicultural strategic plan, Te Whai Oranga.
• Spearheading the delivery of the Atua Matua initiative to the recreation sector, a programme centred
  on learning from the environment and recreation through a Te Ao Māori lens.
• Leading the kaupapa around accessible recreation.
•  A key driver in the organisation’s response to climate change and CarbonZero certification.

Following a thorough recruitment process that included support from Mana Whenua and Sport New Zealand,
we look forward to welcoming Andrew to the Nuku Ora whānau. Nuku Ora Board Chair, Dianna Taylor, has
shared her delight with the new appointment. She says, “we are delighted that Andrew has accepted the CEO
position and look forward to him joining Nuku Ora as we continue our focus on delivering positive outcomes to
our region. I would also like to acknowledge Andrew’s work at Recreation Aotearoa and their journey over the
last 11 years of his stewardship.”

Andrew will commence his new role at Nuku Ora on Thursday 8th December. Bringing immense knowledge and
passion for our communities, we are delighted to be having him lead Nuku Ora going forward.

Ngā mihi, 

Dianna Taylor
Board Chair