Paul Brown steps down as Chief Executive of ChildFund New Zealand

The Board of ChildFund New Zealand regrets to advise that after 16 years in the role, Paul Brown has decided to step down from his role as the Chief Executive of ChildFund New Zealand. 

Since 2004, Paul has been instrumental in leading the ongoing development and growth of ChildFund New Zealand. Today it is well respected and highly regarded for its progressive and innovative approach to child-centered community development. Paul has carefully led ChildFund New Zealand from an organisation that raised funds for programmes managed by other entities to become, in its own right, one of New Zealand's leading international aid agencies with programmes now operating in Kenya, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, serving the needs of thousands of children and their communities. This development and progress all occurred throughout a period of dynamic change in the role and sources of funding for aid organisations. 

Amongst many successes and highlights during Paul's tenure as Chief Executive was ChildFund New Zealand's membership of the ChildFund Alliance and its securing of a Strategic Funding Partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. More recently, he has built a team, set the direction, and laid the foundation for ChildFund to focus more of its programme activities in the Pacific and to embark on a broader strategic initiative to move into social and impact investing as a means of sustaining ChildFund New Zealand's impact in children's lives, in a world experiencing unprecedented threats, change and disruption. 

Paul has always led with passion, enthusiasm for the mission, professionalism, and commitment to children's rights. His enormous contribution to ChildFund New Zealand over 16 years has left an indelible mark on the organisation which will continue to serve it for years. The Board thanks Paul for 16 outstanding years of dedication and service to ChildFund New Zealand and wishes him all the very best. It has no doubt that he will give his next challenge the same level of commitment and drive as he did at ChildFund. 

The Board will be initiating a search for Paul's replacement to lead ChildFund New Zealand through the next stage in its development. During this time of transition, Paul will continue to provide assistance. His last day in the office will be on Friday, 4th June, 2021. 

Simon Whyte,
Board Chair
ChildFund New Zealand