New CEO for Birthright NZ
Birthright NZ is pleased to announce the appointment of its new CEO, Heather Hayden. Heather will be leading New
Zealand’s oldest sole-parent support network through continued growth and advocacy for single parent families.
Heather comes to Birthright with a broad range of experiences working with families. She has held the role of Chief
Executive with Save the Children NZ, and with Refugee Services NZ. She has also served as Chair of Refugee Trauma
Recovery, where she oversaw a merger with The Red Cross, to improve and expand services.
“Working in Save the Children was primarily working with children overseas,” says Heather “But I became aware of the
difficult situation for children here. I think the most important thing for children in single-parent families, for all
New Zealand children, is that they have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
With a career that started in education, Heather is particularly passionate about ensuring all children have the best
possible entry into school life. This means making sure they and their families are well supported from birth onwards.
“I want to do everything that I can do, that Birthright can do, to have them start school ready to learn.”
Birthright was formed in Hastings, in 1955. The organisation has since grown to include ten affiliates around New
Zealand, supported by a Head Office in Wellington. At the core of the organisation is the belief that all children share
the right to a good start in life and that supporting families will ensure greater success in achieving this
“birthright.”
Heather will be taking up her role on Monday 17 July.
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