End of an Era for NZAF

MEDIA RELEASE: 11 October 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

End of an Era for NZAF

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation Trust Board has announced that Rachael Le Mesurier has tendered her resignation as the Executive Director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF). Since she started in November 2003, the NZAF has made significant progress toward the goals of the NZAF Strategic Plan 2005-2010.

Rachael’s departure comes at time when the NZAF has a highly skilled, productive and motivated staff team; strong networks in the HIV sector and the highest volunteer levels since the 1990s. Rachael’s leadership has also contributed directly to the strong financial position, record levels of people accessing the testing services of the NZAF and a range of government subsidised antiretroviral treatments that are on a par with Australia. Each of these successes is a vast improvement on the situation when she took on the role.

Rachael says: “This has been, quite simply, the most rewarding job of my lifetime. One where I have never ceased to learn from, or be humbled by, the passion of my colleagues and our communities. Whilst it does feel the right time to leave, I will miss the kaupapa of all that we do and everyone involve in the NZAF.”

The NZAF Trust Board is committed to the continuation of business-as-usual and will be considering what transitional arrangements may be required in the period after Rachael finishes and before a new Executive Director begins.

Alastair Cameron, NZAF Trust Board Chair says: “As Executive Director of the NZAF, Rachael has faced considerable challenges in bringing about necessary changes with professionalism and understanding, while ensuring opportunities for growth were explored and innovative ideas from staff were supported. Without doubt Rachael has always had the best interests of the NZAF and its mission at the centre of all that she has done.

“The Trust Board wishes Rachael well in her future career path, and knows the NZAF will continue to have a long and rewarding relationship with her.”

Rachael's last day of work with the NZAF will be Friday, 3 December 2010.

ENDS

© Scoop Media