Kāinga Ora appoints internal leader Tracey Taylor as Chief Executive

Tracey will start in the role on 18 December 2025, succeeding Matt Crockett, who leaves the organisation on 17 December.

Kāinga Ora Chair Simon Moutter said the Board was delighted to appoint Tracey following a robust and highly competitive recruitment process that involved a search across New Zealand and Australia and attracted strong interest.

“Tracey was the stand-out candidate after a rigorous process,” Mr Moutter said.

Tracey joined Kāinga Ora in late 2024 and has been instrumental in leading the organisation’s transformation efforts through the Reset Plan.

“She has already demonstrated outstanding leadership at Kāinga Ora as Chief People and Assurance Officer, and brings strategic capability, commercial acumen, and a people-centred approach that will serve Kāinga Ora extremely well.”

Before joining Kāinga Ora, she held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive of Yellow, where she led a major digital and cultural transformation. She has also held senior roles across the telecommunications, technology, and professional services sectors, focusing on leadership development, organisational transformation, and building sustainable high performance.

“Kāinga Ora’s purpose and the impact it has on communities across Aotearoa really resonates with me. I’m energised by transformation — by helping organisations and people evolve to be their best — and I’m deeply committed to the work we do to support vulnerable New Zealanders,” Ms Taylor said.

As Chief Executive, Ms Taylor’s appointment is fixed-term until December 2030. Remuneration is $700,000 per annum, inclusive of KiwiSaver and any other employment benefits.

Mr Moutter also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Chief Executive Matt Crockett.

“Matt has done an outstanding job leading Kāinga Ora through this transition period. His steady leadership, calm approach, and unwavering focus on our people and purpose—while striving to deliver better outcomes for tenants—have been greatly appreciated by the Board and across the organisation. He has played a pivotal role in delivering the Reset Plan and positioning Kāinga Ora strongly for the future.”