Te Omanga Hospice has appointed Di Taylor as its new Chief Executive after a comprehensive search. Di brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to people and community. Di has held senior leadership and governance roles across both private and public sectors, guiding organisations through growth and change while ensuring people remain at the heart of every decision.

 Michele McCreadie, the Chair of the Te Omanga Hospice Board of Trustees, says:

“We are confident that Di’s appointment reflects Te Omanga Hospice’s commitment to strong, values-driven leadership.

 Most recently, Di served as General Manager of TenFour Technology, leading the business through significant operational change to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.

 Alongside her corporate career, Di has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community service. She has been Deputy Chair and Director of Pub Charity Ltd, Board Chair at Boss Transport Ltd (NZ Coach Services), Chair of Nuku Ora (Sport Wellington) and Deputy Chair of NZ TechLeaders.

 She also knows Te Omanga Hospice well, having served as a Trustee and Chair of the Quality and Risk Sub-Committee, stepping down from the Board earlier this year.

 Michele says stepping into the chief executive role at a hospice is challenging.

“Despite the essential nature of our services, the current national funding model for hospices is unsustainable. Each year, the gap between what we receive and what we need grows wider. Government funding simply does not keep pace with inflation or demand.”

 "This year, we must raise nearly $7 million, around half our $13.8 million budget, to ensure our specialist services remain free to patients and families. It’s a challenge that unites our fundraising and retail teams, our staff and our incredibly generous community.”

 “In this, our 46^th year, Te Omanga has cared for 646 patients and their families, with 155 people on any given day needing our specialist team’s support. From a ten-year-old to a centenarian, each person receives the dignity, comfort and personalised care they deserve.”

 Beyond our hands-on care, our Integrated Care Team has reached 782 more people who need palliative care by supporting and partnering with Hutt Hospital, Aged Care providers, General Practitioners, Māori and Pacific Health providers through consultancy and education, extending our expertise throughout the Hutt Valley health community.

 “This integrated care model means Te Omanga’s care, compassion and, expertise touch more than 1,400 lives each year,” says Michele.

 Di Taylor starts her new role on 1 December 2025, Te Omanga will farewell its current Chief Executive, Biddy Harford, on 12 December 2025.

 “After 37 years with Te Omanga, including 25 as Chief Executive, Biddy has decided to retire,” says Michele.

 “Her leadership, dedication and compassion have shaped Te Omanga and the national Hospice movement. We look forward to celebrating her remarkable contribution before she departs.”

About Te Omanga Hospice

Since 1979, Te Omanga Hospice has provided quality Palliative Care services for those living with a terminal or life limiting illness in the Hutt Valley community. The hospice has been developed and shaped over the course of its existence by the generosity of individuals, families and businesses alike.

 Our specialist care is provided by our multidisciplined team of specialist doctors, nurses, therapists and trained volunteers, through community home care and our special in-patient unit.

 Palliative care provides a holistic approach to relieve the suffering of people living with life-limiting or terminal illnesses by addressing physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs, aiming to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. Patients can have their GP or specialist refer them, or a referral can be made by the hospital if the patient is currently an inpatient.

 Our specialist team is supported by an Executive Leadership Team consisting of the Chief Executive, Director of Nursing & Clinical Support Services, Medical Director, and the Director of Support Services, as well as corporate teams, administration and finance staff and over 500 volunteers who all work together to provide a seamless service.

 This year it will cost $13.8 million to run our hospice with $7 million having to be raised from our incredibly supportive community. The balance is provided through our contracts with Health NZ Hutt Valley and Hutt NZ Wairarapa. Te Omanga Hospice could not survive without the kindness and understanding of individuals and organisations in the community we serve.