It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that we would like to share the news that Naomi Cowan, Equip CEO, will be leaving her role at the end of December 2025. Naomi has been in the CEO role for 22 years and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2020 New Year’s Honours in recognition of her services to mental health and the community. Over that time she has led Equip with vision and grace, strengthening its effectiveness as it transformed the lives of so many in our community. Her contribution to the wider mission of Windsor Park Baptist Church cannot be overstated and her legacy at Equip will continue for many more years. We thank Naomi for her committed leadership of Equip, and will celebrate this with her over the coming months. Naomi will be greatly missed and we wish her all the best for the future.
A message from Naomi:
“The time has come for Equip to transition to new leadership. Whilst I am keeping good health and remain enthusiastic about the work of Equip, I do want to be able to pursue other interests and enjoy more time with family while I still have energy to do so. I am grateful to the Board and Staff of Equip, both currently and previously, who have been such amazing and supportive people to work with. Equip’s unique supportive culture and association with its community at Windsor Park Baptist Church is strong and I look forward to hearing about Equip and the team doing fantastic work into the future.”
The search for a new CEO at Equip will commence in May/June and the Board is in the process of engaging Paul Ingle, Chief Executive of HardyGroup New Zealand & Australia, to lead this process. All enquiries can be made to Paul Ingle via pingle@hardygroupintl.com. Updates on that appointment and the transition process will be made later this year.
On behalf of the Equip Board
Iain Bradley
Chair
www.equip.net.nz
