Child Matters has announced Megan West as its new CEO, replacing Jane Searle following her appointment as New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner at Mana Mokopuna.
Searle will finish at Child Matters mid-July, before taking up her new role effective 1 August, 2026. West will step into her new role from 15 July, 2026.
Child Matters Chair, Edgar Wilson, says Searle has made an undeniable impact on the development of Child Matters since she first joined as General Manager in 2015 and becoming Chief Executive in 2017.
“Under her leadership, Child Matters has become financially self-sufficient, significantly widened the breadth and accessibility of its services, and developed national and international networks to assess and translate global best practice for the New Zealand environment.
“Just as importantly, Jane has been an unwavering public advocate for the safety and protection of New Zealand’s children through the media, and directly with Government agencies and politicians,” says Mr Wilson.
“We are proud and grateful that she will be able to make an even greater impact for New Zealand children, their protection and wellbeing in her new role as Children’s Commissioner.”
Mr Wilson says while Child Matters is understandably saddened to farewell Searle, the Board is delighted that Megan West has been appointed CEO.
“Megan joined Child Matters in 2019 as our National Services Manager. Her frontline experience in Oranga Tamariki – and its predecessor organisation – has been invaluable to Child Matters, and will be even more so looking into the future.
“Megan is excited to lead Child Matters through its next phase of development, including strengthening child protection training and our consultancy services. She is extremely well placed to take this work forward, and continue advocating relentlessly for the rights and protection of New Zealand children.”
West is a qualified and registered social worker. Her previous roles at Oranga Tamariki include frontline social worker, Specialist Child Witness Interviewer and Supervisor, and she holds strong networks across the sector.
She also brings a health background and currently sits on a number of panels and Boards who are focused on raising the voice of children.
For more than 30 years, Child Matters has provided child‑protection consultancy, training, policy and process development, supervision services, investigations, and national advocacy across issues affecting the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
Child Matters works with and support Government agencies, iwi and Māori providers, Pasifika services, education, health, and disability sectors, professional bodies, community and frontline organisations, as well as private/corporate organisations.
-ends-
Media Contact
Jacky James
Phone: 021 577 871
