Chief Executive, Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga

Lisa Woolley

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Lisa Woolley leads one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest community services providers, serving over 50,000 people each year through more than 1,800 employees and volunteers throughout Aotearoa. The organisation is well-known for its innovative and holistic approach, encompassing a wide range of services to the community. 

Lisa is passionate about community development and addressing social issues such as poverty, marginalisation, unemployment and homelessness. She has served on the boards of several national social service organisations and on government policy groups. Her master’s thesis on a supportive response to homelessness remains a reference point for supportive housing in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2020, Lisa became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her for services to the community and governance.