A familiar connection, a new chapter. Zeal Youth Trust Aotearoa is excited to announce the appointment of Rod Baxter ONZM as its next Chief Executive Officer, commencing 9 November 2026.
Bringing a wealth of experience in youth development, community leadership and the not-for-profit sector, Rod joins Zeal with a longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for young people across Aotearoa.
Rod previously served as Chief Executive of King’s Trust New Zealand and has held leadership roles with New Zealand Red Cross and Wellington Boys & Girls Institute. In 2023, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to youth.
Following a comprehensive national recruitment process, the Zeal Board is confident that Rod’s experience, leadership and alignment with Zeal’s kaupapa make him well placed to guide the organisation into its next chapter.
A full-circle moment for Zeal
What makes Rod’s appointment particularly special is his connection to Zeal’s beginnings.
As a young person, Rod was part of the advisory group that helped shape Zeal’s original Wellington youth centre. Nearly three decades later, he’s returning to lead the very organisation he helped influence in its early days.
It’s a meaningful full-circle moment, connecting Zeal’s history with its future and reflecting the power of investing in young people and their potential.
Zeal Board Chair, Andre Afamasaga, shared his excitement about the appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome Rod to Zeal. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, deep expertise in youth development, and a genuine passion for creating opportunities for young people. Throughout the recruitment process, Rod demonstrated a strong alignment with Zeal’s values, mission and aspirations. We are excited about the leadership he will bring as we continue to strengthen our impact with rangatahi and communities across Aotearoa.”
Celebrating Jesse’s leadership
As Zeal prepares to welcome Rod, we also acknowledge and celebrate outgoing Chief Executive Jesse Boyce for his eight years of dedicated service and leadership.
Throughout his time at Zeal, Jesse has played a significant role in shaping the organisation’s growth, culture and strategic direction, helping strengthen its impact with rangatahi and communities.
His commitment to Zeal’s kaupapa has helped establish strong foundations for the organisation’s future, and we are deeply grateful for his contribution.
Looking ahead to Zeal’s next chapter
Over nearly three decades, Zeal has grown into an organisation operating five youth centres across Te Ika-a-Māui, creating spaces where rangatahi can connect, create, belong and thrive.
Rod’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter as Zeal continues to build on its foundations, strengthen its partnerships and explore new opportunities to support young people across Aotearoa.
With a deep understanding of the youth sector and a personal connection to Zeal’s history, Rod brings a unique perspective to the role.
We look forward to officially welcoming Rod on 9 November 2026 and to the opportunities ahead for Zeal, our rangatahi and the communities we serve.
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