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Zeal appoints new CEO as Brook Turner ends decade of leadership

Zeal has appointed current General Manager Matt Grey as our new Chief Executive as Brook Turner ends ten years of service to young people.

Under his entrepreneurial leadership, Brook Turner has grown Zeal from one inner-city youth venue in Wellington to five centres, a successful mental health department, and a series of social enterprise initiatives. Zeal’s work to positively influence young people through creativity was celebrated with a Finalist Award for Community Of The Year in 2016.

Brook speaking at an event.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading Zeal,” says Turner. “It’s so rare to find a community of such dedicated changemakers. Serving them has been one of my greatest joys. I am delighted to hand on this work to such an incredibly brave and powerful group of people.”

Brook has accepted a role as General Manager of Supportive Housing at VisionWest Community Trust, continuing his passion for community transformation.

“Brook has lead Zeal to become one of New Zealand’s most influential agencies using creativity to influence some of our most vulnerable young people,” says Board Chair, Bruce Pilbrow. “VisionWest will benefit from his drive and ability to make a measurable difference to the communities he engages with.”



Matt Grey outside of our West Auckland venue.

Matt Grey, who over the last seven years has served at Zeal in several positions, will take over the role as Chief Executive on April 3.

“Matt possesses a dedication to young people that I have rarely encountered,” says Mr Pilbrow. “The Board and I are excited about furthering Zeal’s growth and positive influence under his leadership.”

“I am deeply passionate about caring for our nation’s young people,” says Grey. “Our team remain steadfast in our goal to provide every young New Zealander with the opportunity to discover, express and develop their unique creativity. I am honoured to lead them into this next part of our story.”

Brook Turner will remain on the Zeal Board of Trustees. He has written an open letter regarding his resignation which can be read at zeal.nz/CEOthanks.

Those interested in contributing to the ongoing work of Zeal are encouraged to vote in the Trusts Million Dollar Mission. Each free vote earns us $5. You can vote once per day here.