A new chapter amidst a global crisis: A Message from Aviva’s new CEO
15th of May, 2026
For Jane Cartwright, joining Aviva as the new Chief Executive Officer was meant to be a period of settling into a new location and a fresh leadership structure. With a background in health governance and experience leading organisations across the health system through vital change, Jane is no stranger to navigating complex transitions. However, as she stepped into her first week, the “path ahead” took on a much more urgent meaning.
‘While my expertise lies in navigating organisational change,” Jane reflects, “I recognise that we are navigating a particularly volatile global environment. It became strikingly evident within days how the current fuel crisis is affecting every facet of our work.’
The dangerous maths of isolation
For many, rising fuel prices are a frustrating financial hurdle. For Aviva’s whai ora (clients), they are a barrier to survival.
The reality is that many of Aviva’s whai ora are already struggling financially - a common by-product of the financial control inherent in abuse. When global conflict drives up the cost of petrol, food, and interest rates, the impact hits these families ‘twice as quick and twice as hard.’
Although our kaimahi suggest whai ora keep a quarter tank of fuel as a safety precaution, financial hardship is making that advice impossible to follow. ‘For many in our community, the inability to afford the high cost of petrol means they are stranded in dangerous situations with no way out,’ says Jane.
Jane knows that violence feeds on isolation. Just as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Christchurch earthquakes, increased stress and uncertainty act as fuel for violence. As the current crisis drags on, the burden on whai ora grows heavier, making the work of the Aviva team more critical - and more difficult - than ever.
Adapting to the challenge
The fuel crisis has created a double burden for Aviva.
Not only are operating expenses rising, but the team must now travel further and more frequently to reach whai ora who can no longer afford the trip to our premises to attend group or individual support sessions.
‘I am incredibly energised by our kaimahi,” says Jane. “This is a team full of passion that didn’t need a new CEO to tell them what was needed. They were already increasing their response before I arrived - helping whai ora access fuel support and pivoting to mobile services where necessary to ensure no one is left behind.’
How you can help
Jane’s immediate concern is the fundamental safety of Aviva’s clients. As the world remains uncertain, Aviva’s commitment remains absolute: If whai ora cannot get to us, we will go to them.
To support this vital mahi during this crisis, you can:
- Make a donation: Help us cover the rising costs of reaching whānau in need at aviva.org.nz/donate
- Drop off petrol vouchers: Every voucher helps a whai ora maintain that “emergency quarter tank.” Please bring them to our offices at Unit 4, Amuri Park, 25 Churchill St, Christchurch Central (Mon-Fri, 9am–4pm).
- Support the Street Appeal: Look out for our collectors on Friday May 22 and Saturday 23 raising funds that keep our community safe.
‘The support we’ve received so far has been remarkable,’ Jane concludes. ‘The passion and the will are already there. Together, we can ensure that even in a volatile world, safety and support remain accessible to everyone.’