# Media Capture — Catherine Hall Resigns as Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive

**Source:** Alzheimers New Zealand
**Date:** 13 May 2026 (published) — accessed 11 June 2026
**Original URL:** https://alzheimers.org.nz/news/catherine-hall-resigns-as-alzheimers-nz-chief-executive/

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## Key Points

- **Catherine Hall resigned** as Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive after **14 years** of leadership
- Board Chair **Teresa Wall** acknowledged her "outstanding contribution" with "deep regret"
- Hall played a **critical role** in developing the **Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan**
- She led the organisation through periods of **significant challenge and change**, building enduring sector relationships
- **No successor announced** — Board recruiting new CEO
- Hall described her departure as "an extremely difficult decision"
- She emphasised that people living with dementia mate wareware "must remain at the heart of every conversation and every decision"
- The Board stated the organisation is "well placed for its next chapter"

## Significance for Seniors Knowledge Base

| Aspect                  | Impact                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Advocacy                | Catherine Hall was the public face of dementia campaigning, including the Budget 2026 response and $20M funding ask |
| Timing                  | Resignation during critical pre-election period (2026 General Election) creates leadership vacuum                   |
| Transition risk         | New CEO will need to establish relationships with government and sector partners during key campaign phase          |
| Institutional knowledge | 14 years of sector leadership — significant loss of experience and relationships                                    |

## Actions

- Monitor CEO recruitment announcement
- Track impact on Alzheimers NZ advocacy during transition period
- Assess new CEO's advocacy style and government relationships when appointed

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_Cross-references: 2026 Tracker - Dementia Disability and Health Services, 2026 Issue Brief - Dementia Mate Wareware and Health Services_