Ronald McDonald House New Zealand chief executive Wayne Howett answers the Herald's summer questions.
Ronald McDonald House New Zealand chief executive Wayne Howett answers the Herald's summer questions.
Ronald McDonald House New Zealand chief executive Wayne Howett talks to the Herald about the charity’s work, looming challenges and why planning ahead is crucial for the coming year.
How would you describe 2024 for your business?
In recent years, we’ve seen a huge increase in need. This year, we’vesupported more families than ever and an increasing number of vulnerable families.
Our impact report released this year found that for every $1 invested in RMHC NZ, there is a social return on investment of $5.50. That is a powerful statistic, but what’s at stake here is more than numbers on a page.
We’ve been working relentlessly to give Kiwi families the certainty that they can be with their hospitalised children, no matter how far away they live from the necessary medical care.
What will be your biggest business challenges in 2025?
To meet the growing demand, we’ve had to dip into our reserves at times. That can’t be sustained forever, and there will come a time when the balance between demand and available funds starts tipping uneasily.
Our core focus for the year will be to respond to this need and ensure that we can keep our doors open for everyone who needs us.
Ronald McDonald House New Zealand chief executive Wayne Howett believes there isn't "just one lever" when it comes to fixing the economy. Photo / Daily Post
What opportunities do you see in 2025?
Turning families away is not an option for us, and we have a sound business plan to ensure that we don’t have to do that. This includes looking into operational savings, lobbying for an increase in government support, exploring how we can generate self-earned revenue and most importantly, collaborating with like-minded people and businesses who want to be a part of upholding our promise to Kiwi families.
What will it take to kickstart New Zealand’s economy?
There is not one single lever. We need to see positive signs in as many economic contributors as possible. Increased immigration, growth of our economy internally, positive interest rate changes, increasing tourism, continued improved export demand and prices.
How will a Donald Trump presidency affect the geopolitical dynamics?
I think Trump’s short-term thinking may have positive immediate effects but long-term it will continue to destabilise the geopolitical world.
What are the concrete actions your company has taken to reduce climate change?
At RMHC we are committed to making improvements to mitigate the effects of climate change. It’s also worth pointing out that our organisation makes a tangible difference by accepting donated food parcels and products that would otherwise go to waste.
This ultimately means we have less good food ending up in landfills. We consciously recycle waste in all our houses, implement water and lighting efficiency improvements and use eco-friendly cleaning products.
How are you increasing diversity in your business?
We often say, ‘If you want to know what New Zealand looks like, come through our doors’. Child sickness does not discriminate, and we support families from all walks of life.
This also means we have a considered team of frontline supporters who reflect the needs of all of our constituents.
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Greater focus on my overall health. If I don’t take care of me, I can’t provide what my teams need from me, which in turn compromises meeting the needs of the families we support and, most importantly, what my own family needs from me.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
Mangawhai and Langs Beach.
What would you recommend as a good podcast to listen to over Summer?
Behind the Bastards.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business and retail.
