Emma Saunders
Chief Executive

Tangata Tiriti. Leads the efforts and impact of Good Shepherd in Aotearoa. Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

Emma Saunders

Emma is responsible for leading and driving the efforts and impact of Good Shepherd in Aotearoa. She works closely with the Board.

Emma has always gravitated towards tackling significant issues that compound disadvantage for people, particularly women. She has worked at the system, governance and strategy level, reducing barriers and influencing services to help people thrive. She has been active in the areas of eliminating family violence, enabling financial stability, ensuring secure homes, and fostering good consumer outcomes.

Emma’s background weaves together social research, product design, and organisation leadership. I am deeply skilled in uncovering insights about people and systems, and creating people-first solutions to issues. She anchors on purpose, shapes strategy, influences culture and service delivery, and drives calculated bold moves.

Emma has a PhD in Psychology, and a MSc in Forensic Science. She was born and raised in Te Awakairangi Lower Hutt. Her father was a community GP and her mother a community volunteer. They sparked her belief in equity, service, and systems for strength.