McKechnie’s career to date has been largely in the health, justice and government sectors. His most recent role was that of Government Affairs Manager at Next Generation Critical Communications Lead Entity (NGCC), Poutama Whai Tikanga Pāpāho, the government’s advisor on critical communications for public safety in New Zealand. Here he oversaw the implementation of an emergency services programme replacing critical police, fire and ambulance first responder communications tools.

Prior to that, he was responsible for the development of the South Island Patient Information Care System (SI PICS) software project at Canterbury District Health Board and was Chief Executive of the New Zealand Health IT Cluster (a voluntary membership organisation providing technology solutions to the health and disability sector).

NZRAB Board Chair Gina Jones says McKechnie’s experience in managing relationships in complex sectors and programmes of work coupled with his communications skills and strong knowledge of Government process at a senior level will be of great benefit to the NZRAB.

McKechnie replaces previous Chief Executive Margaret Bearsley, who took up the position in June last year.