A Letter from the Chief Executive

Kia ora koutou,

As I reflect on the past year, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for what we’ve achieved together at Deloitte New Zealand. It’s been a year of change and challenge, but also one of remarkable progress and partnership. Through it all, our purpose has remained clear; to make an impact that matters, for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

We know that uncertainty and rapid change are part of today’s world. Yet, I’ve seen our teams step up - collaborating across sectors, sharing ideas, and supporting each other to deliver real results. By working closely with our clients and drawing on the strengths of our alliances, we’ve helped solve complex problems and unlock new opportunities. It’s this spirit of togetherness that sets us apart.

One of the most exciting shifts this year has been the rise of artificial intelligence. While New Zealand has sometimes been cautious in adopting new technologies, I believe we’re now at a turning point. We are supporting our clients in their investments and capability development. We’re investing in our people - building their confidence and skills so they can embrace AI with trust and curiosity. Our approach is simple; technology should empower people, not replace them. We want everyone in our Deloitte whānau, and the wider community, to benefit from these advances.

Supporting diversity and inclusion remains at the heart of our work. This year, we deepened our partnership with TechWomen, backing initiatives that open doors for women and gender minorities in technology. We’re committed to creating pathways for all, because we know diverse perspectives drive better outcomes.

Climate change is another area where we’re determined to lead. New Zealand's first climate reporting cycle has given us valuable insights into the risks and opportunities ahead. We’re helping clients navigate new regulations, manage decarbonisation, and tap into climate tech - so together, we can build a more sustainable future.

None of this would be possible without our people. Their dedication, resilience, and willingness to support one another inspire me every day. We’re focused on their wellbeing and growth, offering flexibility, coaching and opportunities to thrive. Embracing diversity in all its forms makes us stronger and better able to serve our communities.

This report is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together - with our clients, our broader ecosystem partners, and each other. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities across so many areas of our work. We are committed to harnessing our expertise to drive progress and innovation across multiple sectors of New Zealand’s economy. Even as an island nation, we have the exciting opportunity to stay connected. As part of Deloitte Asia Pacific, Deloitte New Zealand is part of the world’s fastest growing and most innovative region, giving us access to insights, capabilities and collaboration that strengthen our impact here at home. Building strong links with our international peers through trade, collaboration, and shared innovation will help us thrive. The future of New Zealand business is bright and will be shaped by regional and global collaboration.

Together, we’ll keep building a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Aotearoa.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Ngā mihi nui,
Mike Horne