After eight years, eight months, and eight days, we said a heartfelt farewell to our Chief Executive, John Axcell, at the end of January 2026. The day before his departure, Board members, managers, Corrections staff, and national office staff gathered to acknowledge and celebrate all that John has achieved through his exceptional leadership of TTPCA. Together we shared stories, laughs, a few tears, and even a good-natured roast or two as we wished John well for his next adventures.

John led Tira Tūhāhā Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa through some of its most challenging seasons, including Covid 19, securing funding contracts, growth in prisoner numbers, and significant Board and staff changes, along with the many unique complexities that come with this vital service. During his time as CE, John helped take the organisation to a new level of Tū Rangatira (professionalism). Characteristically humble, John summed up his leadership by saying, “It has been a privilege and a gift to hold the position of CE.”

We will miss you, John.

The Board is now progressing the recruitment of a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase of service to men and women in New Zealand prisons. While we farewell John with gratitude, we also look forward with optimism to welcoming a new leader who will continue to strengthen our work and our care for people in prison.