Sonny Taite, Ngāi Te Rangi

Sonny Taite is the Director of Innovation and AI (seconded) at Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, leading HealthX, a national programme accelerating the safe and equitable adoption of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in healthcare. HealthX connects clinicians, technologists, and innovators to rapidly prototype, evaluate, and scale solutions that enhance patient care, strengthen workforce capacity, and improve system efficiency.

Prior to his secondment, Sonny served as National Chief Information Security Officer, leading the uplift of cybersecurity across the public health system. He established New Zealand’s first 24 × 7 National Security Operations Centre and implemented a national cyber threat detection platform, strengthening resilience and response as 27 health organisations merged into a single national entity.

Sonny’s leadership is anchored in collaboration, equity, and purposeful innovation — ensuring New Zealand’s health system remains secure, trusted, and ready for the future.