Robbie Moginie has assumed the chief executive role at Presbyterian Support Otago.
Chairwoman Stephanie Pettigrew confirmed the appointment in a statement, saying Ms Moginie was a "highly experienced leader with an extensive background in the health sector".
"Robbie has made a positive difference in the short time she has been with us, and she brings a sense of hope and excitement for the future of our charity.
"As interim chief executive, Robbie has worked with the board to guide us through our response to the findings of the Royal Commission Abuse in Care Inquiry and through a time of significant financial pressure for all health and social services, including PSO."
She had been interim chief executive since August — her predecessor Jo O’Neill stood down shortly after the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care were released.
Ms O’Neill has said her decision to step down was not directly related to the abuse in care inquiry, but it had been a big few years leading her organisation through its response to it.
The organisation became embroiled in controversy after the commission revealed it had destroyed records of children in its care in late 2017, before the commission began its inquiry.
The report said the organisation’s chief executive at the time, Gillian Bremner, told a staff member to destroy the records, apart from a register of names and dates.
The decision was reported to have been made after Mrs Bremner sought "informal advice" from lawyer Frazer Barton, a former PSO board chairman, who told her PSO could destroy the documents "but at an appropriate milestone or anniversary".
The New Zealand Law Society has launched an investigation into Mr Barton after at least two lawyers lodged formal complaints with the society against Mr Barton, including Cooper Legal partner Sam Benton — a Wellington-based firm that deals entirely with claims of historic abuse
PSO is the largest social services charity in Otago and supports older people, families, young adults and children through a range of services including nine care homes; social services for vulnerable people; and the Shop on Carroll op-shop. — APL
