Theresa Gattung: A Trailblazing Force in New Zealand’s Business and Philanthropy

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of leadership, business, and social advocacy, Theresa Gattung stands out as one of New Zealand’s most iconic figures. With a career spanning corporate boardrooms, entrepreneurial ventures, and philanthropic missions, Gattung’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and purpose. As the first female CEO of a major New Zealand listed company, and later a tireless advocate for women, health, and equity, she continues to redefine what it means to lead with vision and heart.

Early Life and Education

A Foundation of Ambition

Theresa Gattung was born in 1962 in Wellington, New Zealand, the eldest of four daughters. Raised in a Catholic household in Rotorua, she was taught the importance of independence, hard work, and ambition from a young age. Her parents, both British immigrants, instilled in her the values of resilience and leadership.

Academic Pursuits

Gattung’s academic path was equally determined. She earned a Bachelor of Management Studies in Marketing from the University of Waikato, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington. This rare combination of business and legal education laid the groundwork for her multifaceted career.

The Rise of a Corporate Leader

Early Career in Marketing

Gattung’s career began in marketing and communications roles at National Mutual and Bank of New Zealand. Her strong analytical thinking and creative approach quickly gained her recognition, setting the stage for bigger roles ahead.

Making History at Telecom New Zealand

In 1999, at the age of 37, Theresa Gattung became CEO of Telecom New Zealand, making her the first woman to head a major NZX-listed company. Under her leadership, Telecom transitioned from a traditional telecommunications provider into a more customer-centric, digitally aware business. Her tenure lasted until 2007, during which she oversaw revenues of over NZD 5 billion and led more than 6,000 employees across New Zealand and Australia.

Gattung’s leadership at Telecom was marked by transformation, innovation, and resilience during a time of heavy regulatory and technological change.

Expanding Her Horizons: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Founding My Food Bag

In 2013, Gattung co-founded My Food Bag, a meal-kit delivery service that took New Zealand by storm. The idea was born when she was mentoring entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson, who introduced her to her husband, James Robinson. Alongside the couple, renowned chef Nadia Lim, and investor Carlos Bagrie, Gattung helped form the founding team.

Their collective vision was simple yet powerful: deliver fresh, healthy, easy-to-cook meals directly to Kiwi homes. Under their leadership, the business rapidly scaled and exceeded NZD 100 million in annual revenue, becoming a household name in the food delivery industry. The partnership between Theresa Gattung and James Robinson was particularly notable for its strategic synergy and shared commitment to innovation and customer wellbeing.

Reuniting for Tend Health

Building on their successful collaboration, Gattung joined forces again with James and Cecilia Robinson in 2020 to launch Tend Health—a hybrid digital and in-person healthcare platform. As Chair of the company, Gattung plays a crucial role in scaling the service and addressing inequalities in New Zealand’s primary healthcare system.

The partnership across both ventures is built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared social mission. Gattung has publicly praised James Robinson as a strategic thinker and loyal collaborator, while the Robinsons describe Gattung as both a mentor and an irreplaceable partner in their entrepreneurial journey.

Compatico: Redefining Connection

In 2024, Gattung launched Compatico, a premium matchmaking platform for adults over 40, inspired in part by her own experiences navigating life and connection post-career. The platform uniquely blended technology, psychology, and human coaching. She exited the venture in 2025, successfully selling it to a local entrepreneur, marking another successful chapter in her business life.

A Deep Commitment to Philanthropy

Founding the Gattung Foundation

In 2021, alongside her sister Angela, Theresa Gattung established the Gattung Foundation. The foundation focuses on women’s empowerment, Māori and Pasifika education, poverty alleviation, and animal welfare. The foundation reflects her lifelong commitment to giving back to the community and supporting underrepresented groups.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Gattung is the NZ lead for Coralus (formerly SheEO), a global initiative funding women-led ventures. She is also the driving force behind the Theresa Gattung Chair for Women in Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland, which she funded with NZD 2.5 million.

SPCA and Animal Advocacy

A long-time animal lover, she served as a trustee and chair for the SPCA in Wellington and New Zealand. Her leadership has helped secure better treatment and protection for animals across the country.

Recognition and Awards

National and Global Impact

Theresa Gattung’s achievements have earned her multiple accolades:

• Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) – awarded in 2024.

• Companion of the NZ Order of Merit – awarded in 2015.

• Named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the World (2006).

• Inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame and Marketing Hall of Fame.

These honours are a testament to her influence not just in business, but in society at large.

Personal Life and Challenges

Health and Resilience

In recent years, Gattung has been open about her struggles with burnout and a serious health scare involving a brain cyst. Despite these challenges, she has emerged even more committed to promoting mental health and work-life balance.

Personal Insights

While she maintains a relatively private personal life, Gattung has spoken candidly about past relationships, mid-life transitions, and the power of human connection, especially through her recent ventures like Compatico.

Vision and Legacy

A Leader for the Future

Theresa Gattung’s life’s work is guided by her belief in fairness, equality, and impact-driven leadership. Whether in the boardroom, a startup, or a charitable initiative, her focus remains on empowering others, challenging norms, and creating sustainable change.

FAQs

Who is Theresa Gattung?

Theresa Gattung is a New Zealand businesswoman, former CEO of Telecom NZ, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is known for founding My Food Bag, Tend Health, and the Gattung Foundation.

What are her major achievements?

Some of her top achievements include being the first female CEO of a major NZX company, founding several successful startups, and receiving Damehood for services to business and philanthropy.

What does the Gattung Foundation do?

The foundation supports women’s empowerment, education, animal welfare, and poverty reduction, particularly among Māori and Pasifika communities.

Is Theresa Gattung married?

She is not currently married and has spoken openly about her past long-term relationships and mid-life transitions.

Conclusion

Theresa Gattung is more than a business leader—she is a changemaker, innovator, and advocate. From corporate leadership to grassroots impact, her journey reflects a rare blend of ambition and empathy. As she continues to shape the future of business and society in New Zealand and beyond, Gattung remains a role model for current and future generations.

Western Business