Sonny Taite

Director of Innovation & AI, Former Chief Information Security Officer

Te Whatu Ora Health

Sonny Taite is Director of Innovation and AI at Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and former National CISO/CIO, with more than 20 years’ experience leading technology and cybersecurity transformation. He has overseen large-scale programmes, including the $117M National Cybersecurity Uplift Programme and the establishment of a 24/7 National Security Operations Centre. Passionate about equity and diversity, Sonny co-designed a Cyber Academy that integrates Māori and Pacific apprentices into cybersecurity teams, addressing skills gaps while fostering innovation. Known for aligning emerging technologies with organisational strategy, he now leads efforts to harness AI and digital innovation to transform healthcare.