Expert group appointed to lead New Zealand’s future health system

An outstanding group of people with extensive and wide-ranging governance and health experience have been appointed to lead the Māori Health Authority and Health New Zealand, Health Minister Andrew Little says.

“This Government is building a truly national health system to provide consistent, high-quality health services right across the country. This is another step towards fixing the health system so it works for everyone,” Andrew Little said.

“The future health system will mean New Zealanders will be able to have equitable access to healthcare to live longer, with the best possible quality of life, no matter who they are or where they live.”

Rob Campbell, an experienced professional director with extensive union, public and private sector governance experience has been appointed as the Chair of Health New Zealand. With his extensive experience leading large organisations these skills will be essential to lead Health New Zealand which will become the country’s largest employer.

Sharon Shea, current Chair of the Bay of Plenty DHB and an experienced leader across the health, disability and community sector has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Māori Health Authority and will also serve as a board member of Health New Zealand.

Tipa Mahuta, current Deputy Chair of the Counties Manukau District Health Board, with a background in facilitation, research, policy and community development, and extensive Iwi governance experience, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Māori Health Authority.

Health New Zealand will bring together the country’s 20 DHBs, a workforce of about 80,000, an annual operating budget of $20 billion and an asset base of about $24 billion.

The Māori Health Authority will work alongside Health New Zealand with a joint role in developing system plans, commissioning for primary and community services, and will commission kaupapa Māori services. The Māori Health Authority will also work alongside the Ministry of Health to develop strategies and policies that work for Māori.

“This marks a significant milestone in progress towards a more equitable health system,” Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare said.

“The new Māori Health Authority will be a gamechanger for our people. It will grow kaupapa Māori services and give Māori a strong voice in a new system focused on improving the disproportionate health outcomes that have long affected our whanau.

“Tā Mason Durie’s steering group worked tirelessly to support this appointment process –Tā Mason in particular has ensured we have secured the best possible candidates and combination of skills and experience for what is needed in our future health system,” Peeni Henare said.

“The members of the new boards share a dedication to improve the country’s health and wellbeing with a strong community focus. I am confident our new health entities are in the best possible hands to drive this long overdue transformation,” Andrew Little said.

• Rob Campbell (Chair) – an experienced professional director with extensive union, public and private sector governance experience.
• Amy Adams – a former New Zealand National Party politician, Member of Parliament for Selwyn and Cabinet Minister.
• Cassandra Crowley – a Chartered Accountant and a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, with extensive governance experience.
• Vui Mark Gosche – a senior leader within both the Samoan and Pasifika communities, and across the health, disability and community sectors of New Zealand, and former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.
• Dame Karen Poutasi – medically qualified with a specialisation in public health and significant governance and leadership experience in the health and education sectors, including CE of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Director General of Health.
• Vanessa Stoddart – a senior leader with executive and governance experience in the manufacturing, packaging, airline and engineering industries with a strong focus on change management and performance improvement.
• Dr Curtis Walker – a general physician and kidney specialist with MidCentral DHB who has extensive experience in governance, clinical leadership and public policy.
• Sharon Shea – current Chair of the Bay of Plenty DHB and an experienced leader across the health, disability and community sector. Ms Shea will also serve as Co-Chair of the Māori Health Authority.

• Sharon Shea (Co-Chair) – current Chair of the Bay of Plenty DHB and an experienced leader across the health, disability and community sector. Ms Shea will also serve on the Health New Zealand Board.
• Tipa Mahuta (Co-Chair) – current Deputy Chair of the Counties Manukau District Health Board, with a background in facilitation, research, policy and community development, and extensive Iwi governance experience.
• Dr Sue Crengle – a specialist in general practice and public health medicine, and an experienced researcher who is Professor, Hauora Māori, at Otago Medical School.
• Dr Mataroria Lyndon – Equity Lead at Mahitahi Hauora Primary Health Organisation and a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at the University of Auckland.
• Lady Tureiti Moxon – an experienced leader in the Māori health, education, social, and justice sectors at a local, regional and national level.
• Fiona Pimm – an executive leader with extensive experience in governance roles in the health sector, government agencies, community NGO, local iwi and runanga.
• Awerangi Tamihere – an senior leader with extensive experience working across central government, regional crown entities, the private sector, and with her local iwi.
• Dr Chris Tooley – an experienced governor and Chief Executive of Te Puna Ora o Mataatua based in Whakatāne which provides healthcare and social services across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.