GPNZ appoints new CEO

General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ) has appointed Maura Thompson as CEO, replacing Liz Stockley who is stepping down to return to the UK.

Maura has been working with GPNZ on a contract basis and has worked with a number of its PHO members in recent years.

GPNZ Chair Dr Jeff Lowe said: ‘It’s great to have someone who knows our members and the wider health sector so well step into Liz’s shoes. Maura’s understanding of primary care and her experience of government and communications will be extremely valuable in steering the organisation through the changes ahead.’

Since moving to Auckland from London in 2009 Maura has worked in contract roles for the Ministry of Health, as well as DHBs and PHOs.

She started her career as a health journalist, before working in the UK Department of Health as strategic communications lead on primary care and workforce.

From there she was seconded to support the establishment of the NHS workforce agency, NHS Employers, where she was a director. Her journalism career included a period as editor of New Zealand Doctor.

‘I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the executive committee in leading GPNZ at such a critical time, and to sustain Liz’s great work in supporting and advocating for its members,’ Maura said.

‘Strong primary care leadership and representation will be more important than ever in the next couple of years and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.’

Maura will take over from Liz at the GPNZ Annual General Meeting on November 26.