The Roster Te Rārangi: Edition 24

The Cook Islands hot seat
Josephine Aumea Herman left her job as secretary for Te Marae Ora Cook Islands Ministry of Health having helped lead the nation’s COVID-19 response, with no one getting the disease. This success was a result of communicating clearly with the people and allowing the community to inform the design of the response, says Dr Herman. A public health physician and GP, she has recently been appointed director of Pacific health at Waitematā DHB. She formerly worked as a medical officer of health with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.

Wellbeing for New Zealand Inc
Ganesh Nana has been appointed to chair the Productivity Commission for a five-year term. Dr Nana says: “I see productivity as the way we utilise, maintain, and apply our taonga to deliver wellbeing.” He was a member of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group, which advocated for more realistic, liveable benefits so individuals and whānau can live a more dignified life. Dr Nana worked for 23 years for Business and Economic Research Ltd, where he was chief economist and then research director.

DHB board member joins Massey
Zoe Brownlie, an Auckland DHB elected board member since 2016, has joined Massey University in Auckland as the employee wellbeing advisor. Ms Brownlie is founder and co-director of New Zealand social enterprise AllHuman, a consultancy working with organisations to build employee diversity, inclusion, belonging and wellbeing. She was recently the GenderTick director for the YWCA, and prior to this, worked in the UK, including in a senior role with an anti-bullying charity. On the Auckland DHB board, she is people and culture committee chair.

Trans-Tasman college chooses leader
An Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist with 20 years’ experience will lead the profession here and across the Tasman. Benjamin Bopp becomes president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists later this year after being elected unopposed. Dr Bopp is director of obstetrics at Gold Coast University Hospital. He says he looks forward to consolidating gains made in areas such as gender equity, diversity, and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori peoples.

The power end of Lambton Quay
Tū Ora Compass Health chief executive Martin Hefford is working at the power end of Wellington’s Lambton Quay – in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Justine Thorpe is holding the fort at primary health organisation (PHO) Tū Ora Compass, because Mr Hefford is on secondment until July as deputy director of the department’s Transition Unit. The unit is made up of EY contractors planning health-system changes. Mr Hefford has helmed Compass since 2012 after holding managerial roles in two DHBs and in the pre-DHB Health Funding Authority.

Welcomes and a farewell
Sally Dalhousie has worked for Pacific services since 2006, including 12 years with Auckland’s The Fono, where she is chief operating officer. Ms Dalhousie has recently been appointed to Auckland PHO ProCare’s Pacific Advisory Committee, alongside another new member, Canaan Aumua, who is of Samoan and Fijian descent and works as a locum doctor in general practice. The committee farewelled Fuimaono Ben Taufua, a member for 20-plus years. ProCare says Mr Taufua is a champion of Pacific health and has made an invaluable contribution.

Much to look back on
Nigel Trainor has positioned South Canterbury DHB well to adjust to the coming health-system changes, says DHB chair Ron Luxton. After eight years as chief executive, Mr Trainor will leave in May to become executive director finance, procurement and facilities at Southern DHB, replacing Julie Rickman, who will pursue other interests including directorships. Mr Trainor joined South Canterbury DHB in 2010 after 17 years with Nelson Marlborough DHB. He has increased the focus on equity, sparked a culture “reset”, and delivered to budget, Mr Luxton says.

Passionate about equity
Avataeao Junior Ulu is the new director Pacific people’s health at Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast DHBs. Dr Ulu says he’s passionate about achieving equity in access and health outcomes for Pacific peoples and communities. His role extends across the greater Wellington region including Wairarapa DHB. Dr Ulu recently worked as director Pacific development for the Pasifika Medical Association and as a consultant. Prior to that he was with Volunteer Service Abroad for 13 years. He has a PhD in development studies.

A new face at Metlifecare
Metlifecare, owner-operator of retirement villages and aged care facilities serving 5600 people, has appointed Earl Gasparich its chief executive. Mr Gasparich’s experience in this sector includes the past seven years as chief executive of Oceania Healthcare (see below) and three years as chief financial officer of Qualcare. He qualified at the University of Auckland in commerce and law and has worked for major consultancies.

Oceania promotes CFO
Oceania Healthcare’s new chief executive, replacing Mr Gasparich, is Brent Pattison. Mr Pattison joined Oceania as chief financial officer in January 2020. Formerly in investment banking, he worked closely with the company towards its sharemarket listing in 2017. A chartered accountant, he has held senior executive roles in New Zealand corporations including in the telecommunications and financial services industries.

Broad federation affirmed
Busy Tauranga GP Luke Bradford, whom we featured in edition 15 last year, was chairing the Primary Health Alliance, but it has wound up. Now it is urging PHOs to support the broader Feder­ation of Primary Health – Kia hauora a Aotearoa (edition 21). Dr Bradford says the federation can help stakeholders navigate health-system changes and find the best ways to deliver equi­table health outcomes.

Thanks for your support
My thanks to all who provided info for this edition of The Roster Te Rārangi. To let colleagues know they can subscribe for free, please forward them this email!

– Virginia McMillan, editor
phone 021 914 699 or email vmcmillan@nzdoctor.co.nz