Our People - the Waiora Team / Nga Kaimahi

The Team at Waiora Healthcare has a diverse portfolio of skills and expertise, bringing together extensive experience in:

• Commerce
• Research
• Health management
• Maori development.

Lance Norman

Chief Executive Officer, Acting

BCOM Accounting & Finance, DipCom Marketing (University of Auckland)
As Waiora’s Chief Executive Officer, Lance (Ngati Kuri) is responsible for maintaining relationships with our business owners, key suppliers and funders such the Waitemata DHB, MOH and ACC as well as developing relationships with new practices and other community organisations.

He has worked as a Senior Auditor for one of the largest auditing companies in New Zealand, as a Financial Controller for a multi-national corporate and has been a Business Manager in a couple of capacities. His core skills include Finance, Human Resources, IT and Strategic Planning.

Lance is currently on the Board of Hobsonville Primary School and the Board of Te Kotuku Ki Te Rangi (community based Maori Mental Health Services). He is on the Executive Committee for Waitakere Health Link, various working groups within the Waitemata District Health Board and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand.

Jo Tjaden

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, Jo is responsible for assisting the Executive Officer in undertaking both strategic and operational duties to ensure the efficient and effective operation of Waiora Healthcare.

Jo has been involved with Waiora Healthcare from the start as a Board member. Jo has extensive knowledge and experience in organizational management, practice, change management, design and development including 8 years as Practice Manager for the Waitakere Union Health Centre.

She is passionate about ensuring the delivery of quality, affordable healthcare services to our community.

Janine Strickland

Clinical Director, Acting

As Clinical Director Janine reports to the Executive Officer and maintains links with the Clinical Governance Group, the Clinical Reference Group and the Royal New Zealand College of GPs.

She is responsible for ensuring that quality infrastructure is in place for Waiora and its Practices to meet accreditation standards, and assists the PHO and Practices to implement processes to support Cornerstone Accreditation.

Janine also supports Practices to attain PMP and other health outcomes indicators, and oversees the co-ordination of Clinical Governance and Clinical Reference Group Meetings and Clinical Project Management.

Brenda Close

Nurse Lead Primary Care Development

As Nurse Lead Brenda (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Maniapoto) is responsible for the professional development of nurses across the PHO. She leads the development of nursing services and coordinates core competency training, professional support and education. Brenda also coordinates the training programme for medical and allied team members including monthly CNE/CME sessions.

Brenda is a member of the Waiora Senior Management Team and as such contributes to the strategic planning and development of programmes and services, supporting the team in delivering to the goals and priorities identified by Waiora Healthcare PHO’s Board.

Brenda works collaboratively with Primary Healthcare nursing leaders and Nursing Education Providers across the Waitemata district to develop and implement district-wide initiatives that contribute to Primary Healthcare Nursing.

Miriam Bennett

Register Management & Training Advisor

Miriam works with Practice administrative staff to promote best administrative practice and provides training and register management support. She also acts as an IT and problem-solving resource.

She has worked in the health sector for six years and has a broad range of skills, having worked previously as a call centre manager and a recruitment manager. She has studied Performing Arts and Music with the University of Auckland and Excel School of Performing Arts.

Rachel Haggerty

Contractor

MBA, BA (Canterbury University)
Rachel provides strategic advice on projects for Waiora Healthcare. She has committed to supporting Waiora Healthcare to deliver outstanding primary healthcare that reduces inequalities in Waitakere and meets the needs of people and their families. She believes that communities need strong primary healthcare organisations that support the growth and development of affordable family healthcare.

Rachel grew up in Waitakere City and has worked across New Zealand managing and leading change in the public health sector. This includes the development and building of Waitakere Hospital which opened in 2004. Rachel has a BA and MBA from Canterbury University and is married, with three daughters who attend Swanson School.

Ngaire Harris

Project Manager

MA, PGDip Maori Studies, Dip Jnlsm (AIT/AUT), Dip Nursing (Akld School of Nursing)
Ngaire (Te Rarawa, Ngati Whatua, Ngati Kuri) is the Project Leader for the National Maori PHO Coalition, a national body which supports and promotes Maori Primary Health Organisations throughout the country.

Her academic and research background provides support to projects within Waiora has experience in nursing, project management, Maori health research and communications/marketing.

Her whanau was part of Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust’s development phase and participated on the governance board when Waiora was established.

Monique Johnstone

Executive Assistant to the CEO and Executive Team

Monique (Ngaiterangi Iwi, Ngai Tukairangi Hapu) covers a wide variety of duties, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Waiora office. As Executive Assistant to the CEO and Executive Team she is responsible for booking meetings, minute-taking, co-ordinating events, managing diaries and providing administrative support.

She has previously worked at Whitecross Accident & Medical Centre and in the banking sector. Monique has travelled extensively through Europe and the United Kingdom. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Business.

Bradley Norman

Finance & Administration Manager

BCOM Accounting & Marketing (University of Auckland)
As Finance and Administration Manager, Brad (Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngai Takato) is responsible for maintaining the financial integrity of the accounts to ensure all financial and statutory reporting is accurately completed on a timely basis.

Before joining Waiora in December 2008, Brad spent four years in London working in Finance for a large investment bank as the Treasury Accountant, and more recently, as the Product and Controls Accountant. With a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Auckland, majoring in both Accounting and Marketing, Brad has experience with Treasury and Cash Management, Accounting Control and Financial Risk, Financial / Board Reporting, and extensive knowledge in Finance Systems and Accounting Practices.

Laraun Scott

Finance & Administration Support

BCS PR & Creative Industries (AUT)
Laraun (Nga Puhi, Te Rarawa) assists with administrative and financial duties, supporting the finance and administration manager. She also provides support with media liaison and public relations, particularly for events and campaigns that Waiora undertake.

Laraun has a Bachelor of Communications Studies with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Creative Industries from AUT University. She has been involved in many public relations roles while studying, including several high-profile charity events.

Scarlet Gibbs

Receptionist

After graduating high school in 2007 she worked at both Air New Zealand and Telecom in Customer Services before moving on to Waiora. In her spare time she enjoys being actively involved in the community as a Surf Life Saver at Bethells Beach, along with many of her friends and family.

Delane Mackie

Health Promotions Coordinator

Delane (Nga Puhi, Te Patu Harakeke) recently joined the team at Waiora Healthcare as Health Promotions Coordinator and is responsible for promoting health and well-being and customising programmes to meet specific needs in West Auckland communities.

Delane is passionate about raising awareness of the importance of physical and mental health through coordinated exercise and dietary regimes. Delane aims to empower the public to develop healthier lifestyles and to increase confidence in their ability to succeed.

When he is not working hard, Delane enjoys spending time with his family and loves outdoor activities including rugby league, running, biking, scuba diving, camping, league.

Anne Shepherd

Registered Nurse

Anne is responsible for our Outreach Immunisation Service, giving whanau who have difficulty getting their Tamariki to their medical centre, the chance to have their immunisations. This free service offers immunisation in the home or in a community setting.

As an authorised Vaccinator, Anne has had many years of experience working as a practice nurse and working with other Outreach Immunisation Services. Anne is very committed and passionate about keeping our Whanau well, by offering immunisation and providing support and encouragement to Whanau.

Anne is a grandmother who loves sailing, photography, handcrafts, travelling and scuba diving, and also volunteers at SPCA fostering animals.