Staff and Executive
The Staff Team
The staff are a small yet dynamic, enthusiastic team committed to implementing the kaupapa of HCA. Together they bring a wealth of experience in, and passion for, community owned, responsive primary health care organisations, that deliver services based on strong inequalities analysis.
The team consists of five fulltime staff and as well as a committed group of “contracted staff” who take on specific pieces of work on behalf of the network.
We aim to be responsive, inclusive and work within in an effective treaty -based framework.
Team Members
The Te Kaihautu, Rowena Gotty and National Coordinator, Petra van den Munckhof, jointly take responsibility for implementing the strategic direction of HCA and report directly to the HCA Executive.
The Te Wana Programme Coordinator, Stephanie Pope, has overall responsiblity for the delivery of the Te Wana Quality Programme.
The Te Wana Reviews Coordinator, Tania Forrest, is responsible for overall coordination of the development and accreditation reviews.
The Office Manager, Charlene Ratana is responsible for the day to day administration of the office and coordination of HCA events
Petra van den Munckhof
As National Co ordinator I am privileged to take joint responsibility alongside Rowena Gotty for implementing the agreed strategic direction for HCA. I have worked in this role since October 2003.
Prior to this I managed the Newtown Union Health Service, a founding member of HCA and was also a member of the HCA Executive. I have always worked in the community sector including my time as a teacher through the mid 70s and 80s.
I am passionate about the HCA kaupapa and feel privileged to work for this network of innovative primary health care services who work on a daily basis to give reality to community driven, responsive services.
Rowena Gotty
Working in in a joint role as the Te Kaihautu, is not new for me. I have worked for HCA for eight years, six as a Te Wana co-director before spending time as the acting CEO of Ngati Porou Hauora, then Practice Manager at the Ruanui Health Centre in Taranaki.
As a past Executive member, a provider member, and staff member, I bring not only a wealth of knowledge but also a number of perspectives to our organisation.
Stephanie Pope
My role as Te Wana Quality Progamme Coordinator involves building and promoting the programme , developing new standards and client support resources as well as training for reviewers and review coordinators.
I have over thirty years experience in the health sector including nursing , community develoment, management and volunteer placements in the Pacific and Africa. For the last 10 years I have been inspired by working with organisations embarked on quality systems development journey.
While my appointment to Te Wana staff position is recent, I have been privileged to be involved with the Te Wana programme from the outset.
Tania Forrest
The role of the Te Wana Review Coordinator is to provide support to organisations that are on the quality improvement journey. My nursing background, my experience in Maori health policy, along with the development of speciality clinical education programmes, brings valuable knowledge and skills to this role.
I was motivated to take this role ecasue of my like minded thinking around the organisational values and philosophy – social justice and the vision of health and wellbeing for all people.
Charlene Ratana
I have worked within the health sector since 2000. Prior to working with HCA I was employed by Ngati Porou Hauora as the Receptionist/Administrator Team Leader for the Ruatoria Community Health Centre.
I think one of my strengths lies in great customer service skills. This has been commented on by many of the members of HCA. I have the ability to manage workplace dynamics in a very busy office. I, like my colleagues are very supportive of the kaupapa of this organisation.
Consultants and Advisors
The Enhanced Management Programme EMS project worker, Nigel Chee is responsible for coordinating and implementing the identified EMS projects and reports to the national co ordinator.
Business Advisor - Pat Snedden
I have been advising HCA members and staff on the various aspects of business management and strategies since 1994. My professional life began in publishing after graduating in 1979 from Auckland University in accounting, economics and anthropology.
Since 1982 I have worked as an economic adviser to the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board and I am part of their Treaty negotiation team. I have been a corporate director for many and was a founding director of Mai FM, this country’s first Maori commercial radio station.
I currently chair the Counties Manukau District Health Board and Housing New Zealand Corporation. I am deputy-Chair of the ASB Community Trust and I am a director for Watercare Services.
HCA members are among the leaders in primary healthcare practice. I have a profound respect and commitment to the principles and kaupapa that they adhere too.
My role involves writing HCA’s quarterly newsletter, Nga korero o te Motu, as well as working with members and staff on communications issues. I also liaise with the media as necessary. In this role I am constantly coming across innovative, responsive and inclusive primary health care practice. The commitment of the individuals working across HCA services is truly inspiring.
I have over 20 years experience in the media and communication field and presently work with a number of organisations in the community and voluntary sector.
Information Management Analysis Advisor - Susan Iverson
HCA Executive
National Chairperson - Chris Clarke
Tena koutou katoa. I have worked in health most of my working life, initially as a social worker, later moving into management including spending nearly a decade with Mental Health Services in the Wairarapa. I have been Manager at Newtown Union Health Service for the past 2 years and prior to this I was Manager of the Whangaroa Health Services Trust in Te Tai Tokerau.
In today’s political environment and with so many competing interests focusing on Government, it is imperative that the kaupapa and issues faced by our services and the communities that we live and work alongside are heard and appreciated by those making critical policy and funding decisions.
To this end I see HCA as having a vital role in providing a national voice to these issues and in advocating high quality, accessable and affordable services to those who need them most - to those with the least voice. I look forward to my continuing association with HCA and to seeing the benefit of these endeavours.
Deputy Chairs
Tena koutou katoa, Hikurangi te maunga, Waiapu te awa, Ngati Porou te iwi, ko Jeannine Stairmand taku ingoa.
I work for Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services, Seaview, as a co-ordinator. I was nominated by the Maori caucus at the recent AGM and this will be my third year on the HCA executive.
I liken the following whakatauaki to the potential Health Care Aotearoa has, Tini whetu e iti pokeao, a multitude of stars, a small dark cloud. Just as a small cloud can cover many stars a small body of resolute people can defeat big challenges.
I look forward to developing my expertise as an exec member and contributing to the development of HCA so members and our people may benefit as a result of our endeavours.
Executive
Alayna Watene
It has been my privilege to work for my iwi since 1987, in management roles. My first role was working for Te Runanganui o Ngati Kahungunu as Mana Enterprise Co ordinator. Since 1993 I have worked for Te Taiwhenau o Heretaunga, currently as Kaiwhakahaere Matua.
The organisation has mana whenua mandate and offers cultural, social, educational and hauora kaupapa maori services to the maori community of Hastings District. In 1993 Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga first entered into health sector as a maori health provider. We had limited capacity and capability. We were anxious to find support systems to help us develop a sustainable service.
This support came in 1994 in the form of HCA. Our hauora services have grown and expanded to now include primary (medical), Oranga Niho (dental), hinengaro, Te Wana accreditation and a partnership in Tu Meke First Choice PHO. HCA has been alongside us on this journey and my role on the executive is our way of giving back to the wider membership.
Tena Koutou Katoa, Ko Aoraki te Mauka, Ko Waitaki te Awa, Ko Kaitahu te Iwi, Ko June Swindells taku ingoa.
Te Amorangi Richmond has been a part of Health Care Aotearoa since 2001. The journey has been productive, exciting and stimulating.
My personal journey began as the Practice Manager for Piki Te Ora Medical Centre and as the centre expanded, I became the Community Services Manager. Our links with the Medical Centre are now under the management of our PHO partner, Union Health. This has cemented our working relationship with support services available for all low income and high needs people.
Maori and Pacific programmes are prominent and our links with CDHB and NGO’s are imperative in today’s health environment. Our involvement with HCA and the commitment from this organisation to provide quality, affordable and meaningful services to people less fortunate than others has been a driving force behind our own dedication.
Isobel Hawley
I am deputy chair of the Waiheke Health Trust and joint chair of the Ti Kapa Moana PHO, Waiheke Island. These governance roles are voluntary.
I am a registered nurse with a substantial background in health management and nursing education. I have worked in both the private and public sectors and in rural and urban health settings. I find it valuable in these roles to be on the national executive of HCA which gives the local community a national perspective.
I have lived on Waiheke Island for the last ten years where I own and publish the local newspaper with my partner.
Le Malama R Faatui
Talofa Lava, I am a board member/Chairperson of Pacific Health Services Hutt Valley representing the Samoan Community. Working for MidValley PHO as Pacific Community Health Worker at Naenae. I represent Pacific Health Services Hutt Valley in the HCA.
I wish to make sure that whatever assistance HCA can give to some other Pacific Providers, I will advise them accordingly. My main aim while an executive of HCA is to increase membership from P.I sources/providers and also to assist HCA to maintain its good work with the Government, MOH and providers.
Other community involvement- Taita Trust Board and the Wellington Community Interpreting Service.
Faafetai Lava
Soifua
Joe Topia
I have been with Hauora Hokianga since its formation in 2004. I represent the Panguru clinic area, which is on the North Hokianga. I have been the Trust Chairman since 2000. I am committed to our vision and philosophy and my aim is to keep the autonomy of Hauora Hokianga in place.
I am a beef stock farmer, community person and together with my wife Amie we take part in all community activities.
Brent Morrissey
I’ve been on the executive of HCA since 1994 and its Secretary/Treasurer since 1996. During that time I have managed Otara Union Health Centre and served one term on the Counties Manukau DHB.
Otara Union Health is a foundation member of HCA and remains committed to its’ core principals, particularly in relation to the provision of quality healthcare for low-income working people.
Ben Tahata
I am currently Chairperson of Ngati Porou Hauora (NPH) Board. I am also responsible for the overall management of NPH as Executive Chair. My background is in commercial management and administration.
I am also a member of Tairawhiti DHB Board.
Sara Townshend
This will be my second term on the Executive of HCA, with a gap in the middle. I have been on the Trust Board of 198 Youth Health Centre for the last 6 years, and also have also helped out in the office when needed (after school, waiting for Mum to finish work), prior to standing for the Board.
I was introduced to 198 through my mother who was a founding staff member 12 years ago. 198 Youth Health Centre provides free medical and counseling services for youth aged between 10 and 25.
I am committed to the delivery of free medical and mental health services for Christchurch's most needy young people. I work full time in a bank during the week which is my paid employment, this allows me to continue my voluntary work in the community.
Tavita Filemoni
Ou te fa’atalofa atu I le paia ma le mamalu o Health Care Aotearoa. Fa’afetai I le avanoa ua tu’uina mai e auauna ai I o matou tagata atumotu I lalo o le fa’amalu o le HCA.
I am the manager of Pacific Health Service Wellington. We serve pacific, maori, and palangi in Porirua. I am also the Minister to the Porirua and Wellington Wesleyan Congregations. I’ve worked for the community all my life (and will remain so for the rest of my life). I believe in the potential of people and I strive to be happy and have a good laugh. Being part of HCA is about working together in partnership with the community to strengthen our communities.