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We are Wellington-based and are a small but dedicated team. Chief executive is Mary Schumacher, National Funding Manager is Rachel Thompson, Geeta Unka looks after accounts, and Mary Davie administration support.
Our patron
Sir Roy McKenzie
Sadly, Sir Roy died at his Wellington home on September 1 2007, aged 84. He is sadly missed. “A great totara has fallen”.
Hospice New Zealand ambassador
Celebrity chef Jo Seagar
Our executive
Hospice New Zealand is governed by an executive committee which implements the national body’s vision and strategic plan.
They are, from left, back, Jill Woodward, Simon Allan, Suzanne Brocx and Thursa Kennedy. In front are Wilf Marley and Biddy Harford.
President Wilf Marley
Mr Marley is a trustee from North Shore Hospice with an accounting background. He recognises the need for a strong national body to support its members and achieve enough national and government profile to reinforce and enhance its leading position in hospice palliative care and related services for New Zealand’s terminally ill and their families.
Clinical medical adviser Simon Allan
Dr Allan is the medical director at Arohanui Hospice and is also clinical director for Palmerston North Hospital's Regional Cancer Treatment Service. Dr Allan brings to Hospice New Zealand a commitment to education and research in palliative care.
Committee members:
Suzanne Brocx
Mrs Brocx is the clinical manager for Hospice Bay of Islands and brings with her a passion for quality palliative care for a rural area with a high percentage of ethnic population.
Biddy Harford
Mrs Harford is the chief executive at Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt. She brings with her strength in management and the ability to establish relationships and an advocate of hospice palliative care.
Jill Woodward
Ms Woodward has been chief executive at Waipuna Hospice since 2002. She is a qualitified registered nurse and brings with her an interest in developing robust information systems to enhance collaborative and appropriate patient care.
Thursa Kennedy
Miss Kennedy has been a trustee of Hospice Southland since 1995 and was elected and chairwoman in 2004. As a registered nurse her career spans 35 years. She is committed to advocating for hospice patients and staff, and promoting the Hospice New Zealand quality of palliative care philosophy.