Our people - Hospice NZ

Wayne Naylor

Chief Executive Officer

Wayne joined the Hospice New Zealand team in 2021 following on from 9 years with Hospice Waikato in Hamilton as Director of Nursing. Over his nursing career he has worked primarily in oncology, haematology and palliative care. He has been a Research Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Lecturer. Wayne also spent almost four years as a Senior Analyst for the Palliative Care Council of New Zealand before moving to his current role.

Devon Diggle

Senior Advisor

Devon joined Hospice New Zealand from Mary Potter Hospice where he was Director of Strategy and Finance. He brings experience as a leader of major system change within complex and challenging environments. He has experience in health funding, data analysis, health service design, capital infrastructure and property.

Devon has had previous roles at Hospice New Zealand advising on national funding and strategy and with Capital and Coast DHB developing and implementing a regional palliative care strategy. Devon has a BA in Politics and Economics, and an MA in Economics. Prior to joining Hospice, Devon worked for the Ministry of Health and Sapere Research Group.

Gretchen Leuthart

Communications Manager

Gretchen joined the Hospice New Zealand team in October 2021. She brings diverse experience to her role following many years working in communications and stakeholder engagement across the government, consultancy and NGO space. Most recently her focus has been in the community development space where she has worked with Volunteer Service Abroad, ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, the Common Unity Project Aotearoa and Caritas Aotearoa. Gretchen has a Masters in International Development and her research – in the sphere of cross-cultural competency – explores how trust can be better understood as a way to evaluate and improve Māori and Pākehā relationships.

Rebecca Gibson

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Rebecca joined the Hospice New Zealand team in May 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience in executive administration and office management. Prior to this, she took time out of her career to focus on being a full-time mum to her two young children.

With a strong background supporting senior leadership in global technology companies, including her most recent role at Microsoft UK, Rebecca is known for her professionalism, efficiency, and ability to bring calm to fast-paced environments. Rebecca is deeply passionate about helping people and is committed to making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of others. Rebecca’s approach is grounded in empathy, service, and a genuine desire to support both individuals and teams to thrive.

Bernie Sellwood

Education Programmes Manager

Bernie joined the Hospice New Zealand team in June 2026, following a previous role with Te Whatu Ora Wairarapa as a Palliative Nurse Educator and Palliative Care Nurse. With just under 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in both New Zealand and Australia, Bernie is deeply committed to sharing knowledge that makes a real difference.

Passionate about education, Bernie believes it empowers people to feel informed, capable, and confident in supporting others with dignity and care. For Bernie, education is about passing on experience, creating connection, and helping to ensure people and their whānau feel supported when it matters most.

Jacqui Swain

Senior Advisor, Education

As Senior Advisor - Education, Jacqui provides strategic support for Hospice New Zealand's education programmes and works closely with the Education Programme Manager to help ensure high-quality, accessible learning opportunities continue to reach the health and care workforce across Aotearoa.

Jacqui joined Hospice New Zealand in June 2021. A registered nurse, qualified adult educator, and professional supervisor, Jacqui has extensive experience in hospice and palliative care, healthcare education, workforce development, and online learning design. She has led national education initiatives, developed digital learning programmes, and contributed to workforce and qualification reviews across the health sector. Jacqui is passionate about building capability in the palliative care workforce and supporting equitable access to high-quality palliative care education throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Gillian Ransom

Fundraising and Partnerships Manager

Gillian joined the Hospice New Zealand team in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in fundraising and philanthropy. She has held key roles at organisations including Plunket, Samaritans, and most recently served as Philanthropy Team Leader at the New Zealand Red Cross. With expertise across individual giving, bequests, corporate partnerships, major gifts, and community fundraising (including street appeals), Gillian is deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections between donors and causes.

Joanne Kinnaird

Grants Coordinator

Joanne joined Hospice New Zealand in May 2026, as the Grants Coordinator to help secure project and operation funding. Jo brings extensive fundraising experience from across the not-for-profit sector. She has worked with both large and small charities, securing funding from trusts and philanthropic partners to support vital community services they deliver.

For Joanne, the role is also personal. Having experienced the care and support hospice provided to her own family, she understands the difference hospices make at life's most important moments. She is delighted to be part of the Hospice NZ team and to help ensure these services continue to be available for people and whānau across Aotearoa.

Heather Kimber

Programme Manager

Heather joined Hospice New Zealand in January 2023, bringing vast experience in project management. Her work has included delivering health and safety workforce initiatives, healthy policy development, public health advocacy, and performance reporting and planning. Heather’s career spans a number of sectors including NGOs, local and regional government and District Health Boards. Heather is passionate about health and wellness, and the impact that wrap around health care services has on people’s lives.

Leah Tonks

Data Analyst and Administrator

Leah joined the Hospice New Zealand team in 2019 after 7 years in various roles with Tōtara Hospice. Leah has a strong background in most administrative areas within a hospice including education, volunteering, clinical administration and reporting. Leah's strong interest in Data Analytics have been instrumental in the development of the national Data Commons Infrastructure.

Min Su

Accountant

Min joined the Hospice New Zealand team in 2013 and oversees all aspects of our accounting systems and processes. Min has been working with small to medium not-for-profit organisations for many years and has experience in all areas of financial reporting including monthly management reporting and our year-end audit process. Min is the point of contact for members on all matters relating to accounts.

Our people | Ā Mātou Tāngata