Chairperson – Community Representative
E-mail: matahiia@xtra.co.nz
Appointed to board – 2017. Chairperson 2021 – current.
Hospice NZ board member 2019 to current. Deputy chair 2020 to current
I bring to the role of board member first-hand knowledge of palliative care in action. Having lived in Ruatoria and worked as a rural health nurse for many years, I am well aware of the continuing challenges faced by staff, patients and whānau.
My experience and understanding of hospice is widespread. Whilst I started as a volunteer supporting patients and whanau, I have also benefitted from hospice services on a personal level, with four very close family members needing the service – at home, in a hospice, and in aged care. Although now also in a governance role I continue to volunteer with patients and whanau, and wherever else needed. I find this gives me a true sense of ‘why we do what we do’ and the ability to see the impact hospice services make first hand. A result I am very proud to be a small part of.
I have been involved at trustee level with Kohanga Reo, and school boards both primary (East Coast) and secondary (Hawkes Bay) and on a government-funded group to improve educational outcomes on the East Coast. I recently served three terms on the Hospital Advisory Committee, am a past trustee for Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust, and current chair of Eastwoodhill Arboretum.