Arohanui Hospice is governed by a group of experienced and community-minded people.
All serve on the board as volunteers and offer significant knowledge and skills; contributing a lot to the organisation, over-and-above attending board meetings.
Lorraine Vincent – Board Chair
Chief Refresher of her own mentor and management consultancy and executive accommodation ventures, Lorraine is proud to be part of the Arohanui Hospice team. Born and raised in the Manawatū, she has also worked in media/communication, sports administration, and local government senior management roles. Currently a member of Business Mentors New Zealand, Lorraine is delighted to continue a long history of giving back to her community via hospice activities.
Ross Hadwin
Ross is currently managing partner at the Chartered Accounting firm BDO Manawatū. During his career Ross has specialised in Agribusiness, Business Advisory and Tax. He has been an accountant and business advisor for nearly 40 years and has expertise in project management, strategic planning, financial management and corporate governance. Ross was invited onto the board by Roger Clausen and former board member Rod McKenzie. He hopes to make a meaningful contribution to Arohanui Hospice and the community by sharing his wealth of business knowledge with fellow members.
Ross enjoys living on his lifestyle block, gardening, walking, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Murray Georgel
Murray is a governor of a number of local organisations, both “for profit” and “not for profit”, covering diverse sectors including health, infrastructure, agri-tech and performing arts. Murray became a Trustee of Arohanui Hospice in 2016.
Sharon Wards
Sharon Wards brings with her a diverse background in science, health, and governance. She resides in Dannevirke and until recently she had the privilege of leading Tararua Health Group, a role she held for over 21 years. During that time she worked closely with Arohanui Hospice so appreciates the value of delivery of our services into rural communities. She serves as a District Councillor, is a keen farmer, and advocates for many health and social services within Tararua through her membership on many committees.
Bryan Guy
Bryan Guy has extensive governance experience with agricultural and community-based organisations. He has spent 45 years dairy farming in the Manawatū and is a former director of Livestock Improvement Corporation and a former trustee of the Eastern and Central Community Trust. Bryan and his wife, Joanne, live near Feilding and place a great importance on family, relationships, and community. Bryan has huge respect for what has been achieved by volunteers and staff of Arohanui hospice over many years and he looks forward to the opportunity to contribute building on this legacy.
David Andrews
David Andrews has a background in a wide range of government and private sectors, including disability, immigration, energy, and tourism. David and his wife are the owners of House of Travel The Square, Palmerston North and he is a member of Enable New Zealand’s Strategic Advisory Group. Previously he was the General Manager and Operations Director at Enable New Zealand. David joined the Arohanui Hospice Board in 2020.
Julie Knighton
Julie Knighton has worked in various leadership roles for Fonterra developing a range of skills in research, manufacturing, project and operations management, and leadership coaching. Early in 2021, she moved to MyFarm Investments. As General Manager of Business at myFarm, Julie is responsible for ensuring that the MyFarm business team efficiently and effectively manges the growing portfolio of assets profitably, while maintaining investor satisfaction. Julie is excited about the opportunity to contribute her skills to the future growth and development of Arohanui Hospice.
Bernie Hanaray
Responding to the Board’s 2020 challenge for additional members, Bernie Hanaray recently joined the Board of Trustees.
He brings to this role a varied experience in General Management and Directorship roles over many years with International companies including overseas service in Asia, Ireland and Africa. A resident of Manakau in the Horowhenua, he is enjoying the coast climate and lifestyle with his wife. Both are kept busy involved in the local community, keeping up with family and friends. Bernie is pleased to take up this opportunity to contribute to the work and ongoing development of the Arohanui Hospice.
John Freebairn
A partner at Freebairn & Hehir, Lawyers, John Freebairn has been a board member since 2005 and was Chairman from 2011 to 2019. He is involved in several other community and charitable groups and provides legal advice and committee support. John has been a lawyer for over 40 years, is a past President of the Rotary Club of Palmerston North and has honoured by the Rotary Club with the Paul Harris Fellowship and Sapphire pin. John lives on the outskirts of Palmerston North with his wife Vicki, and they have four adult children. John says he is pleased to be able to combine his enjoyment of the Manawatū lifestyle and people with his legal and personal skills to assist the work of Arohanui Hospice
Dr Curtis Walker
(Te Whakatōhea rāua ko Ngāti Porou)
Formerly a veterinarian, Dr Curtis Walker retrained in human medicine and now lives in Palmerston North. He practices as a general physician and kidney specialist with MidCentral DHB. Currently the Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand, Deputy Chair of the Māori Doctors Association and recently appointed the Health NZ Board, his career has involved secondary and tertiary clinical care as well as roles across governance and public policy. Having spent some time at Arohanui during his training, Curtis is proud to be part of a dedicated team, helping to deliver our important care to the people and whānau of our community.