Arohanui Hospice is proud to announce the appointment of four new trustees to its Board: Christina Gomes (Palmerston North), Andy Thompson (Tararua), Tomina Apiti (Horowhenua), and Daniel Goymer (Palmerston North). Together, they bring a wealth of experience, regional representation, and a deep personal commitment to the values and mission of Arohanui Hospice.
Each trustee contributes a unique professional background and a new perspective, enhancing the depth and diversity of the Board’s governance capability.
- Christina Gomes (Palmerston North) – A strategic leader with multi-industry experience, specialising in innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business growth.
- Andy Thompson (Tararua) – A seasoned HR and governance professional with leadership experience across public, private, and NGO sectors, committed to community wellbeing and cultural inclusivity.
- Tomina Apiti (Horowhenua) – A policy and governance specialist with a Te Ao Māori leadership lens, extensive board experience, and a deep commitment to compassionate, community-centred service.
- Daniel Goymer (Palmerston North) – An experienced IT manager with expertise in systems improvement, data governance, and digital transformation.
This broad mix of skills and sector knowledge strengthens the Board’s ability to lead with sound judgment and insight, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of both the organisation and the diverse communities it serves across Palmerston North, Tararua, Horowhenua, and surrounding regions.
Beyond their professional accomplishments, each trustee shares a strong connection to the values of Arohanui Hospice, demonstrating Whanaungatanga, Rangatiratanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Manaakitanga.
New trustee Tomina Apiti (Ngāti Te Wehi, Tainui) shared her motivation:
“It's an honour to join Arohanui Hospice and support whānau through such important times. I’ve seen the difference their aroha and care make for whānau, including my own, during life’s tender moments. It’s a privilege to serve alongside three other new trustees, each bringing unique skills and perspectives, as we join the established board to ensure the future and sustainability of Arohanui Hospice for our community.”
The appointment of these four trustees marks an exciting new chapter for Arohanui Hospice – introducing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to complement the strength and continuity of the existing Board. Together, they form a robust governance team, united by a common purpose: ensuring that patients with life-limiting illness and their whānau continue to receive specialist palliative care and support free of charge.
Arohanui Hospice Board Chair, Lorraine Vincent, warmly welcomed the new members:
"We’re delighted to welcome Christina, Andy, Tomina, and Daniel to the Arohanui Hospice Board. Our new trustees bring valuable energy and thinking as Arohanui Hospice heads towards another period of development. They are a wonderful complement to the strengths and experience of the existing Board. Our communities can be assured looming decisions and challenges will be thoughtfully negotiated by a strong, stable governance team in liaison with Arohanui’s senior leadership.”
