CHAIR

Garth is a practising barrister, specialising in insurance, civil litigation, medico-legal cases, and health and safety. Alongside his legal career, he is deeply involved in various pursuits. He chaired The Arts Foundation of New Zealand and served as a Trustee of the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation, demonstrating his dedication to fostering the arts.

Garth’s passion for cricket extends to his role as a cricket commentator, while his commitment to sports is further exemplified by his honorary presidency of New Zealand Football. His professional achievements and diverse engagements embody his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact both professionally and within the wider community.

Janine Morrell-Gunn, a distinguished Trustee and devoted Ambassador for Māia since September 2018, is a leading figure in New Zealand's children's television production. With a notable career at TVNZ, including a seven-year tenure as Executive Producer of the Children's Unit, Janine's expertise is widely recognised.

In 1998, she co-founded Whitebait Media, a renowned production company based in Christchurch, alongside her husband, Jason Gunn. Beyond her achievements in television, Janine actively contributes to the community. Currently serving as the Chair of Cholmondeley Children's Centre, she plays a pivotal role in supporting children's well-being. Janine's commitment to making a difference extends to her role as a Trustee of the Uru Manuka Trust, where she continues to enhance the lives of individuals in need. Notably, during the challenging times of the Canterbury earthquakes, Janine established Adopt a Christchurch Family, a highly successful charitable initiative that raised over $1 million to aid families facing hardship in the region.

With over 20 years of experience in accounting, private equity, banking, and consulting, Sinead has forged a successful career, holding senior positions at esteemed organizations such as PwC, Accenture, ANZ, and BNZ across the globe.

Recently appointed as a Director for the Bank of China, Sinead now resides in Christchurch, where she offers valuable expertise in succession planning, strategy, and financial advice. She also serves as a director for various organizations. Sinead is also currently the Chair at Assistance Dogs New Zealand. Sinead's diverse background, encompassing finance, consulting, and international experience, equips her with a unique perspective and valuable insights in her endeavours, she is passionate about guiding Canterbury towards sustainable growth, ensuring a prosperous future for the next generation.

Jock is a respected professional with a strong presence in the health sector, serving as a Director for several health-related businesses.

These include The Heart Centre at St George's, NZ Flying Doctors Trust, and Pegasus Health Charitable Ltd. Prior to his involvement in the health sector, Jock gained extensive experience in major contract management, sales, and marketing, with BP Oil, and financial services with Westpac. His diverse background equips him with a unique skill set that he leverages to shape the success and direction of these organisations. Jock's Directorships demonstrate his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting community initiatives. With his expertise in contract management, sales, and financial services, he brings a well-rounded perspective to the health sector. Through his strategic leadership, Jock continues to make a positive impact in the industry and to society.

Sarcha Every is a co-Founder and Director of Decipher Group, a Christchurch-based executive recruitment and strategic human resources consultancy.

Sarcha has extensive business management and recruitment experience in New Zealand and abroad and develops strategic partnerships between businesses and people by working alongside chief executives and boards to connect the world’s best talent with exciting opportunities. Sarcha is thrilled to now contribute directly to Māia Health Foundation’s mission of building a world-class health system. She is dedicated to driving positive change in healthcare and making a meaningful impact for the community.

Dr Saxon Connor has been an HPB Surgeon at Christchurch Hospital since 2005, following specialist training in New Zealand and further HPB training in the United Kingdom. Passionate about digital innovation, Saxon has led Canterbury’s e-clinical health programme and partnered with tech companies to bring practical workflow solutions into hospitals. He has published more than 130 articles and has served on editorial boards and professional associations across Australasia and internationally.

With his depth of expertise and commitment to improving healthcare, Māia is lucky to have Saxon’s leadership and insight guiding our work.

Gabrielle is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in governance, particularly in the fields of health, environment, and communications.

Previously Gabrielle was the Deputy Chair of the Canterbury District Health Board, where she demonstrated her expertise and commitment to the healthcare sector. Additionally, Gabrielle serves as the Chief Executive of Te Kura Taka Pini, a company focused on strategic work related to freshwater in the Ngāi Tahu tribal area. Gabrielle's remarkable contributions and dedication have been recognised with the prestigious MNZM insignia in 2018 for her services to Māori and governance. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her an invaluable asset as a Trustee, bringing a wealth of insights and perspectives to the board.

Becky holds the pivotal role of Executive Director of Nursing at Health New Zealand Canterbury. With a nursing career spanning over four decades since 1982, she brings extensive experience and expertise to her role.

Becky's qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management, as well as a Masters in Health Science. Becky also serves as the Executive Lead for Manawa Governance and contributes to the Te Papa Hauora (Health Precinct) Advisory Council. Her involvement extends to professional organizations such as the Nurse Executives of New Zealand and the College of Nurses Aotearoa, where she actively contributes to the nursing profession. Becky's dedication and leadership within the healthcare sector make her an influential figure in nursing. Her qualifications, experience, and affiliations reflect her commitment to advancing nursing practice and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery, Becky plays a crucial role in shaping the healthcare landscape in Canterbury and beyond.

Ekant Veer is a multi-award winning Professor of Marketing at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. His research focuses on health promotion, social marketing, transformative consumer research and generally all areas where marketing can be used to benefit society, rather than harm it.

He has been published in numerous academic journals but is also passionate about seeing academic work translated into real-world impact. He is committed to the not-for-profit sector, especially in the area of health and governance work. In the rare spare time he has he spends his time with his wife and children, exploring back country New Zealand with his camera, singing poorly and occasionally spending time photographing our cosmos.

Hamish is the Managing Director of Colliers International in Christchurch and a Director of Colliers International New Zealand. Recognised as one of the most influential and well-connected investment brokers in the South Island—and among the most successful in New Zealand—Hamish brings deep expertise in commercial property, investment strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

With a strong track record of leading transformative property projects, Hamish has played a pivotal role in revitalising Christchurch’s central city, working closely with developers, investors, and major office tenants to shape a vibrant and resilient urban environment.

His strategic insight, leadership experience, and extensive networks add significant value to the Maia Health Foundation board as it continues to drive forward innovative and impactful health projects for the Canterbury community.

Joel became a Māia Trustee in 2025.  He currently serves as General Manager Commercial & Business Improvement at ANZCO Foods, a role he stepped into in early 2023 after joining the company in 2018 as the Head of Supply Chain and Procurement.

His work spans a broad portfolio, including commercial and legal affairs, corporate governance, key projects, and business improvement initiatives. Joel is also actively involved in many of ANZCO’s community and industry partnerships.

Prior to his role at ANZCO, Joel worked as a management consultant with Ernst & Young and began his career as a commercial solicitor at a national law firm, based in Christchurch.  

Joel is the proud father of two young children, Florence and Oscar, who keep him and his wife Rosa, on their toes.