ONZM, JP, Governance Consultant

A former Councillor and Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Brendan served as Mayor of Horowhenua from 2004 to 2016. In 2017, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to local government. Brendan is also the former Chair of the MidCentral District Health Board and it was during his term as Chair in 2021 that the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation, talked about for many years, was finally established.

“I’m grateful for the assistance of City Mayor Grant Smith and former MidCentral CEO Kath Cook in bringing this Foundation to life and I’m thrilled that we now have a vehicle to fund important, clinician-supported projects at the hospital.”

JP

A former bench-sitting District Court Judicial Justice of the Peace for the past decade, Trieste (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tū Wharetoa) is kaumātua with husband Wiremu of Mana Whenua Rangitāne o Manawatū. A long-time social and family counsellor, Trieste also sits on the boards of MASH Trust and Manawatū Community Law Centre, and is Ahi Kā (‘Keeps the fires burning’) host at Te Rangimarie Marae, Rangiotū.

“Ko te rino hei whakakoi mō te rino;

Waihoki ko te tangata anō hei, whakakoi i te mata o tōna hoa.

-Iron sharpens iron and one person sharpens the wits of another.”

JP, Mayor Palmerston North City

Prior to being elected a Palmerston North City Councillor in 2013 and City Mayor in 2015, Grant served on various local and national boards, several of these as chair. With a background in business ownership, management and development, he continues to spearhead community and council-based opportunities to progress Palmerston North, while representing, and advocating for the city at national forums.

“With the right partners and donors, this Foundation will provide huge benefit to healthcare in our community over the coming years and I’m humbled to be part of its beginning.”

Company Director

A third generation Palmerstonian, registered nurse and businesswoman, Vicki holds directorships in several companies including her family business Stewarts Mitre 10 Mega. She feels especially connected to the Palmerston North Hospital, having trained and worked there as a nurse, and seeing her father, Ron Eaton, give back to the community as one of the founders of  the Hospice Beef Scheme as well as managing the books for this and the Oncology Trust. 

“I recognise the immense value that such a Foundation can provide to the region. This is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside the community to raise funds to improve the wellbeing of patients.”

Distinguished Fellow, NZ Institute of Directors

As an initial adviser to the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation, Rodney recognised the need for a strong local voice in healthcare. A third-generation NZ-born Seeyip Cantonese, he brings over 40 years of public and private sector senior leadership, and both local and national governance experience to our board. In 2019, he received Palmerston North’s highest civic honour for outstanding voluntary community service and is a Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors.

"As a long-term sufferer of a chronic illness, I am acutely aware that the local community must champion their own health needs. The Foundation's efforts will positively impact the health of current and future generations.”

Director

A Chartered Director and Accountant, Neil has held executive leadership roles across various commercial enterprises and government entities, enabling the delivery of professional services both in New Zealand and internationally. He was previously the GM Finance & Corporate at MidCentral DHB before its integration into Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Born in Palmerston North, Neil has strong personal and family connections of service to Palmerston North Hospital over many decades.

“I feel privileged to participate in the work of this Foundation, which is uniquely positioned to assist the Hospital punching above its weight and supporting the health needs of the region it serves”