Alzheimers NZ Board

Clare was elected to the Alzheimers NZ Board in May 2020. Previously she was Chair of Alzheimers Manawatu for 6 years and on the Board for 9 years. Clare is chair of the Alzheimers NZ National Donor Programme Committee.

In her role as a community pharmacist she has helped many older people with their medication, health and wellbeing. This passion and commitment extends to wanting to support people with dementia and their families. She has supported friends and family members care for loved ones with dementia.

Clare was previously Deputy Chair of the THINK Hauora (PHO) Board, on the THINK Hauora Digital and Clinical Governance Committee, and on the Takaro Rotary Club Board. She is a past member of the National Executive of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and was made a Fellow of the Society in 2019 for services to the profession.

Teresa started her professional life as a nurse specialising in renal care at Wellington regional hospital.

She has spent many years as a health official working in central government starting in a  policy analyst role progressing to  being a member of the Ministry of Health executive team as the Deputy Director-General Māori Health as well as serving for a short period as the Deputy Director-General of Policy and Strategy.

Since leaving the Ministry of Health, as Director of Wall Consultants she has focused on providing consultancy services to organisations to strengthen their Māori health and equity focus.

Alister was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s in 2014, aged 60. Alister cared for his father who was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his 60’s.

Alister graduated from Lincoln University, in 1978 with Bachelor Agricultural Commerce. Spent the following 30+ years in rural finance providing financial services to the primary sector. He also enjoyed many years advocating and promoting primary industry management within the Waikato and nationally. He was a Board member and awarded Life Membership of NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management.

After retiring from banking, Alister owned a Motel business in Taupo for 4 years and retail business in Napier for 4 years, which has since been relinquished.

Following Alister’s diagnosis he is fortunate enough to attend a day programme run by Dementia Hawkes Bay, two days a week.

Alister has become an active member and advocate for raising awareness and living well with Dementia. Alister was invited to join the Advisory Group for Alzheimers New Zealand in 2017.

Alister joined Dementia Alliance International (DAI) in 2016 and was elected as Chair in 2021. Alister joined the DAI and Alzheimers NZ boards in 2018. He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in recognition of his services to people with dementia mate wareware in 2024.

Celia was appointed to the Alzheimers NZ Board in 2023. She is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and brings broad governance experience from a range of national and international boards, predominantly in the not-for-profit sector.

Celia started her professional career in financial services working in retail banking, service delivery and corporate office roles including 10 years as a member of the BNZ executive team. Following a successful career in the private sector, Celia transitioned to the public sector, where she has worked in social housing, transport and social services, with her last role as Deputy Chief Executive at Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children.

Celia has been involved in tennis both as a player and volunteer from a young age and was recognised for her service to tennis in the 2022 New Year’s Honours as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Michelle has worked in the Aged Care and Disability sectors for the past 37 years, undertaking various roles including hands on support, management, policy and governance in private business, not for profit and government organisations.

During her time in aged care, Michelle particularly enjoyed the opportunity to support people living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia mate wareware.  She has walked with many whānau experiencing the dementia mate wareware journey and has a passion for whānau wellbeing.

Michelle’s commitment to community extends to governance roles such as a community representative with a PHO board, the District Council and the then District Health board, as well as School Board of Trustees and local community organisations.

Michelle brings a grassroots perspective and a commitment to strategic governance.

Eileen was appointed to the Alzheimers NZ Board in June 2024. She is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and brings a broad range of governance experience – both from a not for profit – local and national body perspective as well as from a government/crown entity perspective.

Eileen started her professional career in the food industry – working both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. She then moved into the public sector where she has worked at a range of organisations including Statistics New Zealand, Foundation for Research Science and Technology, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Eileens work in the not-for-profit sector includes Zealandia and the YMCA at both the National and local level. As well as enjoying being an active baker as part of Good Bitches Baking. Eileens experience with Alzheimer’s primarily comes through supporting whānau and friends who have lived through the experience of a loved one with Alzheimers.

Dr Daniel Allan works as a Psychiatrist of Older People, based in several services throughout the South Island. He has an interest in rural and minority groups that are often underserved in this area of Medicine. In other roles, he is a committee member for the NZ Branch of Old Age Psychiatrists, works as a General Adult Psychiatrist in community psychiatry and a Senior Clinical Lecturer. He has occupied academic positions and has a special interest in capacity assessment of older people.

In a life before medicine, Dr Allan worked as a Director-Producer for an award-winning International Television Production Company. He has completed degrees in environmental science and science communication and worked as a land-based scientist for several years.

Dr Allan is passionate about the journey of people and carers living with dementia mate wareware. Today amongst clinical work and further study into health law and bioethics, he works as a strong advocate for these valuable members of our society.