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.

Ngila has over 15 years experience as a legal professional and human rights advocate primarily in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Europe. She has held numerous senior executive and governance roles in the justice, disability and social development sectors.

Ngila is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, a non-practicing Barrister of the Middle Temple, and holds a BscEcon in International Relations and MscEcon in Security Studies from the University of Wales. She currently provides consultancy services to organisations aiming to realise equitable service provision, particularly for Māori.

Although from the Far North, Ngila was brought up in Wales and lived in Australia for many years. She now lives in Wellington with her young family.

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.

I am Sarah France, a doctor specialising in the mental health of older adults. I have been appointed to the board to bring a clinical perspective from my work here at Taranaki DHB where I specifically provide care for the more rural areas of our district.

I also bring to the position knowledge of the aged care system both in the UK, where I completed my basic medical training and Australia, where I worked for 9 years completing my specialist training. In my spare time I like nothing more than walking the dog or getting out and exploring the hidden treasures of the New Zealand countryside.

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.

Sheryl’s career has frequently involved working with older people in some way. This has included supporting people with dementia in all its stages. As a teenager she worked in two Auckland rest homes before training as a nurse.

Sheryl’s current competencies are underpinned by a broader than usual range of governance and management roles in regional, national and international organisations. She has a depth of health and disability sector experience and expertise, including Chief Nurse, General Manager and Chief Executive roles. Sheryl is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and an ICF Associate Certified Coach. She has a Master of Business Administration, Diploma of Health Administration, as well as certificates in Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies.

Sheryl’s governance roles have spanned government, not-for-profit, professional, private sector and charitable entities. Since 2014, she has chaired Beetham Healthcare, an independent age-related care service in Gisborne. Her own company, Pivotal, specialises in executive coaching and independent facilitation of group decision-making. Sheryl has two children and lives in Mangawhai with her husband.

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).