Mary Morrissey

Chairperson

I am an experienced Practice Manager with over 20 years in primary care and long standing involvement with PMAANZ. She currently works in a six doctor GP practice near the centre of New Plymouth and has experience across a range of settings, from extended hours clinics in Christchurch to large multi site practices and solo practices in Taranaki.

Mary has held leadership roles within PMAANZ, including Treasurer and Chairperson of the Taranaki branch and Executive Treasurer. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and a Diploma in Practice Management.

Outside work, she is a mother of 2 boys and a volunteer for a local animal rescue.

Heath Walters

Secretary

Kia ora, I am Heath Walters, General Manager of Halswell Health. I work with a wonderful team of around 70 to provide care to our 20,000 enrolled patients in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Following a 15-year career in commercial banking I joined a construction company at the peak of the Canterbury rebuild and then the health sector at the peak of the pandemic. I’m not one to shy away from a challenge!

Having been a PMAANZ member since 2021 I have come to appreciate the support, networking opportunities and “hive mind” that the association provides. I was pleased to start to give back last year by presenting at conference and look forward to doing the same this year. I’m passionate about the place general practice holds in Aotearoa’s health landscape and if elected to the executive want to do what I can to ensure it remains sustainable – financially and for its people. I believe in the power of the team, continuous improvement and above all else – people.

At Halswellhealth I report to a board of Directors. I have skills in governance, finance, HR and systems and play a part in setting Halswell Health’s strategic direction and then executing that plan.

I’m a father of 2 amazing boys (11 and 5). Outside of work I am an independent marriage celebrant, occasional employment advocate, member of the band Cabarnet (which last year raised $60,000 for Ashburton’s local theatre), avid theatre goer.

Wendy Harris

Treasurer

It is an honour to have been nominated to serve on the PMAANZ Executive Board and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of PMAANZ.   

I graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Social Sciences and then returned to University in my adulthood to complete postgraduate studies in Health Sciences and Social Work Supervision. I have been fortunate to have worked in a number of social services and health organisations throughout my career including youth work and community mental health, eventually becoming a team leader which introduced me to business management and policy. An opportunity to teach business studies at Te Wananga o Aotearoa strengthened my interest in business and supporting staff which led to a role as an HR consultant. Through this role I was introduced to Cambridge Medical Centre who invited me to apply for the role as Business Manager. I have been with this amazing team for seven years and got involved with PMAANZ very early on, eventually becoming the Chair for the PMAANZ Waikato Branch.

Outside of work I am an avid runner (watch out as I might drag you along with me!), am married to Mike and have two gorgeous daughters Sophie and Lillie.

Ruth Mansell

Membership

Thank you for the privilege of serving on the PMAANZ Executive. I am honoured to contribute to such a dedicated and inspiring team.

I have been working at GP Central for the past 23 years. I began as a receptionist and was in that role for 10 years before stepping into being Practice Manager. We are a team of 13 GPs, 10 nurses, and 8 administrative staff spread across two clinics. We have over 14,000 patients and growing

I believe in the strength of our profession to support one another and to grow stronger together. I enjoy assisting other Practice Managers whenever I can and learning from the innovative ways other practices operate.

I’m looking forward to contributing to the PMAANZ community and growing alongside peers who share a commitment to leadership, innovation and best practice in healthcare management.

My husband and I live on a semi-rural lifestyle block of land, in West Auckland, while our two adult daughters are off doing their own adventures.

Terri Ross

Conference Convenor

Kia ora, I am Terri and I have been working as a Practice Manager for over 13 years.  I work at Clendon Family Health Centre, a hugely supportive VLCA practice in South Auckland. I am incredibly lucky to have an amazing team who allow me to work in a hybrid capacity four days a week and have fully supported me both professionally and personally over those 13 years.  

 I have been a member of PMAANZ since I became a Practice Manager and really value the support that PMAANZ offers. This year, I have also enjoyed sitting on the Conference Committee with a fantastic team of people committed to bringing you a wonderful Wellington conference in just a few weeks’ time.

Prior to becoming a Practice Manager, I studied a degree majoring in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and I have held roles at ACC, Breast Screening and Police.  I have also previously held governance board roles for two charities in South Auckland.

Outside of work, I live in Orewa and have a wonderfully supportive partner in Andy, and together we have 5 teenage boys, 2 male cats, and a gorgeous male dog (yes, you read that right, even the animals are all boys).  I am also the mother of a severely disabled non-verbal teenager, so have spent quite a few years advocating for him, and others requiring disability supports.  It goes without saying that disability, equity and health issues are all close to my heart.

Karen Greer

Communications

I have been a Practice Manager Specialist in the rural sector for 20+ years. I have also been involved with PMAANZ for quite a few of those years. I have always enjoyed the comradery of Practice Managers around the motu, the networking and support of others is what I enjoy.

I have lived in Bulls most of my life. The support of my husband Toni and my Girls, Ashley and Renee is one of the reasons I have put my hand up for becoming part of the Executive team. Also I am privileged to have the support from my Directors Dr Dave Baldwin and Dr Ken Young.

Work is a big part of my life. When I am not working. enjoy gardening, reading and traveling around Aotearoa. 

Being part of the Executive Committee will be a challenge and I am looking forward to collaborating with new members of PMAANZ to help out where needed.

Samantha Malloch

Education

Kia ora, I'm Samantha Malloch, Administration Supervisor at Takapuna Health in Auckland, where I've proudly worked for the past 13 years. I have a genuine passion for primary healthcare, leadership, and supporting the people who keep our practices running every day.

I have been actively involved with PMAANZ since 2019 and currently serve as the Auckland Branch Coordinator. During this time, I've enjoyed creating opportunities for members to connect through networking, education, and social events, while fostering collaboration and supporting professional growth within our community.

In July, I completed my Diploma of Leadership in Healthcare Practice through UNE Partnerships. I am passionate about continuous learning, mentoring others, and advocating for the important role practice managers and administrators play in delivering high-quality healthcare.

If elected to the PMAANZ Executive Board, I look forward to representing our members, contributing fresh ideas, strengthening member engagement, and helping shape the future of PMAANZ and the practice management profession across New Zealand.