Michelle Te Kira

Chairperson

Kia ora Koutou - Ko Michelle Te Kira taku ingoa. I feel very privileged to have been invited to join the executive team at PMAANZ and look forward to getting stuck in and meeting new people, sharing, learning and having some fun as well while we are at it. I was born in Napier grew up in Waiouru then Hamilton where I did my High School and Tertiary Training at Waikato University. I have lived in Auckland for 30 years but as of April 2021 am moving to become General Manager of Three Rivers Medical in Tairawhiti.

I have worked in the Health Sector since 2005. I am passionate about reducing inequalities in healthcare, and working with very high needs populations. My main role is to support my team with robust policies and systems, to enable high quality healthcare provision, within sound and viable business practices.

I am very lucky to have had amazing support throughout my career in health and I am really looking forward to using my experience to support other members, I see Practice Management as a growing workforce which now requires highly skilled, multi skilled people which is why I am passionate also about further education, upskilling and support for administrators coming through and current managers.

After two years as Education Portfolio holder I’m very honoured to be representing PMAANZ and all our members as the new Chair.

Heidi Bubendorfer

Secretary

I have enjoyed the role as secretary for the Executive for the past year and am looking forward to working with our new executive members.

I am passionate about health and am lucky enough to have worked in this field for a large chunk of my life.

I trained as an RN in the late 1980’s and until very recently, worked at a Practice in West Auckland for 20 years in a mixed clinical and managerial role. I am now part of the Quality team at the RNZCGP and am learning the role of Cornerstone Assessor.

I am very excited about my new role and hope to bring my primary care expertise to the table with the development of the “New simplified” Cornerstone and Foundations modules.

Professionally, I have learnt a lot this last year. An unexpected positive spin off of being on the executive team was that it re-invigorated me in my day to day work. I can really recommend being more involved in PMAANZ- also at Branch level, the work is rewarding and the networking invaluable.

I live with my Partner in Onehunga and have 2 grown daughters who both live in Germany – too far away for my liking! Consequently I recently acquired a puppy ????

Recreationally I enjoy the great outdoors; sailing, biking and hiking. I love music and reading and of course catching up with friends and family.

Jennifer (Jen) Kaponga

Conference Co-Convener

Hi everyone, my name is Jen and I am from the North Shore, Auckland. 

I am the Operation Manager at Auckland ENT Group, a private practice of ENT specialists, and have been since 2015. Prior to that I spent four years as Team Leader in WDHB’s Patient Services Centre, my first foray into health, after 25 years in local government. Working with Consultants, patients and families brought out my passion for health and I have loved my new role.

I joined PMAANZ in 2015, attracted by the support of the Organisation. Private practice can be isolating and PMAANZ has provided me, insight and clarity on many issues that other members have faced.

Although I am new to the committee, I am very excited to be part of the PMAANZ Executive team and look forward to representing our members and providing my knowledge and experience gained from both DHB and private sector health management. I am a natural ‘social networker’ and therefore the ‘Communications/Webmaster’ portfolio seemed a natural fit!

Outside work I am married to Ratapu (29 years) and have two sons and six grandchildren. I am a bit of a collector of shoes and handbags (which can get me into trouble with hubby!). I enjoy fishing and hiking, going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.

Mary Ford

Treasurer

I have been a Practice Manager and involved in PMAANZ for 20+ years. I currently work in a 6 Doctor GP practice close to the town centre of New Plymouth. I have worked in a variety of settings from an A&M extended hours clinic in Christchurch, a 70 staff practice over 3 sites and a solo practice. I was the Chairperson for the Taranaki branch and prior to that Secretary/Treasurer.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Management in 2015 (Massey University) and completed my Diploma in Practice Management in 2016. I have completed the NZ Certificate n Adult and Tertiary teaching (Level4) and am looking forward to supporting our members with the UNE courses.

Outside of work I am the mother of 2 boys and a foster mother to multiple cats & kittens. I also work with Volunteer New Plymouth.

Karen Greer

Membership Portfolio

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.


Niomi Fleming

Education Portfolio

Kia Ora! My name is Niomi and I have been working in primary care for the last 11 years. I have recently stepped into a new role as Practice Manager for third age health, where I am managing 53 facilities. I am passionate about education and upskilling, and am currently helping two baby Practice Managers navigate the world of general practice.

PMAANZ is a wonderful organisation. The incredible support I receive from Practice Managers all across New Zealand is invaluable! For the last 11 years my goal was to be part of PMAANZ, so when the opportunity came to be on the executive I jumped at the chance.

Through PMAANZ I have completed my bronze and silver papers, I am about halfway through my gold, and at the 2022 conference I was awarded the UNE scholarship to complete the Practice Manager diploma. I will be eternally grateful for everything PMAANZ has helped me achieve, and to pay it forward I will give 110% to the executive committee.

Outside of work I enjoy motorsport, cars and motorsport. I live in rural Auckland with my partner Daniel and my two black cats, Stella and Arthur- I am for sure, a crazy cat lady!