Leadership team

Sarah Hillier – Chief Executive Officer

Sarah was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2021 having served as Acting Chief Executive Officer since 2020. Prior to her current position, Sarah served as Regional Manager of our Community Youth and Child Services division from 2014 to 2020. She has more than 20 years of health sector experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Sarah has held a number of senior clinical and leadership positions for New Zealand health and social service providers including Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, NZCare Group, RIDCA and Lifelinks. 

Henare Te Karu – Kaumatua

Ko te pae maunga a Tararua me Ruapehu

Ko Horowhenua te roto, ko Hokio, Whanganui me Ruamahanga nga awa

Ko Kawiu me Maungaronga me Te Ore Ore oku Marae

Ko Hine Rau Kura te Whare Wairua me Tikaraina Ringapoto/Ko Te Kingi o Maungārongo me

Nga Tau E Waru ngā wharenui

Ko Kurahaupo me Aotea me Takitimu oku Waka

Ko Muaupoko me Ngāti Rangi me Ngāti Kahungunu oku Iwi

Ko Ngāti Pariri me Ngāti Tui-o-Nuku me Ngāti Hamua oku Hapu

Ko Hopa Te Karu Tukapua Turoa raua ko Rangimoehau Haeata nga Kuku oku Matua

Ko Henare Te Karu ahau.

Henare Te Karu is Kaumatua for St John of God Hauora Trust since 2023. Henare has a depth of experience in health and social services including for Wairarapa Hauora Runanga and Wairarapa DHB Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Henare holds a Bi-cultural Social Work Degree through Te Wananga o Aotearoa as well as Bi-cultural Supervision qualifications.  Henare has  worked in Te Wai Pounamu ki Ōtautahi for the Canterbury DHB working in mental health as a Social Worker at Whakatata House, Te Korowai Atawhai and Pukenga Atawhai in the Child Family Adolescent Rural sector, before being appointed as the Kaiarahi Matua – Cultural Manager for 10 years.

Kath Prins – General Manager Community Youth and Child Services

Kath is an experienced leader in the health and disability sector with a diverse range of experience. Prior to her current role Kath worked at Ara Poutama in a number of leadership development roles. She has also worked in the disability sector for providers like Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau Trust and IHC. Kath holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from Victoria University, a Bachelor of Honour (in Arts), majoring in Psychology from the University of Canterbury, and is currently engaged in a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University.

John McManus – General Manager Health and Ability Services

John McManus holds a wealth of experience from his service at Southern Cross Hospitals across a range of leadership roles. As General Manager John led a team of over 300 people and oversaw the delivery of surgical services to over 9,000 patients annually. John is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.

Sinéad Gilgunn – General Manager Mission Integration

Sinéad is a Leader passionate about integrating inclusive leadership that seeks to strengthen and facilitate the Mission, Vision, and Values of St John of God Hauora Trust. She holds a Master’s in Theology specialising in Pastoral Studies. She has extensive experience implementing Mission strategies in a variety of services, such as youth sector, tertiary education, and health care.

Warren Murphy – General Manager Finance and Services Support

Warren is passionate about providing the financial leadership that will ensure the achievement of our strategic and operational goals. He has over 20 years of private and public sector leadership experience including senior Finance roles at the Department of Conservation and Christchurch City Council.

Seáneen McKenzie – General Manager People and Culture

Seáneen is an experienced human resources leader with a broad range of experience in public service and NGO sector experience. Prior to her current role Seáneen has had senior leadership experience coordinating the establishment of a number of regional and national offices within government agencies.

George Anderson – General Manager Communications and Marketing

George is passionate about the work we do, and the deep expertise and capabilities of our people. He has a diverse range of communication and marketing experience across public and private health sectors. Prior to his current role, George worked in health promotion and corporate communications for NSW Health, as well consulting for health public relations agencies.