Hospital Board of Trustees
Connie Hui – Chairperson
Connie affiliates to Raukawa ki Wharepuhunga and is an active member of the Haahi Ratana. She has had a varied career pathway that included extensive experience in Health and Disability service delivery and a period as a barrister in Tauranga and a lawyer for Te Ohu Kaimoana, Fisheries Commission, Wellington.
Connie is currently self employed as a contractor providing advice and support to Health providers in service development as well as undertaking Healthshare audits across the Midland region. Connie lives on whanau land with her husband and whanau, grazing dairy heifers and raising beefies. Her interests include whanau and sport.
Danny Anglesey – Finance Chair
Danny was born and raised in a farming family in South Taranaki so it was only natural that he would go sharing milking with his brother for a few seasons after leaving Hawera Technical High School. Married his high school sweetheart and they travelled to Australia for an extended honeymoon/working holiday, returning some years later to start a family. Ran a couple of businesses in both South and North Islands until finally settling in Putaruru where he later joined the Staff at the Local Borough Council.
Studying extramurally for some years to gain Bachelor of Business degree and admission to the College of Associated Charted Accountants (ACA), Danny and his wife Dianne moved to Matamata in 1996 where he took up a position of accountant in the Treasury department at the Te Aroha office of the Matamata-Piako District Council, holding the position of Finance and Business Services Manager from 2006 until (semi) retirement in 2020. Danny currently works a shortened week conducting/completing Finance Projects for the Council.
Teenaged sport minded grandchildren in Hamilton and in Brisbane, gardening around the home, cutting and splitting firewood for exercise fills our lives at the moment.
Ross Smith
Originally from the South Island, Ross moved to Waikato in 1989 and has been involved in the Health sector for more than 25 years.He is currently employed as General Manager, Practice Services for Pinnacle/Midland Health Network in Hamilton. Pinnacle is one of the largest primary care organizations in NZ with more than 80 general practices across Waikato, Lakes, Taranaki and Tairawhiti providing primary care services to around 450,000 people.
Prior to this Ross has managed a large home-based support business in the not-for-profit sector and spent several years in senior roles with the various health funding authorities. Outside of work Ross spends time with family at Whangamata where he is a keen boatie and fisherman. Ross has been a member of the NZ Institute of Directors since 2016.
Gilly Alexander
Gilly is new to the Pohlen Hospital Board, but spent five years with the Pohlen Foundation Managing the Administration and Events, she still assists with events on a Contract basis . Gilly spent over 30 years living in Okoroire where she farmed with her husband Ross – both their children were born in Pohlen Hospital. Gilly and Ross now live in Cambridge but still has a passion for Pohlen Hospital and the Matamata Community. Gilly has spent the last few years contract Event Managing working for Chiefs Rugby Club, FIFA and Sport Bay of Plenty. Gilly enjoys cycling, walking, travelling and time at Matarangi beach.
Debbie Nowell
Born and raised in Matamata, Debbie has a deep connection to the local community and a strong commitment to supporting its people and future. Alongside her husband Vaughan, she is proud to have raised their two daughters, Emily and Caitlin, in the town she calls home.
Debbie has always been actively involved in community life, serving on a number of school PTAs and Boards, as well as contributing to an environmental trust. She brings this experience of collaboration, governance, and community engagement to her role as a Board Member of the Trust.
Professionally, Debbie works at Bayleys Real Estate in Matamata with Vaughan, where she thrives on helping people realise their goals and dreams. She enjoys the balance of work and family life and the opportunity to make a positive difference both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, Debbie values time with family and friends, travel, reading, and getting outdoors. She is passionate about ensuring the community hospital continues to provide excellent care and remains a trusted and valued part of the community.