Four New Appointments Strengthen Nursing Council Leadership

The appointments ensure the Council continues its statutory role overseeing nursing standards, competence and public safety across a workforce of more than 80,000 registered nurses nationwide.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed four new appointments to the Nursing Council of New Zealand, reinforcing the regulator’s governance capability at a time of ongoing workforce pressures and health system reform.

The appointments ensure the Council continues its statutory role overseeing nursing standards, competence and public safety across a workforce of more than 80,000 registered nurses nationwide.

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New Members Bring Governance and Clinical Expertise

The newly appointed members are:

• Alex Gordon – Lay member

• Amanda Singleton – Lay member

• Helen Nielsen – Health practitioner member

• Dr Julia Hennessy – Health practitioner member

Mr Brown said the appointments provide a balanced mix of governance, operational leadership and frontline clinical experience.

“The Nursing Council plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of New Zealanders by ensuring nurses are competent and fit to practise,” Mr Brown said.

“These members bring a mix of governance, senior health sector leadership, and clinical experience, and I thank each of the appointees for their commitment to patients.”

All terms of office commence immediately.

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Role of the Nursing Council

The Nursing Council of New Zealand is the statutory authority responsible for:

• Registering nurses

• Setting standards of practice and conduct

• Monitoring competence and fitness to practise

• Overseeing nursing education programme approvals

• Protecting public safety under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act

The Council’s work is central to maintaining public trust in the profession and ensuring a safe, capable nursing workforce as demand for healthcare services continues to rise.

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Appointee Backgrounds

Alex GordonAlex Gordon brings more than two decades of experience in health service management at both strategic and operational levels. Currently Chief Executive Officer of Hospice Waikato, he has led complex healthcare organisations delivering frontline and community-based services.

Amanda SingletonAmanda Singleton is a professional director and independent consultant with governance experience across the electricity, water and telecommunications sectors. She holds several current board and chair positions, contributing strong governance and regulatory oversight capability as a lay member.

Helen NielsenHelen Nielsen is an experienced nurse and clinical tutor with more than 40 years in the profession. Her career includes significant contributions to nursing education and academic leadership, supporting the development of future generations of nurses.

Dr Julia HennessyDr Julia Hennessy is a health and education consultant with extensive governance and senior leadership experience spanning tertiary education, health and mental health sectors. Her cross-sector perspective is expected to strengthen the Council’s strategic direction.

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Supporting Workforce Stability and Patient Safety

The appointments come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen New Zealand’s health workforce pipeline and improve patient outcomes across hospitals, primary care and community services.

With the health system undergoing reform and facing sustained demand pressures, strong governance at regulatory bodies such as the Nursing Council is seen as critical to maintaining professional standards and safeguarding public confidence.

The new members’ combined experience in governance, clinical practice, health service delivery and education is expected to support the Council’s leadership role in navigating these challenges.